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A Ground-breaking ceremony was staged this week at the site of the much anticipated Swedish furniture IKEA in Salmabad which is set to open by mid-2018, writes Mai Al Khatib-Camille.
The ‘ready-to-assemble’ retail giant is being launched in partnership with Saudi Arabia’s Ghassan Ahmed Al Sulaiman Furniture Trading Company, IKEA Saudi Arabia, with a total investment of BD47million.
Sunday’s event was patronised by Shaikh Khalid bin Abdullah Al Khalifa, Deputy Prime Minister, along with ministers, invited guests and members of the media.
Saud Ghassan Al Sulaiman, the CEO of IKEA Saudi Arabia and Bahrain, said: “The kingdom of Bahrain has always been an attractive destination for investors and retailers due to its vibrant economy and favourable business environment.
“What encouraged us to make this investment are the strong bilateral relations between the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the Kingdom of Bahrain.
“The company has seen great success in Saudi Arabia and I have no doubt that the outlet in Bahrain will prove just as popular. This previously untapped market will see more people have access to innovatively-designed furniture at competitive prices. It will also create job opportunities.”
Construction of the Bahrain flagship store, which will have a total retail area of 37,000sqm making it the largest in the region, is currently under way and is expected to create work for 700 people.
The main contractor for the project is G P Zachariades. Once completed, it will have a 6,200sqm showroom in addition to a market hall covering the area of 6,000sqm.
The store will have a self-serve area of 5,000sqm and 4,000sqm of full serve area. It will also boast two underground and one outdoor parking area with a capacity of 1,250 cars.
The blue and yellow store will also feature a 2,500sqm, 800-seat restaurant allowing customers to enjoy Swedish delicacies, snacks and local favourites.
IKEA has 385 stores spread over 48 countries including three outlets in Saudi Arabia in Dhahran, Riyadh and Jeddah. There are plans to open at least 10 more stores over the next few years.
