Gulf Finance House announces USD 600 million Al Areen Desert Spa and Resort in Bahrain

The Al Areen Desert Spa and Resort, conceived as an unparalleled destination for a mixed blend of relaxation and rejuvenation facilities, coupled with a host of tourism and leisure activities, hospitality services and residential units with modern amenities and infrastructure was officially launched today. The launch was made under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Abdulla Bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Governor of the Southern Province, at a grand function attended by Ministers, senior dignitaries, government officials, business leaders and members of the international diplomatic corps.

Addressing a press conference immediately after the announcement of the project, Mr. Esam Yousif Janahi, Chief Executive Officer at GFH said: "It is due to the immense and continuing support of the rulers of the Kingdom of Bahrain, that we have been able to conceive a project of this scale and magnitude. His Highness Sheikh Abdullah Bin Hamad Al Khalifa's presence here today is testimony to this support and we are confident that the Al Areen Desert Spa & Resort project will be a unique and unparalleled development that will set new standards for excellence not only in Bahrain but also within the region."

Mr. Janahi further said, "At GFH, we have always believed in supporting the Government's economic policies and vision. We are extremely happy that by developing a landmark project like Al Areen Desert Spa and Resort, we are complementing the efforts of the government in promoting Bahrain as a chosen destination for family/health tourism."

In its entirety, Al Areen Desert Spa and Resort, which will be located to the south of Manama on a tranquil and secluded hilltop rising from the desert, is composed of four major components:
-Oasis Spa Resort,
-Themed Hotels,
-Residential Village, and
-Aqua Park.

The Al Areen Desert Spa and Resort will only be a 25-minute drive from the city centre of Manama and a 35-minute drive from the Bahrain International Airport. It will be located behind the Al-Areen Wildlife Sanctuary and adjacent to the Bahrain International Circuit.

The heart of the entire development will be the Oasis Spa Resort, which is being designed to predominantly reflect traditional Arabic architectural and design elements. The resort will cover 300,000 square metres and will be developed as a comprehensive facility offering the entire array of health, spa and therapeutic facilities from the Indian Ayurveda to Roman Baths.

The Oasis Spa Resort will be the first component of the project to be fully operational and is expected to be completed by 2005. The themed hotels will be completed the following year, while the rest of the development will be operational by 2007.

"In terms of the sheer scope of the Oasis Spa Resort there is nothing comparable to it in the region - it will consist of two VIP towers that will house a range of specialized alternate medical therapeutic services, restaurants and 60 Bedouin style-tents for guest accommodation," Mr. Janahi further added.

The resort will also have a naturally landscaped lake with a marble bridge, conference facilities, library, kids play area etc. The Bedouin tents of the resort will be set amidst lush gardens and walkways, guaranteeing privacy and seclusion while the rooms will be a blend of contemporary design with traditional architecture, with state-of-the-art amenities and therapeutic facilities.

An oval-shaped Oasis lobby will add to the charm of the development, encircling a garden outfitted with a high waterfall feeding a magnificent lake and a verdant forest. Other highlights of the lobby include teakwood terraces cooled by fresh air guns on both sides of the garden.

The Aqua Park, spread over an approximate area of 600,000 square metres will offer tourist and leisure activities and will be ready by mid 2007. World-class themed hotels spanning an area of 300,000 square metres will cater sophisticated hospitality services to guests of Al Areen Desert Spa and Resort. These are expected to be completed by 2006.

Spread over an area of 500,000 square meters the Residential Village component of the development will be a confined exclusive community consisting of about 350 exquisitely built one and two-storey villas.

Mr. Ahmed Rashid Al Qattan, Chief Investment Officer at GFH, said: "The concept behind Al Areen Desert Spa and Resort is to develop a unique multi-use project that will encompass tourist and leisure, commercial as well as residential components. The project's key differentiator is that it will offer a complete living environment that manifests our rich Arabic tradition."

He added that the project will catalyze the flow of regional, international tourists and investors to Bahrain.

Two global design and architectural majors - Edifice and Jean Michelle Ruols Architectes - have joined hands to develop the conceptual plans of Al Areen Desert Spa and Resort. Both the companies have individually been closely associated with several prestigious real-estate development projects across the world.

Mr. A. Rahman Mohammed Al Jasmi, Chief Placement Officer at GFH said: "Bahrain already has a global reputation of being the Middle East's banking and financial hub. The Al Areen Desert Spa and Resort will add value to the Kingdom by promoting tourism and hospitality sectors and contribute to economic growth."