Despite being the first in the Gulf region to discover and prosper from oil resources, the Kingdom is seeking other growth engines such as tourism and medical travel to ensure survival. Helga Jensen-Forde examines the spate of developments that's spurring the country's economic renaissance.
The Kingdom of Bahrain is well known around the Gulf region for being the first place to discover, and prosper from, its unearthing of oil. However, like most of the Gulf States, oil alone isn’t going to sustain the future economy. Therefore, despite a reputation as one of the oldest banking centres in the region – boasting more than 350 financial institutions and enjoying a lucrative Free Trade Agreement with the US – the beguiling Kingdom is now looking elsewhere for its income.
While the country is in the throes of the ambitious US$1.5 billion Bahrain Financial Harbour project, along with a barrage of impressive residential and retail projects, it appears tourism is beginning to play a pivotal role in Bahrain’s future prosperity.
Salman bin Isa Al Khalifa, chief operating officer of the Bahrain International Circuit, suggests: “We were one of the first to discover oil in 1932. Before that, everything in Bahrain was private. There was a toll bridge and the schools and healthcare were all private, too. However, when we struck black gold, this changed. After 1932, there were free schools, no more tolls and free healthcare. Now, we reach 2007 and we have to think, is oil the growth engine for the future? It may be US$90 a barrel, the highest it’s ever been, but can we depend on this alone for our children’s future?”
It seems the answer is no, which is why Bahrain is placing itself firmly on the tourist trail. One of its first steps to stimulate development was when Bahrain courageously accepted one of its biggest ever tasks – to host a Formula 1 Grand Prix. Given only 16 months to build the sinuous track, it was a feat that many pessimists didn’t think would be possible. Al Khalifa enthuses: “The fact that we built the track in 16 months did a lot to develop the country. Suddenly, we energised the country and the standards were raised. If we could build this track in 16 months, anything was possible.”
The biggest impact of the Grand Prix, which was first held in 2004, says Al Khalifa, was that Bahrain raised its profile. “We convinced Formula 1 to come to Bahrain. Only 19 of us host Grand Prix in the world. It’s a very exclusive club.”
With Bahrain a member of this elite club, its growth prospects tripled. An archipelago of 40 islands, it is considered to be one of the smallest countries in the Gulf, with a total land area in excess of 700sqkm, meaning there is still plenty of room for expansion.
The Al Areen district of Bahrain, which is close to the Bahrain International Circuit, seems to be where most of the future development will take place. This is courtesy of the joint stock closed company Al Areen Holding Company, owned by the government of Bahrain, Gulf Finance House BSC and strategic regional investors. Their mission is to transform this desert area into a diversified range of health, residential, hospitality and entertainment components. With US$1.3 billion being spent on developing the area, it’s already attracted the Singapore-based Banyan Tree luxury chain to construct the stunning 131,000-square-metre Banyan Tree Desert Spa and Resort.
Along with this trophy project, major components of the development include a US$50 million Water Park “The Lost Paradise of Dilmun”, the 348-room Domina Hotel Al Areen with a 3,251.6-square-metre convention centre and the 260,000-square-metre Downtown Al Areen. With a shopping boulevard, commercial and residential facilities, luxury apartments, shops, restaurants and entertainment venues, Downtown Al Areen will enhance Al Areen’s overall contribution to the region.
But that’s still down the road. Currently, it’s only the Banyan Tree Desert Spa and Resort, Al Areen Wildlife Sanctuary and The Lost Paradise of Dilmun that are operating.
Sami Ayari, Banyan Tree general manager, comments: “The whole Al Areen development will be completed between 2009 and 2010. Each area is being developed individually. The community point of Al Areen is the Banyan Tree.”
Despite Al Areen being in a desert location, it’s strategically located, says Ayari, with the road between nearby Qatar and Saudi Arabia close to the resort.
While many visitors travel from Qatar and Saudi Arabia to Bahrain, he admits that the island is developing, not necessarily towards mass tourism, but as a luxury boutique destination. “It’s more about quality rather than quantity,” he concludes.
