BWTC and Fitness First sign agreement further promoting health and wellness in the Kingdom

Manama 7 November, 2007- The Bahrain World Trade Center (BWTC), set to launch as the Kingdom's leading mixed-use commercial development, today announced that Fitness First, will operate its prestigious 2,600 square meter health club.

The gymnasium located in the BWTC will be Fitness First's maiden gymnasium in Bahrain with over 500 gymnasiums in a world wide network, spanning throughout 16 countries, with over 1.4 million members. Fitness First's company culture 'Fitness First for Everyone', offers world class facilities at affordable prices.

Claire Hughes, Associate Director at DTZ, the BWTC's leasing and managing agent commented, "The letting to Fitness First compliments the BWTC's ethos, borne in its design, of creating a healthier environment for its tenants. Securing an international health club operator was also an important element of our client's core objective of providing multiple on-site services from which our tenants can benefit and to elevate visitor levels to BWTC as a whole". 

Gary Knill, CEO for Fitness First in the Middle East said "Fitness First now operates over 500 health clubs worldwide and we are entering into our third year of expansion in the Middle East. With the addition of this exceptional site in Bahrain we now have ten clubs in Dubai, Jordan and Lebanon with new facilities opening in Saudi Arabia, Egypt and Qatar in 2008. We are extremely proud to locate our first Bahrain club in the Bahrain World Trade Center."

The prestigious 2,600 square meter facility is due to open at the end of the year and will include a luxurious outdoor swimming pool and relaxation area overlooking the Arabian Gulf, over 100 cutting edge equipment machines and dedicated strength, cardio vascular and free weight training areas. In addition there will be over a 100 group exercise classes per week in two spacious studios using professionally trained  instructors. The world famous Les Mills workouts, such as body pump, RPM, as well as a full compliment of holistic classes will be included in the membership. The gym will also have the latest audio visual entertainment throughout the club, as well as a ladies only private workout zone staffed exclusively by female instructors.

The fitness centre also offers more holistic well being therapies such as a sauna and steam room and a range of complimentary facilities in the members lounge such as beverages, internet access, and a selection of DVDs. Members will also enjoy the ability to use any Fitness First club across the world.

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About Bahrain World Trade Center
Situated on the Manama waterfront and in the heart of the region's leading financial and business hub, the Bahrain World Trade Center (BWTC) project comprises the two 50-storey sail shaped twin office towers, the five-star Sheraton Hotel as well as MODA Mall, Bahrain's only ultra high-end shopping destination, featuring some 160 luxury retail outlets as well as a host of modern cafes and exciting fine dining eateries. 

The BWTC provides leading regional and international organisations with a world-class business address. The buildings are highly advanced in design and operation and are the Kingdom's first intelligent offices, employing the latest SMART systems capable of delivering unsurpassed security and maximum competitive advantages and efficiency in office management. In addition, they are the first of their kind in the world, using wind energy to provide 11 - 15% of the electricity needs of the office towers.

Other benefits enjoyed by local and international businesses occupying space at the development is membership to the World Trade Centers Association (WTCA). Locating at the BWTC offers an exceptional opportunity for connectivity with the global business community. With more than 300 centers in 100 countries, WTCA has a membership of approximately 750,000 commercial enterprises worldwide.

For press information contact:
Katherine Kaczynska
Hill and Knowlton
Tel: +973 17533532
Fax: +973 17533370
e-mail: katherine.kaczynska@hillandknowlton.com

© Press Release 2007