- Hotel chain's presence a further indicator of Bahrain's investment credentials-

- Landmark 43-storey building set to transform Bahrain Bay skyline -

Manama, Kingdom of Bahrain  11 December 2010: Bahrain Bay Development B.S.C.(c), the $2.5 billion landmark waterfront community located off the north shore of Manama, is pleased to confirm that construction on what will soon be Bahrain's only Four Seasons Hotel and Spa is underway.

Under the management of BBD, the Four Seasons Hotel will - once completed - tower 201 meters above Bahrain Bay, transforming the Manama skyline.  Upon completion the 43-storey structure will offer 260 guest rooms and boast a penthouse level "Sky Pod" restaurant which will command unparalleled views of the Arabian Gulf. The Hotel will also house a hi-tech business centre and versatile meeting and events facilities including a multi-use ballroom and banqueting hall as well as several fine dining venues.

Situated on an island in the centre of the Bahrain Bay, construction work on the Four Seasons site commenced at the start of summer with the preparation of foundation piles and other substructure works.  The construction has now moved in to a new phase with detailed design works now underway and completion scheduled before the end of 2013.

The Four Seasons brand has been growing strategically in recent years with currently over 50 projects in development.  The brand's presence in Bahrain serves as a clear indicator of the country's readiness for investment and supports the Kingdom's desire to become an attractive tourist destination.

Commenting on the announcement, Bob Vincent, CEO of Bahrain Bay, said, "The progress we are making with the Four Season's site is one of the clearest demonstrations yet of our commitment at Bahrain Bay to creating a world class, dynamic and sustainable urban environment in which people can live, work and play.  The presence of the Four Seasons brand firmly positions the project as a leisure destination as well as a business and financial hub, further endorsing Bahrain's ambition to be a leading tourist and business destination.  As one of Bahrain Bay's anchor developments and arguably the world's foremost hospitality and lifestyle brand, Four Seasons fully appreciates the demands of today's business and leisure guests and will bring to Bahrain new standards in service, luxury and style."

Scott Woroch, Executive VP Worldwide Development at Four Seasons Hotel and Resorts said, "Bahrain has firmly established itself as a leading financial hub for the Gulf region. We look forward to meeting the needs of the business and leisure traveller as well as the corporate and group segments. We are confident that Bahrain Bay provides Four Seasons with a prestige location through which to service tomorrow's guests."

Abdulla Al Doseri, Deputy CEO, Bahrain Bay, said, "The start of construction of the Four Seasons Hotel further supports the ongoing progress the project is making and the commitment of our third party developers. Bahrain Bay has remained resilient during these challenging times and has continued on track to become a leading mixed-use waterfront development, and with the presence of the internationally renowned Four Seasons brand, we are well on our way to making this objective a reality."

-Ends-

About Bahrain Bay Development B.S.C.(c) (www.bahrainbay.com)
Bahrain Bay is a $2.5 billion mixed-use waterfront development set off the north-eastern shore of Manama, Bahrain. Construction on the project began in June 2006. The development offers an ideal location based upon an unparalleled master-plan,  projecting a living and working population of between 25,000 to 30,000  people designed for the very best in 21st Century living. 

Designed by Skidmore, Owings & Merrill, a world leading architecture and urban design firm based in New York, the master-plan for Bahrain Bay emphasizes a fusion of neighbourhoods, open spaces, entertainment, retail and commercial areas which will serve as a symbol of Bahrain's promising future. The community is anchored by three key developments: the Kingdom's only Four Seasons Hotel; CapitaLand's first GCC development, Raffles City Bahrain; and the new headquarters building for Arcapita Bank, the leading international investment firm and lead investor in the project. 

Committed to establishing and maintaining a new standard of urban centre, Bahrain Bay brings fresh energy to Bahrain, combining diverse components and contrasting elements into an authentic and welcoming destination.

For further information please contact the Bahrain Bay sales centre: +973 17505555
www.bahrainbay.com

For further information, please contact:
Gene Redelinghuys
Bahrain Bay Development B.S.C.(c)
gredelinghuys@bahrainbay.com
Tel: + 973 17505555

© Press Release 2010