Edamah and Minor Hotels agree to develop two upscale hotels in Bahrain
The Bahrain Real Estate Investment Company is the real estate arm of Mumtalakat, the Kingdom’s sovereign wealth fund
The Bahrain Real Estate Investment Company (Edamah) has signed a partnership agreement with international hotel owner, operator, and investor, Minor Hotels, to develop two upscale hotels at Bilaj Aljazayer. The hotels are scheduled to open for business in 2024.
The deal was signed in the presence of Minor International PCL chairman and founder William E. Heinecke and Edamah chairman Khalid Al Rumaihi, as well as other officials.
According to a statement, the Avani Hotel and Tivoli Hotel at Bilaj Al Jazayer will be the first hospitality offerings in the area. The deal also marks Minor Hotels’ entry into Bahrain to support the growth of the Kingdom’s tourism and hospitality sectors.
Located on Bahrain’s south-west coast, Bilaj Al Jazayer is currently undergoing redevelopment and encompasses 1.3m sqm of land with a three-kilometres of beachfront. Manama is a 25-minute drive and the Bahrain International Circuit and Lost Paradise of Dilmun Waterpark are located nearby. The new mixed-use development will feature resorts, residential villas and apartments, food and beverage outlets, offices, and retail and entertainment offerings, the statement noted.
Al Rumaihi commented, “This partnership with Minor Hotels complements our broader developmental goals for Bilaj Al Jazayer. The new hotels will play a key role in attracting tourism to the south-west coast of the Kingdom.”
Heinecke added: “Minor Hotels’ entry into Bahrain is of strategic importance for the group, strengthening our portfolio in the region and continuing to grow the footprint of the Avani and Tivoli brands. The country is well positioned with high quality infrastructure and services, and an engaged and highly energetic leadership. I have visited a few times over the years and have especially enjoyed my time as an F1 fan. I’m very happy to have visited once again, this time touring Bilaj Al Jazayer and the site of our future Avani and Tivoli hotels.”
The Avani and Tivoli hotels will each have 110 keys and will be located along the main boulevard of Bilaj Al Jazayer, on the waterfront. Avani Bilaj Al Jazayer will offer a selection of guest rooms and suites, an all-day dining restaurant, an Avani Pantry, an outdoor swimming pool, a gym, and a meeting space, the statement said.
It added, Tivoli Bilaj Al Jazayer’s facilities will include guest rooms and suites, two restaurants, a café, an outdoor swimming pool, a gym, a spa, and wellness facilities. In addition, the hotels will share a beach club within the Bilaj Al Jazayer development.
Edamah CEO Amin Al Arrayed explained, “Bilaj Al Jazayer is one of the most exciting projects in our portfolio, which will transform Bahrain’s much-loved beach into a world-class waterfront destination. Having the right partner is crucial to achieving these goals and we are pleased to work alongside Minor Hotels on this project.”
Group CEO of Minor International and CEO of Minor Hotels Dillip Rajakarier said: “We are delighted to announce these two new hotels which will mark Minor Hotels’ debut in Bahrain and will grow our presence in the GCC. The addition of the Avani and Tivoli hotels in the Kingdom demonstrates our commitment to operating in the Middle East and to growing these two brands in the region. It is an honour to be partnering with Edamah to bring these hotels in the Bilaj Al Jazayer masterplan development.”
Minor Hotels is said to have a portfolio of 527 hotels and resorts in 54 countries across the Asia Pacific, the Middle East, Europe, South America, Africa, and the Indian Ocean.
