Moda Mall puts Bahrain on fashion map

Bahrain World Trade Center to house Kingdom's highest-end luxury retailers

Manama -- September 19, 2006 - The Bahrain World Trade Center (BWTC) today unveiled its vision for Moda Mall, the development's ultra high-end shopping complex, which is located on the ground floor of the two 50-storey landmark twin towers, and is set to house the Kingdom's largest and most exciting array of top luxury retailers.

Offering a shopping experience to match those of international fashion capitals such as London, Milan and Paris, Moda Mall will not only provide savvy and sophisticated shoppers with access to the finest designer clothing and jewellery brands but also the tastes, sounds and sensations of the most glamorous destinations on the fashion map.

An awe-inspiring glass-domed entrance, cool marble floors and brushed steel create an ultra modern backdrop against which luxury brands and five-star hospitality meet architectural ingenuity and flair. The mall is built around a unique concept that combines the elements of wind, water, motion and the veil. Each corresponds with the distinctive shape, design and technology behind the development's iconic sail-shaped towers, which overlook the Manama waterfront and have been created to veil and harness the wind's energy and motion. Carried into all aspects of Moda Mall's design, these elements set the scene for a truly one-of-a-kind sensory shopping and dining experience.

Moda Mall will span approximately 16,500 square metres, and will be comprised of the current 6,900 square metre Bahrain Commercial Complex which is in the process of being refurbished in addition to a new 9,600 square metre extension located on the ground floor of the BWTC development.

The mall will house some 160 exclusive boutiques offering the latest fashions. This will include some 53 new stores among which are a large number of luxury brands that have yet to be represented in the Bahraini market. Already present are internationally renowned names such as Rolex, Max Mara and Tiffany & Co to name but a few. It is expected that the mall's anchor tenant - a major luxury multi-brand fashion retailer - will soon be announced in addition to numerous other world-class boutiques eager to establish a presence in the Kingdom.

Complementing the retail offering, will be a range of exciting and exquisitely appointed restaurants. Perfectly placed throughout the mall, these will include a garden courtyard featuring trendy concept cafes. The garden courtyard will sit beneath a 70-square-metre glass dome and will be connected via a glass enclosed spiral staircase and elevator to the five-star Sheraton Hotel.

In addition, other dining facilities will include a sea-view boutique bistro, several smart-to-casual venues as well as a fine-dining restaurant. Among these will be a number of well-known regional and international branded cafes and restaurants coming to Bahrain or, in some cases, to the Gulf region for the first time. Each venue has been specially selected so as to enhance the shopping experience and in order to reflect Moda Mall's modern yet chic and elegant atmosphere.

Also adding to the overall experience will be other facilities aimed at making shopping at Moda Mall a one-of-a-kind sensation. The mall is planning to unveil a host of VIP and shopping-related services, which will be unique to the mall and new to Bahrain, ensuring maximum levels of luxury and convenience from the very moment shoppers arrive until the time they depart.

Commenting on the vision of Moda Mall, Mr. Duaij Al Rumaihi, Associate Director of DTZ Bahrain, the leasing agents for the BWTC development, said: "The Moda Mall concept builds on the success of Bahrain Commercial Complex's 25-year-history and heritage as a high-end shopping destination. By modernizing and reinvigorating the original theme and facilities at the mall, we are now set to offer shoppers in Bahrain and the region an unmatched experience and levels of luxury, far exceeding anything yet to be experienced in the Kingdom. This applies both to the top fashion labels and fine jewellery brands that will be on offer as well as the numerous high-quality cafes, restaurants and other amenities that will make Moda Mall a leading venue for shoppers and diners alike."

He continued, "Our success in providing this unique offering lies in the standards of quality we have established. Having created the right environment, atmosphere and level of sophistication, we have been able to attract luxury fashion brands that were looking to enter the Bahraini market but were unable to find the right location to complement their brand and the values it represents. The BWTC development embodies the highest standards of quality and service, making it a perfect destination for both high-end brands and their target clientele."

With the rapid development of Bahrain's economy and the continued growth of the retail sector across the Gulf region, Moda Mall offers the right location for retailers looking to further strengthen or expand their presence in the Bahraini market.

Moda Mall is expected to be complete by 2007 and stores will operate seven days a week between the hours of 10AM and 10PM.

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