Atkins to construct durrat al bahrain


Reclamation contract for the first phase of the $1 billion (BD378 million) Durrat Al Bahrain resort is to be awarded later this month, it was revealed.

The 20-square kilometre township in the southeast corner of Bahrain has been redesigned by management and project design specialist W S Atkins.

The project will feature more than 2,000 villas, with each villa having a sea view," said Atkins commercial director (Middle East region) Simon Crispe.

It will also feature about 3,000 residential apartments.

It will combine the essential elements required of sun-blessed island life within a serene and beautiful environment, said Atkins commercial director (Middle East region) Simon Crispe.

He gave a presentation on the project to the Bahrain Society of Engineers' Tuesday Forum, at the society premises in Juffair.

The highlight of the design would be an arc of six atolls - ring-shaped coral reefs enclosing lagoons - with 1.5 km of beach per atoll.

Each atoll is a community within itself, with 172 villas, and each villa boasts either a beach or a mooring, said Crispe.

As well as offering extensive beach club facilities and a private beach for ladies, the atolls epitomise the ambitious dream behind the project, he said.

"There will be a total of 2,000 plus villas, with each villa having a sea view," said Crispe.

The project will also feature about 3,000 residential apartments.

The atolls will be linked to the mainland via a bridge through the Pearl Islands, which feature an arc of five petals, joined by a circular bridge.

The design of the islands ensures privacy from one villa to the next, with each villa boasting long water frontages and a mooring.

Among other attractions of Durrat Al Bahrain are a classic 18-hole golf course, a 600-room five-star leisure resort hotel, a water park, a 400-boat deep water marina set in a lagoon, a traditional old suq, and a ferry terminal, which will receive sight-seeing boats carrying tourists from Manama, said Crispe.

Crispe was joined in the presentation by Atkins project director Steve Troughton.

The project had gone back to the drawing board, after Kuwait Finance House bought out a 50 per cent stake in Durrat Al Bahrain, which was previously held by Saudi-based Dallah Al Baraka.

Preliminary work on infrastructure facilities and residential units will start simultaneously with the reclamation work, said Durrat Al Bahrain deputy general manager and chief operating officer Jassim Al Jowder.

"The reclamation contract will be awarded within two weeks. The first phase of the project is expected to be completed in three years," he said.

"At the heart of the project will be a magnificent crescent, which will offer a major conference and exhibition centre, facilities for about 3,000 apartments, and community essentials including a school, a landmark mosque, and police and fire services," said Al Jowder.

"Parks and gardens, sports clubs and a health spa will all make Durrat Al Bahrain an all-encompassing project.

"A 29km highway is now being built by the government connecting the project with the country's main road network."

Expatriates will be eligible to own housing units at the new resort, said Al Jowder. "According to a Royal decree, they will be granted permanent residence in the Kingdom."

"Kuwait Finance House will help them with financing spread over 20 years." -TradeArabia News Service

here's the masterplan

http://www.atkins-me.com/Images/MasterplanI.jpg

ans some more renders:

http://www.atkins-me.com/Images/Durrat_Night_View.jpg

http://www.atkins-me.com/Images/crescent.jpg

location of the central hotel
anybody got news on this one???

http://www.atkins-me.com/Images/Image2.jpg

this massive project will have many outrageous facilities

Durrat Al Bahrain Master Planning
Client: Confidential

Features: Six atolls comprising172 villas. 1.5 km of beach per atoll
Five petal islands of 52-56 villas each with a mooring
Golf Course: 18-hole golf course of 5000-6000m
Clubhouse, a 400-boat marina, 258 villas
Crescent includes cafes, shops, leisure facilities and site for 2000 apartments.
Central Hotel: 300-600 luxurious rooms and suites
Total built-up area: 20km2

Status: Design

Located on the southeast coast of Bahrain, the Durrat Al Bahrain project covers an area of 20km2 (5km x 4km). Atkins has been appointed to further develop an existing masterplan and provide complete design consultancy services for this ambitious project.

Six distinctive elements comprise the development.

Atolls: On the outer fringes is an arc of six atolls offering communities of 172 villas each with either a mooring or a beach. Each atoll boasts of 1.5 km of water frontages, shared club facilities and a private ladies beach island. The atolls are served from bridges via the Petal Islands.

