ADIH consolidates presence in Bahrain

Valued at more than US$100 million, the mixed-use venture will be home to a mix of residential and commercial facilities - luxury villas, town houses, terraced apartments, and apartment blocks for shops and residences.

Scheduled for completion in 2009, Sunset Hills is strategically located in the prestigious US$1 billion Al Areen community and offers residents, as its name suggests, breathtaking sunset views. Sunset Hills covers approximately 500,000 square feet at Al Areen's southern gateway, and its built-up area is over 600,000 square feet.

Speaking at a press conference in Manama yesterday, Mr. Rashad Janahi, CEO of Abu Dhabi Investment House, said:

"The fact that we are unveiling our second project on the island demonstrates the growth potential of Bahrain for world-class real estate and its attractiveness to regional and international investors."

He said: "With its Arabian-inspired theme, Sunset Hills will complement the Al Areen community in which it is set and add to its profile as an enchanting lifestyle and tourism destination perfectly in tune with its natural environment."

Abu Dhabi Investment House has already begun marketing Sunset Hills to sub-developers who are invited to buy clusters or plots within the project or the entire scheme.

Mr. Michael Lawrence, Director of Real Estate at ADIH, said: "We are confident that regional and international investors will see Sunset Hills as a lucrative investment opportunity given its excellent infrastructure and the excellent lifestyle and environment of the Kingdom of Bahrain."

The master plan for Sunset Hills has been designed by ERGA and features a modern, spacious community that retains a distinct Arabian flavour. Bahrain-based DTEB (Dheya Towfiqi Engineering Bureau) will develop the detailed engineering designs necessary to complete the supporting infrastructure. Bonyan International will manage the prestigious project.

"Sunset Hills will undoubtedly play a major part in Al Areen's emergence as an international-class tourism and business destination," explained Walid Saffy, Director of Al Areen Resort. "The new project will present an exclusive urban lifestyle experience while greatly enhancing Bahrain's tourism potential."

Located 35 minutes drive from Bahrain International Airport, Al Areen will transform 2 million square metres of desert into a thriving, landscaped resort. When fully operational in 2008, Al Areen will blend hospitality, residential, entertainment and tourism attractions such as a desert spa, theme park, hotels, shopping districts, and food and beverage outlets.

Al Areen Downtown overlooks both the Al Areen Wildlife Park and Reserve and the Banyan Tree Desert Spa and Resort. Home to indigenous Arabian wildlife, Al Areen Wildlife Park is an integral feature of the development.

Al Areen is also adjacent to Bahrain's Formula One Grand Prix circuit and a short drive from the King Fahad Causeway and Bahrain's capital Manama.