With a melange of eminent names on Bahrain’s burgeoning horizon, it seems that quality is indeed paramount. Future hotels include a Four Seasons Hotel, a Sofitel, an all-villa Ritz-Carlton (second for the destination) and a Raffles Residence. Next year will also see a 200-room Kempinski hotel, part of the 150,000-square-metre Bahrain City Centre development, showcasing 350 retail outlets.
So, with the infrastructure almost in place, how will the country attract enough visitors? The answer could lie in health tourism, something that many prosperous countries have been marketing for years.
Patients are already travelling to Bahrain from neighbouring countries for medical treatment but, with the Fifth International Health Tourism Exhibition, which is being held at the Bahrain International Exhibition Centre this month, Bahrain could obtain worldwide recognition for its medical tourism and healthcare services.
Bahrain’s ever-growing infrastructure and easy access to the neighbouring GCC countries, make the kingdom the ideal hosting ground for the International Health Tourism Exhibition, suggests Hisham Saleh, managing director for the Amadeus International Fairs Group, which organises the event.
“Bahrain’s economic diversification drive has led to promoting the kingdom as a health tourism hub, with major projects under development as well as modern health facilities with the latest in technology.”
Adds Saleh: “Bahrain’s advancement in world-class health treatments provided at present makes it the perfect destination for vacationers looking for medical treatments, while experiencing the rich heritage of a relatively liberal and modern Arab country.”
In 2006, the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia found that Bahrain has the fastest growing economy in the Arab world. And with all that the bijou kingdom has to offer, let’s hope it continues to enjoy the prosperity it justly deserves.
GETTING THERE
- Emirates flies three times daily via Dubai to Bahrain from Hongkong and twice daily from Singapore.
- Return fares with Emirates from Hongkong start from US$1,170 in Economy Class, US$3,110 Business Class and US$4,150 for First Class.
- Flights from Singapore with Emirates range from US$1,170 for Economy Class, US$2,940 Business Class and US$4,090 for First Class.
- Contact www.emirates.com
WHERE TO STAY
BANYAN TREE DESERT SPA AND RESORT AL AREEN
WHAT’S IT LIKE? The architecture is a fusion of both traditional Middle Eastern and Asian influences and the same can be said of the service. An imposing resort with large villas and water features, it has the trademark Banyan Tree chain stamp.
WHERE IS IT? Located in the Al Areen development, some 40 minutes from Bahrain International Airport. In close proximity to the resort are The Lost Paradise of Dilmun Water Park and the Al Areen Wildlife Park. The Bahrain International Circuit, venue of the annual Grand Prix, is approximately 10 minutes’ drive away.
HOW MANY ROOMS? There are 78 villas, consisting of 56 one-bedroom Desert Pool Villas, which measure 400sqm and 22 two-bedroom Royal Pool Villas measuring 740sqm.
ROOM FACILITIES: Each resplendent villa has its own private outdoor swimming pool and heated jet-pool. There is also a dining area, a traditional majlis (meeting place) and a spacious lounge area in each villa. The lounge comes complete with tea and coffee-making facilities, fridge, plasma TV and Bose home theatre surround-sound stereo system.
In the bedroom, I discovered an extremely comfortable king-size bed and the added touch of an oil burner and incense burner on the bedside drawer, both of which provide a different relaxing aroma each day. From the bedroom, a walk-in wardrobe leads to the bathroom which is most impressive with an infinity bathtub, double sinks and a shower complete with its own steam room!
From here, you can also access an outdoor shower. To my delight, an array of Banyan Tree toiletries were provided in the bathroom, along with separate amenity kits for ladies and gents which were packed full of essentials such as a toothbrush and toothpaste.
RESTAURANTS: Dining choices include Saffron – the resort’s signature restaurant– which serves contemporary Thai cuisine and overlooks the nearby wildlife park and Rimal, offering all-day dining. Alternatively, Tamarind restaurant serves seafood and a healthy menu. There’s also a pool bar and a lobby lounge for afternoon tea. Currently, alcohol isn’t available at any of the restaurants, although this may change in the future.
BUSINESS FACILITIES: There’s no business centre, however, a laptop can be delivered to your room and the staff are only too willing to send faxes or arrange photocopying. Due to the location of the resort, I would suggest that it is much more suitable for leisure rather than business travellers.