Petal Islands: The arc of five petals is located along the circular bridge and has distinctive outward facing forms. They have long water frontages and comprise communities of 52-56 villas each. Each villa has mooring, community facilities and a shared beach. The Petals complement the Atoll Islands and not only play a key role in the overall design of the project and its practical soundness but they are also intriguing and compelling - sitting between the Atolls and the Crescent.

Crescent: At the heart of the project is the Crescent with a series of beaches facing the central lagoon. The beach promenade comprises cafes, restaurants, a retail mall, shops, beach centers and apartments. A significant feature of the Crescent is the traditional walled quarter with craft shops, markets, accommodation and a port. To cater to the business community, the Crescent offers a major conference and exhibition centre, site for 2,000 apartments and community essentials including a school, mosque, police and fire stations.

Central Hotel: Built around the concept of the Toy Box, the Central Hotel will stand majestically in the geographical centre of the entire development. The 300-600 luxurious rooms and suites will be equipped with world class facilities. These include an aqua park, mega soft play zones, a crèche, water sports centre and spa, a tennis and fitness club and family restaurants.

Golf Course: The classic 18-hole course of approximately 5-6000m brings a new dimension to the project. To support this unique course, a 300-room five star hotel will be built partly on an island but also extending into the sea. The hotel will be complemented by 258 villas each facing the golf course or water.

Marina: The 400-boat marina set in a lagoon boasts of a complete range of services and maintenance facilities for boats including a fuel station. 200 waterside villas with either moorings or beach will be supported by cafes, marina support services and a VIP clubhouse. The Mairna as with the Golf Course will have a bold palm plantation setting bringing a tropical touch to this unique and innovative development. Strategically located around the fringe of the marina are apartments that command a view of the marina bay

$105m Durrat dredging deal for Great Lakes Nass

Manama

A $105 million (about BD40 million) dredging contract has been awarded to a US-Bahraini joint venture company for the $1 billion Durrat Al Bahrain resort project. The contract was won by Great Lakes Nass, a joint venture company of Great Lakes Dredge & Dock and The Nass Group.

Land reclamation of over six million square metres of reclaimed sea is expected to start next month and to be completed in 26 months.

The contract was signed at Durrat Al Bahrain corporate office premises in Sanabis by Durrat chairman Yousif Taqi and the Nass Group chairman Abdulla Nass.

Durrat Al Bahrain, which is equally owned by the Bahrain government and Kuwait Finance House (KFH), has marked another major milestone by appointing the largest dredging contractor in the US and one of the largest in the world, said Durrat deputy general manager Jassim Al Jowder.

Great Lakes Nass was appointed after undertaking an extensive shortlisting and tender process involving some of the world's leading dredging and reclamation construction companies, he said.

'With the local and international knowledge they have demonstrated, we firmly believe that they will successfully complete the project within the agreed time-frame,' said Al Jowder.

In the company's 110 years of business, Great Lakes has never failed to complete a contracted project, said Great Lakes Dredge & Dock Middle East division manager John O'Brien.

The company has current projects underway throughout the US as well as Bahrain, Egypt, Ghana, India, Bangladesh, Uruguay, and Panama, and maintains a division office in some of the major capitals across the Middle East, including Manama.

Durrat Al Bahrain is the second project in Bahrain to be awarded to Great Lakes Nass, after the reclamation work for the Khalifa Bin Salman Port and Industrial Area in Hidd.

The joint venture combines the dredging expertise of Great Lakes with the proven capability of The Nass Group in carrying out the rock protection works. The Nass Group placed over 3.5m tonnes of rock protection on the Hidd project.

'We are greatly looking forward to meeting, and further exceed the developers' expectations after starting the dredging next month,' said O'Brien.

'We will employ state-of-the-art machinery including the Dredge Carolina, which will be transported from Hidd.

'The project is our fourth contract in Bahrain and we are delighted to work within a consortium of world-class contractors and services providers.'

Durrat Al Bahrain, a 20sq/km area of desert and sea, is one and half times larger than downtown Manama. It is set to become the country's largest city resort.

The design of the resort has been provided by leading international engineering design and consultancy firm WS Atkins, and is the vision of Tom Wright, WS Atkins director of architecture.

Durrat Al Bahrain will consist of 13 different islands, with over 2,000 villas and more than 2,000 apartments, luxury hotels, restaurants, promenades, shopping centres, marina, spas, sports facilities and an 18 hole golf course.

