Bahrain City Centre tops off hotels

"The 'topping off' phase is now complete, 15 months after construction began on Bahrain's newest shopping and entertainment venture," said MAF Investments - Bahrain Vice President Maher Al Shaer.

"We are very encouraged with this achievement and can proudly say we are on course to complete the kingdom's biggest multi use development well in time for a 2008 opening."

He said now that the 'topping' has been completed, the exterior and interior work on the hotels could begin on the prestigious project which includes a four and a five star hotel as well as a decked parking structure with 5,500 covered car spaces.

"The three-level center will occupy a total built up area of 450,000sq meter and 150,000 sq meter gross lease able area which include a 20-screen cinema - the largest of its kind in the region, the biggest indoor/outdoor water park in the region, along with a family entertainment center, and the widest variety of restaurants and cafes."

"One of the luxurious hotels will be managed by Kempinski, a world leader in the hospitality industry, coupled with other world renowned brands moving into the facility, will position the BAHRAIN CITY CENTRE as one of the Middle East's iconic projects and will portray Bahrain as one of the regions most dynamic and growing economies," he added.

Mr Al Shaer said well-known brands such as SAKS 5th Avenue, Ferragamo, Burberry, Ralph Lauren, Rolex, Roberto Cavalli, Kiabi, Max Fashion, Centrepoint, Paris Gallery, H&M, Virgin Mega Store, Sfera, XOXO and many more had already become part of what's in store when the centre opens.

"Furthermore, more then 96 per cent of the total space available at BAHRAIN CITY CENTRE has already been grabbed up," he said. "The lengths of the contracts are varied as clients are varied but at the same time, what we are offering them is highly-competitive. This is more than enough proof of the growing interest of business in this landmark project."

Mr Al Shaer said the BAHRAIN CITY CENTRE is a unique project that serves the retail, residential, leisure and entertainment seekers which means it is not a shopping mall but a complete all purpose centre conveniently situated in the centre of the city's heartbeat.

"All of this sums up to the fact that bout 55% of the retailers will be completely new to Bahrain, raising the Kingdom's profile as one of the most attractive retail and leisure destinations in the Middle East, hosting different events and activities throughout each year."

Other than the retail outlets, there will be a 10 pin bowling centre, the largest concentration of food outlets and restaurants catering to every culinary taste.

Bahrain City Centre is part of the City Centre family across the region which have been developed and managed by MAF Shopping Malls which is part of MAFG (Majid Al Futtaim Group). The group has an unsurpassed reputation of delivering the best in shopping, leisure, entertainment and services.