Al-Areen Desert Spa and Resort Phase One worth USD137m

The project, which was announced by the Bahrain-based Gulf Finance House BSC (GFH) earlier this year, will offer first-of-it's-kind facilities in the region, helping to promote Bahrain as a leading tourist hub. The resort will include the Oasis Spa, Aqua Park, themed residential communities, and a commercial district.

"That the fund is already oversubscribed highlights the confidence investors have in Gulf Finance House and its subsidiary projects," said Esam Janahi, Chief Executive Officer of GFH.

"The success of this fund is a big boost for the project but also for Bahrain as much of the investment has come from outside the Kingdom. The project is a good ambassador for the country."

According to Gulf Finance House, in terms of the sheer scope of the project, there is nothing comparable to it in the region - the Oasis Spa 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.

"The project is taking shape as planned and we are confident that it will be completed on time," explained Janahi. "The success in raising the required funds for Phase One, in such a short time, underlines the belief investors have in Bahrain.

"We are now preparing for the soft opening of the project's headquarters, in Seef District, by the end of October. The official opening will take place after the holy month of Ramadan."

A Client Relations Centre on the project site will be opened to coincide with the 2005 Formula One Grand Prix race in Bahrain.

"Thousands of job opportunities will be created for Bahrainis by this project. It will also open up new horizons for Bahrain, in terms of tourism growth and potential," said Abdul Rahman Al-Jasmi, Chief Placement Officer at GFH.

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, comprises four major components, including the Oasis Spa Resort, themed hotels, themed residential communities and a themed aqua park.

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

The heart of the development will be the Oasis Spa Resort, which is being designed to predominantly reflect traditional Arabic architectural and design elements. The resort will cover 160,000 square metres and will be developed as a comprehensive facility offering the entire array of health, spa and therapeutic facilities from 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 2006. The themed hotels will be completed the following year, while the rest of the development will be operational by 2007.

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

An oval-shaped Oasis lobby will add to the charm of the development, encircling a garden. A high waterfall will feed 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 concept behind the Al Areen Desert Spa and Resort is to develop a unique, integrated, mixed-use development that will encompass tourist and leisure, commercial as well as residential components," said Al-Jasmi.

"The project's key differentiator is that it will offer a complete living environment that reflects our rich Arabic tradition whilst encouraging the flow of regional, international tourists and investors to Bahrain."