Great Lakes Dredge & Dock Company was founded in 1890. Its fleet of dredging equipment includes 30 dredgers, valued in excess of $700 million (BD264.6 million).

http://tradearabia.com/source/2004-09/27/durrat.jpg

International consultant High-Point Rendel has won a contract to supervise the construction of a $46 million highway project in the Arabian Gulf, in conjunction with local firm Ismail ****** Associates.

The new 25km dual two-lane highway in Bahrain will run south from the existing Hawar Highway to the developing resort of Durrat Al Bahrain near Ras al Barr.

The project was designed jointly by High-Point Rendel and engineering consultants Ismail ****** Associates for the Ministry of Works and Housing, and the two companies will supervise the project on behalf of the Ministry's Roads Directorate.

The work includes five grade-separated interchanges carrying local roads over the highway and providing access to existing and future developments along the route and coastal villages in the east.

There is provision for a future additional lane in each direction as traffic levels increase.

The main contractor is Cebarco-WCT and the project is due for completion in June 2006.

Another small picture:

http://www.ameinfo.com/images/news/6/9636-dab.jpg

so, there have not been any reasonable roads for this project or in this area?

More details in this pdf file, first part is about qatar, second part is about his project:

http://atkins-me.com/maarifaissue8.pdf

Well dubai-lover, the south is typically a military area, but to that specific location for the project, there isn't a direct route so you'd have to take alternative routes. This will make the journey shorter.



Work on a BD17.6 million ($46.7 million) two-lane highway leading to the Durat Al Bahrain Resort is scheduled to be completed by June 2006.

The 25-km highway starts from Alba in Askar and will run to the Durat Al Bahrain Island, at Ras Al Bar.

Works and Housing Ministry Assistant Under-Secretary for Roads Isam Khalaf inspected work on the project.

He said the highway, to be linked to five fly-overs, might be expanded to three lanes later to accommodate increasing traffic movement.

Durrat Al Bahrain announces the formal marketing of world-class plans for landmark residential, Resort City
In a ceremony held under the patronage of His Highness Shaikh Khalifa Bin Salman Al Khalifa, the Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Bahrain, and attended by His Excellency Sheikh Ali Bin Khalifa Al Khalifa and over 500 guests, Durrat Al Bahrain – the Kingdom's largest planned luxury mixed-use residential, commercial and resort development – began the process of selling Phase 1 of the world-class masterplan for the landmark project.

The event, which marks the first comprehensive view into Durrat Al Bahrain's unique design and lifestyle features, signifies a major milestone in the ongoing development of the US$1.2 billion project, which is equally owned by the Government of Bahrain and Kuwait Finance House, Bahrain.

Commenting on the occasion, Mr. Abdulhakeem Alkhayat, General Manager of Kuwait Finance House, Bahrain and Chairman of Durrat Khaleej Al Bahrain Company said, 'This is a groundbreaking project that not only provides a unique proposition for residents but is also a significant step forward in the Kingdom's plans to encourage and actively work towards the further development of its lifestyle and tourism sectors. The Kingdom of Bahrain and the Durrat Al Bahrain project – together – offer an unmatched lifestyle and investment opportunity and we have amassed all the technical and financial resources required for its success.'

According to Deputy General Manager and Chief Operating Officer of Durrat Khaleej Al Bahrain Company, Mr. Jassim Al Jowder, 'We are delighted to present today our vision for Durrat Al Bahrain, which aims to establish a world-class concept in living. Working with W.S. Atkins – the renowned engineering design and consultancy firm with a long-standing and distinguished international track record – we have successfully developed and introduced a masterplan that builds on Bahrain's rich natural beauty and traditional affinity with the land and sea combined with every conceivable modern amenity to make the lives of residents as enjoyable and harmonious as possible.'

Durrat Al Bahrain, or the 'Rising Pearl' as it has come to be known, will consist of 13 distinctive islands to be developed over 20 square kilometres of pristine desert and sea that lay the foundation for a world-class residential, leisure and tourist destination.

The residential and resort city will be comprised of 2,000 villas, 3,000 apartments and various community facilities including schools, mosques, health centres, an 18-hole golf course and sports and leisure facilities specifically suited to families. In addition a promenade featuring a marina and commercial facilities encompassing a variety of traditional souqs and modern shopping areas as well as numerous restaurants and cafes will ensure both residents and visitors a variety of activity.

