BAHRAIN could seek to emulate Dubai by creating its own attraction along the lines of the Global Village.
The project has been dubbed Bahrain International Village and is being spearheaded by the Southern Municipal Council.
A shortlist of possible locations has already been drawn up for the proposed development, which would house family entertainment, cultural experiences, shopping and cuisines from around the world.
It would be located in the Southern Governorate and remain open throughout the year, as opposed to Dubai’s Global Village – which is only open during the cooler months from November to April.
“We have what it takes to attract investors to Bahrain and if Dubai is managing to turn small concepts into something tourism worthy, then our country has the potential to do much more,” claimed Southern Municipal Council chairman Ahmed Al Ansari.
“People can’t afford to travel all the time, they want to get a glimpse of extravaganzas that other countries offer whether in culture, shopping or leisure.
“As a long term-term plan they could be brought here.
“Dragon City, in Hidd, which sees Chinese merchandise sold is a good investment project, but we are thinking about something far more ambitious.
“It would be of interest to Bahrainis and our neighbours from Saudi Arabia – and millions of tourists are expected to come.
“People would love to go to a Turkish, Russian, Egyptian, Mexican or Azerbaijani themed business – not just to eat or shop, but be part of the whole living experience, as if they were actually there.”
The UAE markets Dubai’s Global Village as the world’s largest tourism, leisure, shopping and entertainment project, attracting more than five million visitors every year.
It started life in 1996 as a number of kiosks near Dubai Creek, but is now located in the Dubailand theme park. The latest 159-day season saw 5.6m people visit Global Village and 10,000 exhibitors.
Business transactions worth Dh2.3 billion (around BD230m) were conducted, while there were 27 concerts and 78 fireworks and fountain fireworks displays,
“The most likely location for the Bahrain International Village, as we suggest naming it, is near Bahrain International Circuit, in Sakhir, and it would offer something that surpasses the Dubai project,” claimed Mr Al Ansari.
“We are not looking to compete, we are looking to exceed, and suggested locations will be announced as the project gets tendered in the next few months.
“If Dubai’s Global Village project is seasonal, then ours will be open all year round.
“It will be bigger and better, as we introduce our own unique version of what a global village should look like.”
mohammed@gdn.com.bh
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