Bahrain plan

Bahrain: Kuwait-based Gulf Holding Company has unveiled a US$ 363 million master plan for the 0.26 km² Al Areen Downtown area of the US$ 750 million Al Areen development.

Located next to the Al Areen Wildlife Sanctuary, near the island of Bahrain's southern shore, the 2 km² Al Areen development will include a spa resort, residential communities, hotels, a water park, and commercial and entertainment facilities. The project is the brainchild of His Highness Shaikh Hamad bin Isa bin Sulman Al-Khalifa, the Crown Prince of Bahrain.

The Al Areen Downtown area will include luxury apartments, villas, commercial premises, cinemas, outdoor cafes, shopping outlets, restaurants and walkways.

The scheme has been designed to attract more foreign investment into the country and will feature traditional Bahraini architecture.

Construction of the Spa and resort finished in March, in time for the Bahrain Grand Prix. Completion of the whole scheme expected in 2008.