It is expected that the project will be completed in its entirety by late 2009 and at full capacity will accommodate more than 30,000 full time residents in addition to some 4,000 visitors a day.

The first phase of development which will be completed by early 2007 consists of the construction of 390 villas on three islands – two Atoll islands and one Petal island, names used to distinguish the size and design of the these unique formations.

318 villas, which range in size from 750 square metre plots to 1,000 and 1,500 square metres, will be situated on the larger Atoll islands, while 72 villas, built on 500 square metre plots, will be established on the smaller Petal island.

Designed to perfection and offering unmatched sea views, beach access and first-rate mooring facilities, all villas aim to offer residents the right balance between the latest high-tech amenities that define a modern lifestyle in conjunction with a healthy and relaxed atmosphere that is grounded in the rich and unspoilt natural desert and sea environments upon which they have been established.

Now available for booking, these villas offer prospective residents an ideal investment for life and one that is well suited for both Gulf nationals and expatriate families.

To facilitate access for all prospective residents, innovative ownership and financing schemes have been put in place. A freehold ownership law has opened opportunities for investment by expatriates and well-thought out financing structures – both Islamically compliant and conventional – are also in place to assist mid-level income earners to own the home of their dreams in Durrat Al Bahrain.

i read this earlier and wanted to post it, but i looked through all the threads (even the ones that are archieved), but for some reason I didn't find it. Anyways, this is good news and I hope this projects continues on the same momentum.

A dream project to bring luxury living alongside fun and entertainment has been revived and reconceptualised to offer Bahrain’s residents and visitors what they truly desire – a resort home away from the hustle and bustle of modern living, but with all the frills of leisure and amusement.

