Bilaj Al Jazayer, Bahrain’s favourite beach, has been reopened to the public once again after health precautions, necessary due to the Covid-19 global pandemic, thwarted soft-opening plans.
Around BD5 million has been splashed out on giving the coastal attraction a major facelift, as part of the kingdom’s drive to improve seaside facilities for locals and residents, as well as boost tourism.
The project, which has been carried out by Bahrain Real Estate Investment Company, ‘Edamah’, the real-estate arm of sovereign wealth fund Mumtalakat, includes the provision of parking spaces, the establishment of service facilities and a walkway with a length of 1.2km.
Identity
The inauguration of Bilaj Al Jazayer beach and unveiling its new brand identity was carried out by Deputy Premier and Bahrain Mumtalakat Holding Company board chairman Shaikh Khalid bin Abdulla Al Khalifa. Also present were Southern Governor Shaikh Khalifa bin Ali Al Khalifa and senior media executives.
“We have decided to reopen the place to the public after the completion of the first phase that includes several attractions and services,” said Shaikh Khalid. “Furthermore, there are major components expected for inclusion in the project’s future plans.”
Shaikh Khalid said His Majesty King Hamad’s vision and the directives of His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, will continue to overcome all challenges left by the pandemic.
“We will transform them into opportunities to invest in the Bahraini citizen and to do everything that would provide a decent living,” he added.
“Our aim is to have the project, in its new brand identity as ‘Tourist City’, play an integral part in the country’s tourism strategy from 2022 to 2026, which is considered one of the promising development programmes, implementing a broader and more comprehensive vision represented in the economic recovery plan.”
Edamah board chairman Khalid Al Rumaihi is confident the project investment will provide impressive returns once it is competed and fully operational.
Bilaj Al Jazayer is now open to the public every day from 8am to 6pm. “We’re delighted to be able to reopen our doors after more than a year, following a lengthy hiatus to protect public health during the global Covid-19 pandemic,” said Edamah CEO Amin Al Arrayed.
“We are working to further develop the beach into a fully master-planned mini-city, complete with hospitality, residential and retail offerings.”
The masterplan, as highlighted earlier in the GDN, includes the development of two luxury hotels at Bilaj Al Jazayer, Avani and Tivoli, which will be Minor Hotels Group’s first hospitality projects in the kingdom.
Scheduled to open in 2024, the two hotels will support the growth of the nation’s tourism and hospitality sectors, contributing to the nation’s Economic Vision 2030 and its economic recovery plan following the pandemic.
The project has already won Best Leisure Development - Bahrain in the Arabian Property Awards 2021 and has been nominated for Best Leisure Development - Arabia.
Beach visitors are required to pre-book their visit through a ‘Tamarran’ smartphone app and purchase BD2 Bilaj Beach Credits to enter. Children under 12 do not need to purchase a voucher but must be accompanied by an adult.
The beach credits can be redeemed against the rental of beach furniture such as sun loungers and umbrellas and for water activities, or against the purchase of food and beverages from any food and beverage outlet on the beach. Numbers will initially be limited to 1,500 guests at a time.
Many sun-loving families took advantage of the weather to enjoy a day out and were full of praise for the investment.
Among them were Jomel Rosit, 39, his wife Roan, 37, and their six-year-old daughter, Raya.
“Tuesday is my normal day off but luckily I was given Saturday off this week so took my family to watch the sunset at nearby Zallaq,”said Mr Rosit, who works in the hospitality sector and travelled from Juffair.
“It was amazing to find Al Jazayer reopened and we were allowed to enter.
“Bahrain is my fourth GCC country to work in after Qatar, Kuwait and the UAE, but by far it’s the best with its beautiful surroundings and lovely people.”
The Filipino said he had visited the beach a few times since his arrival five years ago and was amazed at the work carried out.
“It is wondrous and so much more beautiful than whatever I could have imagined.
“The place is so attractive, I wish that I could live here!”
The locals were just as impressed.
Southern Municipal Council financial, administrative and legislative committee chairman and Al Jazayer area councillor, Talal Al Basheer, said he was ‘fascinated’ by the work that had taken place with a major cleaning and levelling operation, besides setting up a wonderful walkway.
“I have been asking families who have come here about their impressions and, honestly, they were thrilled by the transformation from the miserable state it was in,” he added.
“What I have seen so far gives a clear indication that this place will be a major regional tourist hub for visitors and that’s even before the massive attractions coming next!
“I’m going to bring my family next weekend, I wanted to do so today but due to official work was unable to.
“Touching the soft and clean sand just brought beautiful memories back on my childhood and I wouldn’t mind getting a play shovel myself and joining the children building sandcastles.”
mohammed@gdn.com.bh
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