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Construction for phase one of the $100 million (BD37 million) China town retail shopping mall has begun and it should be open for business by next summer.
Developers of Dragon City, Diyar Al Muharraq, staged a groundbreaking ceremony alongside operators Chinamex, the China Middle East Investment and Trade Promotion Centre FZCO to mark the occasion.
The event, located in the southwest corner of a new city being constructed off the coast of Muharraq, was attended by government officials, diplomats and other dignitaries.
Dr Maher Al Shaer, chief executive officer of Diyar Al Muharraq, said: “Dragon City will introduce unique opportunities and a wave of products that will keep up with new demands by consumers.”
The wide array of Chinese products available, he says, will include home appliances, building materials, furniture, toys, garments, textiles, footwear and general merchandise making Dragon City a ‘main’ shopping destination and part of a ‘futuristic vision’ in the kingdom.
The Dragon City will eventually also include residential units and aims to act as a large-scale trade platform targeting Chinese enterprises and businessmen looking to do business in Bahrain.
It will also add an international flavour to the island with coffee shops, restaurants, commercial enterprises and retail therapy keeping in tune with an Asian theme.
Despite some reservations voiced by local traders and importers, according to developers, the ‘first-of its kind’ zone in the kingdom will boost the economy by creating jobs, promoting tourism and supporting local businesses through tie-ups with Chinese manufacturers.
The 115,000sq/m development, which boasts Chinese-style architecture and buildings, will feature 700 individual retail stores and a 5,000sq/m area designated for warehouses. The project also includes a 6,000sq/m dining strip and car parking for 1,500 vehicles.
Nass Contracting was appointed in May 2014 to undertake construction of Phase One, which is scheduled for completion by mid-2015.
The development was originally unveiled in May 2012 and will be amongst the first projects to be part of Diyar Al Muharraq’s 12 man-made islands.
Deputy Prime Minister Shaikh Khalid bin Abdulla Al Khalifa, government ministers, the Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China in Bahrain, Li Zhiguo, Muharraq municipal council representatives and businessmen attended the launch event.