The Durrat Al Bahrain project – which was originally initiated in late 2000 – has now been totally redesigned under its new management to the extent that the finger-shaped islands which were to accommodate plots of land are now ‘pearls’ and ‘atolls’ which will house “ready-to-move-in” homes for their owners, according Jassim Al Jowder, deputy general manager and COO of Durrat Al Bahrain, which is spearheading the development.
The $1 billion-plus (BD378 million) residential and tourism resort will cover a 20 sq km stretch of reclaimed desert and sea – being one-third larger than downtown Manama – and aims to provide an alternative downtown area for residents living in the centre of the country, Al Jowder told Gulf Construction in an exclusive interview.
The development will comprise a total of 13 islands: an arc of six atoll- and five ‘pearl’-shaped islands (which will be reserved solely for residential use), an island accommodating a five-star family hotel and aqua park and a Crescent which houses the downtown area of the development. The islands will be linked to each other and then onto the mainland. However, access to the residential islands is restricted to residents and their visitors only.
“The overall design resembles a necklace along the south-east shore of Bahrain at Ras Al Barr,” Al Jowder points out.
It will offer 5 km of seafrontage along the mainland and 4 km along the islands – mostly on reclaimed land.
The resort will feature about 2,000 luxury sea-facing villas, 3,000 apartments, luxury hotels, restaurants, promenades, shopping centres, marina, spas, sport facilities, and an 18-hole championship golf course.
Some 1,500 of these villas will be located on the “atolls” and “pearls”, which will feature comprehensive infrastructure facilities. They will range in size from 1,500 sq m to 500 sq m and will be based on a modern design available in 12 different styles.
Each ‘atoll’ – a ring-shaped island enclosing a lagoon – and ‘pearl’ island is a private community within itself and each villa will boast either a beach or a mooring. The ‘atolls’ will be linked to the mainland via a bridge through the ‘pearl’ islands.
Already a highway is being built to enhance access to the resort. The highway runs from the Alba intersection to Durrat Al Bahrain, located 23 km away, he says. The approach road to the resort is split into two bridges, which connect the islands from either end of the resort, thus creating a ring road and associated road network within the development.
Between the two bridges on the Crescent is the downtown area, which will feature coffee shops facing the sea, a traditional Bahraini suq, and a shopping mall. The apartment blocks will be built on outer wings of the Crescent and will be laced with 2 km of open beaches. These apartments will be part of a gated community that can be accessed only by residents of the ‘atolls’, ‘pearls’ and the Crescent.
Among other attractions of Durrat Al Bahrain is the 200 to 450-berth marina set in a lagoon. The marina will be supported by a clubhouse and residential townhouses.
The resort city will also include amenities such as a school, a hospital, a mosque, coastguard and police and fire services.
Residents at the development will be kept cool using a district cooling system and Durrat Al Bahrain is currently in negotiations with two or three companies for the project, which will require at least 5,000 tonnes of refrigeration.
The project had gone back to the drawing board in 2003, after Kuwait Finance House bought out a 50 per cent stake in Durrat Al Bahrain, which was previously held by Saudi-based Dallah Al Baraka. The remaining 50 per cent is owned by Bahrain’s government.
The development has now been redesigned by leading international engineering design and consultancy firm WS Atkins (by Tom Wright of Burj Al Arab fame).
“Atkins has also carried out a hydrodynamic study for the project. It has hydrotested a model of the development to evaluate the impact on the current in and around the islands as well as on the marine environment to ensure the proper circulation of water,” explains Jowder. “In fact, we opted for bridges rather than causeways to facilitate a smooth flow of water under these structures.”
“We have shown a keen commitment to the environment with our new design where the ratio of water to land is 3 to 1. We will set up an environment conservation zone to the east of the development and will install reef boats to enhance the marine life in the area,” he adds.
Reclamation work – which was earlier brought to a halt to review the original designs – restarted in November under a new a BD40 million ($105 million) awarded to Great Lakes Nass, a joint venture company of Great Lakes Dredge & Dock of the US and the Nass Group of Bahrain. It involves reclaiming about six million sq m of land in 26 months.
“Restarting the reclamation has also meant undoing the work carried out earlier,” Jowder points out. “What we have done is moved sand from areas that were reclaimed and raised the mainland to 2.8 m high and created the Crescent,” he says.
Work is currently under way on the first phase of the project, which comprises one ‘pearl’ and two ‘atoll’ islands as well as the Crescent. The dredging of the islands will take a total of six months and the infrastructure will be completed within a further six months, to be followed by the construction of the villas. The first residents of the islands are expected to take possession of their properties within 30 months.
The development will be managed by a facilities management company, which will be responsible for the sewage and drainage network, landscaping, cleaning and maintenance of the entire city.
A tender is expected to be issued shortly for the bridges, followed by the infrastructure works, which are estimated to cost BD160 million.
Sale of the villas will be launched this month. The villas and apartments will be sold on a freehold basis and will also be available to expatriates who will be granted permanent residence in the kingdom. Durrat Al Bahrain is targeting the middle and upper class of clientele. Hamptons of the UK is responsible for the sales and marketing of the development.
“During the first phase we can analyse the trends and demands in the market and based on the response to this phase, we will launch work on the other islands,” he says.
Work will continue at the site until 2008, but the pristine beaches and amusement areas boasting the splendour of a rich marine life are expected to be open to the public as stages of the project are completed.

Durrat Al Bahrain first phase sold out


The first phase of the $1.2 billion (BD452.4 million) Durrat Al Bahrain project has been sold out, it was announced.

All the 390 villas offered in the luxury residential resort under construction were sold out in one day, said Durrat Khaleej Al Bahrain Company deputy general manager and chief operating officer Jassim Al Jowder.

A sales campaign was launched on Saturday at the Ritz-Carlton Bahrain Hotel and Spa, under the patronage of Prime Minister Shaikh Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa.

The project, consisting of 13 islands to be developed over 20km of desert and sea, is equally owned by the Bahrain government and Kuwait Finance House (KFH), Bahrain.

'The response has been so overwhelming that all the villas offered on the first phase were sold out in one day,' Jassim Al Jowder said.

'More than 20 per cent of the buyers were from outside Bahrain, especially from Saudi Arabia and Kuwait. Also, there were some expats among the buyers.

'Four types of villas, ranging from 500sqm to 1,500sqm, were on offer. Their costs ranged from BD145,000 to BD440,000.'

Jassim Al Jowder said the company would come out with the second phase of 300 villas very shortly. 'We shall also offer hundreds of apartments for sale within six months,' he said.

'Work on the first phase villas has already started, and it will be completed by early 2007.'

Al Jowder attributed the rush of investors to the high quality of the project and its ideal location.

