Elevating Cultural Preservation Projects into Urban Regeneration: A Case Study of Bahrain’s Pearling Trail

The island of Muharraq in the Kingdom Bahrain was previously a state socioeconomic disrepair and neglect, until nine years-long “Pearling Trail” project revived area. Historically, Muharraq’s importance inheres it being main trade center Middle East since Mesopotamian period, especially as source finest pearls world. However, discovery oil that led to rapid urbanization region Japan perfecting production cultured had meant dwindled out cultural significance. Due residents’ dissatisfaction nostalgia for island’s past glory, along with government’s new policies towards preservation, Project commenced 2012. Ministry Culture repaired, renovated preserved an area 3.5 km, transforming into eco-museum thriving business community. transformation elevated city trendy local attraction, hosting global festivals events, owing Trail’s” Urban Regeneration Project’s success. By studying three success factors are identified: expansion beyond UNESCO preservation requirements, focus on sustainability continuous use, improved access culture opportunities. Identifying these could allow future projects or elsewhere be upgraded urban regeneration revitalization.