The Hidd Industrial Area, whose development is in progress, will include technology and science parks, Bahrain’s Industry Minister Dr Hassan Fakhro has said.

The first phase, covering 250 of the full 750 hectares of the Khalifa bin Salman Port and Industrial Area, has just been completed at a cost of $39.9 million.
Dr Fakhro said Hidd would attract “desirable” foreign investment because of its state-of-the-art infrastructure embracing advanced networks of roads and communications and power and gas supply.
Back-up services such as technical training in industrial subjects and research and development centres would be set up in co-operation with reputable international establishments, he said. 
The industry ministry has received applications from local, GCC and international parties to have their business ventures set up in the completed phase of the new Industrial Area, said Industry Under-Secretary Nader Almoayyed.
The official said the Hidd industrial expanse would be allocated zones for various industries. Clean industries such as high-tech businesses would be located in the north near the entrance and engineering industries in the south while the central areas would house enterprises suitable for erection next to either type.
“The Hidd Industrial Area will be a cornerstone for future industrial development within Bahrain,” he remarked.
Steps are in progress to have International Development of Ireland (IDI) manage and market the Area internationally.  Feasibility studies for a high-tech park, which is planned to be set up with Kuwait Finance House, are being carried out by he United Nations Industrial Development Organisation (Unido).
 Possible industries in Hidd will include plastics, steel, petrochemicals and aluminium.
Plots will be distributed once the zoning of the Area is completed, area acting manager Nabeel Al Mahnood said.
According to the plans, Hidd will be divided into two areas, one for local industry and the other for a free trade zone, which will eventually be operated in conjunction with the planned Khalifa bin Salman Port.
The Hidd Industrial Area has been located at south Hidd to protect residents from any pollution or congestion that might arise from the site.
Proximity to the Bahrain International Airport, the Khalifa bin Salman Port and the Shaikh Khalifa bin Salman Causeway provides for good transport links for the Area.