'The support of one of the largest Islamic financial institutions like the KFH as well as the highly favourable economic and political climate in the Kingdom also attracted the investors,' he added.

'The project, which marks a major milestone in the development of Bahrain's economic and tourism sectors, features every conceivable modern amenity.

'It is being developed with the help of engineering design and consultancy firm W S Atkins.'

The residential and resort city will have 2,000 villas, 3,000 apartments and various community facilities, including schools, mosques, health centres, an 18-hole golf course and sports and leisure facilities specifically suited to families.

The first phase of 390 villas will be located on three islands - two Atoll islands and one Petal island, whose names distinguish their size and design.

People can view the models of the houses and the masterplan of the resort at Ritz Carlton Bahrain Hotel and Spa , after the holidays, said Al Jowder.

This is good news, sold out in a day means there is investor confidence, which is a good start for the project and the country as a whole.

New master plan unveiled for US $1.2 billion Durrat Al Bahrain


The new master plan for the US $1.2 billion Durrat Al Bahrain was revealed last week at a public function in Manama. Work on the previously stalled project resumed recently following the completion of the redesign process.

Durrat Al Bahrain is the kingdom’s largest planned luxury mixed-use residential, commercial and resort development. The government of Bahrain and Kuwait Finance House Bahrain equally own the project.

“We are delighted to present our vision for Durrat Al Bahrain, which aims to establish a world-class concept in living,” said Jassim Al Jowder, deputy general manager and chief operating officer of Durrat Khaleej Al Bahrain Company.

“Working with W.S. Atkins, the renowned engineering design and consultancy firm, we have successfully developed and introduced a master plan that builds on Bahrain’s rich natural beauty and traditional affinity with the land and sea combined with every conceivable modern amenity to make the lives of residents as enjoyable and harmonious as possible.

Durrat Al Bahrain, or the ‘Rising Pearl’ as it has come to be known, will consist of 13 islands developed over 20 km² of desert and sea.

It will have 2000 villas, 3000 apartments and various community facilities, including schools, mosques, health centres, an 18-hole golf course and sports and leisure facilities aimed at families.

The project is scheduled for completion in its entirety by late 2009 and at full capacity will accommodate more than 30 000 full time residents in addition to some 4000 visitors a day.

The first phase will be completed by early 2007 and consists of the construction of 390 villas on three islands: two Atoll islands and one Petal island.

The villas are now on sale. A freehold ownership law has been passed, opening opportunities for investment by expatriates and Islamic and conventional financing structures are in place to help mid-level income earners own the home in Durrat Al Bahrain.

“This is a groundbreaking project that not only provides a unique proposition for residents but is also a significant step forward in the kingdom’s plans to encourage and actively work towards the further development of its lifestyle and tourism sectors,” observed Abdulhakeem Alkhayat, general manager of Kuwait Finance House, Bahrain, and chairman of Durrat Khaleej Al Bahrain Company.

Almost all of the properties being offered in the second phase of the USD1.2bn Durrat Al Bahrain project have sold out, with 300 villas bought. Buyers are mainly Bahraini nationals with some Saudis, Qataris and Kuwaitis. The project consists of 13 islands and is a joint venture between the Bahrain Government and Kuwait Finance House.

Drilling starts for new Durrat Road


Two Atlas Copco air compressors — including the country’s first and recently delivered XAMS 376 — are providing essential air power for two rigs on a new 38 km highway linking the proposed new resort city of Durrat Al Bahrain (meaning Pearl of Bahrain).

The new resort will be located on the south-east coast of Bahrain, some 25 km from Manama. When completed, it is expected to be at least 30% larger than the capital and is likely to become Bahrain’s largest
resort city.

Designed by W.S. Atkins, the resort will comprise 13 different islands with over 2000 villas, luxury hotels, shopping centres, marinas and an 18-hole golf course. It will include a 600-bed, five-star hotel and a deepwater marina capable of berthing up to 400 boats.

One highlight of the design is an arc of six atolls — ring-shaped coral reefs enclosing lagoons with 1.5 km of beach/atoll. Each atoll will be an independent community with 172 villas, each boasting its own beach or mooring.
The atolls will be linked to the mainland via a bridge running through the ‘Pearl’ islands.

