Impressive reflections

Ithmaar Development Company (IDC), the development arm of the Bahrain-based Ithmaar banking group, will build an iconic 44-storey building as well as a mixed-use freehold and serviced apartments development project that will include a four star hotel in Bahrain.

The $175 million projects will be built near the Shaikh Hamad Causeway that links Muharraq to Manama and are, currently, in the concept stage with their project objectives set and components agreed upon. Detailed architecture designs are to commence shortly.

IDC's chief executive officer Mohammed Khalil Alsayed says the company plans to build 'Light of Bahrain', a mixed-use freehold and serviced apartments development in a 44-storey iconic structure as well as 'Reflections of Bahrain', a development project that will include a 240-room business hotel, restaurants and a retail arcade.

"DP Architects have been appointed as the concept design architect for both projects and other professional firms are to be appointed later in 2008," said Mr Alsayed.

"Details of units will be firmed up after we approve the architectural designs by the end of 2008 but we already know that the apartments are expected to be in an assortment of sizes, in line with market offerings in Bahrain."

IDC's flagship development is Dilmunia, a $1.6 billion man-made health island. Reclamation works are under way on the 1.25 million-square-metre island, which aims to transform the north-east coast of Bahrain and is set to revolutionise health care in the kingdom and turn it into a hub for international health tourism.

Dilmunia will feature state-of-the-art facilities such as a diagnostic centre, nutrition and diabetes centre, cosmetic surgery, aesthetic medicine centre, women and children centre, alternative medicine centre and sports medicine centre.

The project will highlight 'holistic well being' through its wellness centres and a range of five star deluxe spas and boutique hotels, as well as provide facilities for residential clusters, commercial facilities and recreational amenities.

"IDC's man-made island will be a major boost to Bahrain's and the region's health and tourism industry and we expect to generate substantial opportunities for growth and employment as this landmark, mixed- use development nears completion," added Mr Alsayed.

"As we begin to execute our multi-billion project portfolio, IDC aims to add long-term value to our investors by introducing unique real estate developments to the GCC region," he said.