EVEN as developers begin looking for opportunities outside the Gulf’s growth engine of Dubai, several new tourism projects have been announced in Bahrain.
A new BD300 million ($796 million) town is to be built in Hidd on the island of Muharraq, as a private development, according to the Gulf Daily News.
It will take five years to complete the first phase of the project, to be built by Al Enma'a House for Real Estate. It will include government and private homes, in addition to a five-star hotel, the paper quoted Al Enma’a general manager Manaf Hamza as saying.
“The project has been divided into two parts - the northern, which includes the tourist facilities, private residences, shops, restaurants and the hotel, while the southern includes government houses,” he said.
BEACH DEVELOPMENTS
Al Jazaair Plage, a new public bay on the western coast of Bahrain aims to create a family entertainment area, complete with a promenade featuring a variety of shops and services, with the priority given to leisure facilities.
The project is being developed by the Economic Development Board (EDB) and Bahrain-based Ithmaar Bank.
EDB deputy chief executive Dr Zakaria Hejris said the EDB would be working in partnership with the private sector, represented by Ithmaar Bank, to implement the key national project which will “provide high quality tourism services that will make the kingdom a prime tourist destination. To encourage family tourism, for both Bahraini citizens and for visitors from across the GCC, the project places great importance on providing a diverse range of activities and entertainment. There will be facilities to suit all ages with something for every member of the family.”
The project is expected to be a major draw for attracting additional interest and investment from the international tourism and leisure industry.
Zallaq
AMONG the new hotels set for Bahrain is a five-star beach resort being built in the island’s Zallaq area, at a reported cost of BD21 ($78.7 million).
Media reports say the 160,000-sqm beachfront hotel near the Bahrain International Circuit will have more than 260 rooms overlooking the sea, including rooftop luxury suites, a spa, restaurant, conference hall and marina with top-notch facilities. The project is being implemented by the Zallaq Resort Company.
One of the highlights of this hotel is reportedly a state-of-the-art conference hall. The hotel is to be managed by an as-yet-unnannounced international hotel operator. The project is being financed by a group of leading Gulf businessmen.