16 November 2005

DUBAI-- His Majesty The King, Shaikh Hamad Bin Isa Al Khalifa of Bahrain hosted a meeting with Dubai Holding Executive Chairman, Mohammed Al Gergawi yesterday.

Al Gergawi headed the delegation from Dubai Holding for the launch of Salam Beach Resort and Spa project which will be executed by Dubai International Properties in Manama at a cost of two billion-dirhams on a site that is approximately 500,000 square metres in size and will include a 5-star Deluxe Hotel, Traditional Souk, Hotel Villas & Spa, Marina and Wellness Centre.

"I conveyed to His Majesty the greetings of His Highness General Shaikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and UAE Minister of Defence who believes in sharing the benefits of what we learn across the GCC and the wider Arab world," said Mohammed Al Gergawi, Executive Chairman of Dubai Holding, the parent firm of Dubai International Properties.

He also stated how grateful and thankful he is to His Majesty The King,  Shaikh Hamad Bin Isa Al Khalifa of Bahrain, and his Government for their major support of the project and the warm welcome extended to him in Manama. Furthermore he pointed out that Bahrain is experiencing major economic development. 

Farhan Faraidooni, Chief Executive Officer of Dubai International Properties, stated that Bahrain has a strong and active economy, which makes it one of the countries in the Arab region attracting investments. He added, "Our decision to invest in Bahrain reflects our trust in Bahrain's economy and its growth potential. Salam Beach Resort & Spa Bahrain will be the second Dubai International Properties project with such a name. This is in line with Dubai International Properties strategy to build a 'Salam Resort & Spa' global brand name."

New level of luxury

Elaborating on the project, Farhan Faraidooni, said: "Like all our projects in various parts of the Gulf, the Bahrain development will stand out with its own unique identity, based not only on the architecture or the look of the project, but also because of its unique interior decor and the extraordinary services and facilities that it will offer to the end visitors."

"We will create a resort development that will define a new level of luxury in Bahrain," promised the Dubai International Properties CEO. "The resort will have a vast area along the beachfront stretching deep inland. We will build a network of canals spanning 5 kms to run throughout the site in order to maximize waterfront scenery," he added.

Faraidooni explained that Salam Beach Resort & Spa Bahrain will be located on Bahrain's south-west side. "It is just 25 km from Bahrain World Trade Center and close to Bahrain Formula 1 Track, that will allow the visitors easy access to both business and pleasure. The resort and spa will be developed as a vast complex offering a wide variety of services and facilities to suit a wide variety of the guest requirements."

The project is to be completed in March 2009.

The Dubai International Properties CEO hinted that there are several other projects on the drawing boards, which will be announced in the coming few months.

In February, Dubai International Properties had announced that it is building an iconic mixed-use tower development in Doha at the cost of AED1 billion. In March, it revealed that it will develop a huge resort complex at Yiti in Oman that stretches from the beach to the mountains and is the first to be offered for sale worldwide under the new Omani law allowing freehold sales to foreigners. Its cost is estimated at AED3 billion.  In May, the company announced the development of one of the biggest and most ambitious projects in North Africa - 'Amwaj'.  At a cost of AED7.5 billion, 'Amwaj' will be developed on the banks of the Bouregreg River in the Moroccan capital, Rabat.  Characterized with its Moroccan architecture, the city will reflect the Moroccan culture while boosting the latest in modern city development. Last month Dubai International Properties launched its first project in Turkey - Dubai Towers - Istanbul at a cost of Dh2 billion.

BY STAFF REPORTER

© Khaleej Times 2005