LEISURE FACILITIES: Highlight of the resort’s leisure facilities is the garden spa which at 10,000sqm makes it the largest in the Middle East. It comprises four areas, which include the main spa, a hydrothermal garden, garden hammam (Turkish bath) and a health club. There are separate wellness studios, indoor and outdoor swimming pools, two tennis courts, a squash court, children’s club and a library. There’s also a daily schedule for stretch yoga, power yoga and aerobox sessions.
While I didn’t have time to attend one of the ubiquitous daily health club activities, I did manage to enjoy the Essence of Earth massage, which left me tingling from head to toe.
VERDICT: When the resort’s driver met me at the airport, I knew that staying at the Banyan Tree would be a pleasurable experience. With a big smile from him and a seven series BMW waiting for me stocked with cold towels, a bottle of water and playing relaxing music, it was obvious that the Banyan Tree staff had thought of everything. These little extra touches were consistent throughout my stay.
PRICE: A Desert Pool Villa is about US$1,060 per night with breakfast. Royal Pool Villas cost about US$ 1,326 per night with breakfast.
CONTACT: PO Box 75055, Juffair, Kingdom of Bahrain, tel 973 17 84 5000, www.banyantree.com
WHERE ELSE TO STAY
DIPLOMAT RADISSON SAS HOTEL
WHAT’S IT LIKE? Located in the Diplomatic area, near Manama’s Financial Harbour, the five-star Diplomat Radisson SAS Hotel Residence & Spa, Manama, has 246 rooms. With world-class meeting facilities and a selection of restaurants and entertainment options at the Diplomat Radisson SAS, you can easily mix business with pleasure.
PRICE: Approximately US$219 per night for a Standard Room including taxes.
CONTACT: PO Box 5243, Manama, Bahrain, tel 973 1753 1666, www.manama.radissonsas.com
MÖVENPICK HOTEL
WHAT’S IT LIKE? This has 106 rooms and is located opposite the airport which is approximately a seven-minute drive from the city. Features include a newly opened grand ballroom with state-of-the-art audio-visual facilities suitable for banquets and large conferences.
PRICE: Internet rate is about US$254 per night for a Superior Room including taxes.
CONTACT: PO Box 24009, 224?Muharraq Town, Bahrain, tel 973?1746 0000, www.moevenpick-hotels.com/hotels/Bahrain
GULF HOTEL BAHRAIN
WHAT’S IT LIKE? Opened in 1969, this five-star hotel has recently undergone extensive refurbishments and now offers 366 well-appointed rooms. Conveniently located in the heart of Adliya, the Gulf Hotel is ideal for business with its Convention Centre which is suitable for conferences and meetings.
PRICE: There is currently a promotional offer available on the internet with rates starting at US$ 245 per night for a Standard Double Room including taxes.
CONTACT: PO Box 580, Manama, Bahrain, tel 973 1771 3000, www.gulfhotelbahrain.com
THE REGENCY INTERCONTINENTAL HOTEL
WHAT’S IT LIKE? This is considered to be perfect for business travellers, given its ideal location in the banking and financial district of Bahrain. Business facilities at the 320-room hotel include a fully equipped, 24-hour Business Centre.
PRICE: The current internet rate is approximately US$189 per night for a Standard Double Room including taxes.
CONTACT: PO Box 777, King Faisal Highway, Bahrain, tel 973 1722 7777, www.intercontinental.com/manama
THE RITZ-CARLTON, BAHRAIN HOTEL AND SPA
WHAT'S IT LIKE? The Ritz-Carlton, Bahrain Hotel and Spa is three kilometres from Manama City Centre and close to Bahrain International Exhibition Centre. This five-star resort provides 245 rooms, a fully equipped business centre and leisure facilities, which include a private beach, indoor and outdoor swimming pools and gymnasium. It has over 3,500sqm of meeting facilities, including a 940-square-metre ballroom and a second 858-square-metre ballroom, plus four individual meeting venues.
PRICE: The internet rate is approximately US$429 per night for a Deluxe Double Room including taxes.
CONTACT: PO Box 55577, Manama, Bahrain, tel 973 1758 0000, www.ritzcarlton.com/resorts/bahrain
