In 1972 the newly built government house of Bahrain showed severe structural damages, and in order to save the prestigious building the Emir invited proposals from international companies for its rehabilitation.

Concrete technology was (and is) a COWI core competence and after visiting Bahrain to inspect the damaged building, COWI bid and won the job. The complex was successfully repaired and COWI put in place a long term maintenance strategy.

Expanding business areas

With the rising oil prices things moved fast in the Gulf region and COWI established a permanent office in Bahrain in 1977 quickly expanding its business areas.

Our success with the rehabilitation work on the Government House opened the way for many new opportunities including rehabilitation of the Gulf Hotel, infrastructure for new townships (Madinat Hamad), dredging and reclamation (Tuble Bay) and marine works at the fishing port in Murarrahaq. Oil and gas was another sector of our business with involvement initially in gas transmission pipelines.

Flagship projects We are proud to see our Bahraini years decorated with flagship projects covering the whole spectrum of the local society including culture, hospitality, retail, high-rise, residential, infrastructure and industry. Today our 125 man multidisciplinary office continues to be a successful and expanding business.