Bahrain Bay is the centrepiece of an idea to invest in developing a futuristic city that powers the non-oil sector in the Kingdom. Bahrain Bay has succeeded in creating this integrated city at a total cost of more than $2.5 billion, including building three man-made islands.
What distinguishes the district is the area at the heart of Manama, which comprises the finest residential units and facilities serving a variety of sectors and has developed into Bahrain’s favourite leisure destination. Bahrain Bay is a project that includes many opportunities in all sectors including real estate, tourism, commercial and economic investments, and it’s set to become even more popular this year with several retail brands opening new outlets at The Wharf and The Park.
“The pandemic affected developments and investments around the whole world, but while we witnessed some slowdown, our work in developing of the bay has not stopped. As we enter the post-pandemic period, the timing is perfect to rebuild momentum in line with many measures initiated by the authorities to revive Bahrain’s economy” explained Gagan Suri, the CEO of Bahrain Bay.
“Some of our most prominent developments include Waterbay Residence, developed by Bin Faqeeh, the largest real estate developer in Bahrain, comprising three residential towers, and the Golden Gate Towers, a 140,000 square meter project with outstanding views of the water and landmarks of Bahrain. The Four Seasons, one of the world’s leading luxury hotel brands, occupies the Central Island of the Gulf, facing the $186 million Avenues complex which spans 273,000 square metres and consists of 130 shops.”
Bahrain Bay has become a popular dining destination, with exciting new restaurants like Fish Market, an Al Ghalia franchise that has opened its second branch in a coveted location on a little island off The Promenade. With décor meticulously planned to match the waterfront theme, the Fish Market offers sweeping views of the azure waters and outstanding seafood. Agaily & Karak, well-known for serving authentic Bahraini breakfast, is expanding its business with the addition of a patisserie shop, TOO Bakery, and an Italian-themed restaurant building on successful food truck Pro Pizza.
Coffee holds a special place in the region’s cultural heritage, and fittingly Bahrain Bay offers dozens of varieties, brewing methods and flavours in specialist cafés such as Blanco, Rever, V60, Nov18 and the recently opened branch of Caribou Coffee, which even features a drive-through option. For a relaxing evening, FM Location offers the perfect ambience to enjoy the waterfront view.
Bahrain Bay is also home to an array of indoor and outdoor sports and fitness activities for all abilities, including a new branch of Al Nakheel Fitness at The Park.
Alongside leisure visitors, the area is enjoyed by a substantial number of office workers and businesses, including commercial tenants at The Wharf, The Collective Hub, Esnad Trading, Al Ghalia Marketing Office, and Hope Fund, and corporate offices housed at the Arcapita Building, Al Baraka Banking Group, GIG Tower and the Wyndham Grand Tower.
A lesser-known fact about Bahrain Bay is its patronage of local artists, who have been commissioned to create everything from graffiti art, carved stone sculptures, ornate light boxes, vividly painted wing structures and stained glass displays to dainty replicas that cleverly camouflage utility installations. These public artworks are located throughout Bahrain Bay, enhancing its aesthetic appeal and turning it into a can’t-miss photography spot for tourists and a striking backdrop for adverts and videos.
As several of the residential complexes, such as Waterbay, The Onyx, the Golden Gate and the Four Seasons Residences, come close to completion, Bahrain Bay will become home to a sizeable number of residents, and it is imperative that the area meets their needs. It offers a wide range of convenient entertainment and leisure activities, including water taxis and watersports, numerous food kiosks at The Promenade as well as fine dining, serene and fragrant sensory gardens, and a number of communal areas to take in the panoramic view of the bay and its stunning architecture.
The entrance to The Gardens
Anchor tenant Al Ghalia will open two new fine dining outlets before the end of the year, and there is a strong yet selective pipeline of additions to suit a wide palate. The Wharf and The Park are also poised to welcome more brands.
“Bahrain Bay was designed to be the future core of Bahrain, drawing both regional and international visitors,” says Mr. Suri. “Looking around, it’s clear that we’ve succeeded in our vision to create an integrated community based in a vibrant, stimulating and lively complex.”
Bahrain Bay’s central location is marked by its easy accessibility and connectivity, while new projects such as the Phase II of The Avenues and NGRF Tower will add to the bustling community.
Ministry of Industry, Commerce and Tourism recently announced a BD 4 million investment in developing the Bahrain Bay Coast, creating exciting new possibilities for a second phase when critical mass has been achieved in phase one.
As development revs up at Bahrain Bay, it is also set to become part of an ‘outer ring’ road starting from Diyar Al Muharraq and running all the way to Nurana Island, becoming even more connected to the Kingdom’s economic development as part of National Development Strategy, Bahrain Vision 2030.
“With unmatched amenities to offer residents and visitors, Bahrain Bay is truly the 21st century heart of Bahrain,” concludes Mr. Suri “Today, Bahrain Bay has come of age, and its aesthetics and community continue to evolve in this beautiful, unique land and seascape.”