Work has already begun on the new highway linking the resort city with the island’s capital, Manama, and the Askera district close to the Bahrain Aluminium Smelter (Alba). The contract has been awarded by the government of Bahrain Roads Directorate to local contractor Cybarco, for the construction of the 38 km highway.

Sub-contractor Bramco, a specialist contractor in rock drilling, underwater and controlled blasting, civil excavations, quarry operations and suppliers of armour rock, is responsible for the earth works and sub-grades.

Two Atlas Copco air compressors, along with the country’s first XAMS 376 — one of two units recently delivered to Bramco by local distributor Gulf Equipment and Technology (GET) — as well as an XAMS 355 are providing essential air power for rock drills.

The new XAMS 376 features an electronically-controlled Mercedes 6 cylinder diesel engine, offering easy operation and monitoring with a combination of analogue gauges and digital readouts. Comprehensive and accurate data on the operating status can be simply obtained through use of scroll buttons. The digital panel also displays important warning and shutdown messages to alert the operator of any abnormal operating conditions.

It also provides a free air delivery (fad) of 387 l/s at bar 8.6. The Atlas Copco XAMS 355 ensures a free air delivery of 345 l/s at bar 8.6.

Two drill rigs are drilling 2 cm diameter holes up to an average 1.5 m deep in the hard limestone, allowing the contractor to blast a route through the barren desert area at the northern end of the new highway. Each hole takes between 10 and 15 minutes.

Drilling 60-70 holes/blast, Bramco is drilling between 540 - 600 holes a week along a 4 km section of the highway.
Bramco’s 18 month contract calls for more than 250 000 m³ of rock to be drilled, blasted and excavated.
In addition to the new highway, Great Lakes Nass J.V, Great Lakes Dredging and Docks, and the Nass Group have been appointed as the dredging contractor to complete the land reclamation. A 26 month contract has been awarded with US $106 million (BHD40 million) to dredge more than 6.5 million m³.

Ya this highway has been u/c for a while now, should be completed sometime in 2006, so that should be good.

so, is there no appropriate road in the durrat al bahrain area? is it still difficult and hard to reach this area?

Properties worth BD170 million ($451 million) have already been sold at the Durrat Al Bahrain resort complex, it was revealed.

The response has been so overwhelming from other GCC countries that the Durrat Khaleej Al Bahrain Company is now planning to open offices in Riyadh and Kuwait.

All the 390 villas offered in first phase in the luxury residential resort under construction were sold last week.

The 460 luxury residential villas being offered in the second phase, scattered over four islands, have also attracted a large number of buyers from all the GCC states, said Durrat Khaleej Al Bahrain general manager commercial Jassim Al Jowder.

"We have so far sold properties worth BD170 million in the two phases, " he said.

"There have been a steady stream of visitors to our exhibition and sales offices opened at the Ritz Carlton Bahrain Hotel and Spa.

"Seventy eight per cent of the buyers were from Bahrain, and 22 per cent from other GCC countries."

The sale of the second phase is expected to be closed tomorrow.

Because of the heavy demand from other GCC states, the company is planning to open offices there, starting with Riyadh, said Al Jowder.

"This will help us in the marketing of the entire project, which is being developed at a total cost of $1.2 billion (BD452.4 million)," he added.

"The project will create more than 2,000 jobs over the coming four years."

People who still want to see the designs and book the villas can visit the hotel from 9am to 9pm, today and tomorrow.

Four types of villas, ranging from 500 square metres to 1,500 square metres, are on offer. Their costs range from BD152,000 to BD453,000.

The booking fee is BD5,000 and 20 per cent of the cost is to be paid within one month.

The balance amount can be paid in instalments according to the contract.

"We hope to start work on the second phase by the end of the year and finish it in 33 months," said Al Jowder.

"The first phase will be completed in early 2007."

Simultaneously, work on the infrastructure and recreation projects will be undertaken in the resort, said Al Jowder.

"We are in the final stages of negotiations for the construction of a five-star resort hotel in the theme park," he added.

Durrat Al Bahrain, to be developed over 20 km of desert and sea and including 13 islands, is equally owned by the Bahrain government and Kuwait Finance House (KFH), Bahrain.

It is being developed with the help of engineering design and consultancy firm W S Atkins.

The residential and resort city will have 2,000 villas, 3,000 apartments and various community facilities, including schools, mosques, health centres, an 18-hole golf course and sports and leisure facilities specifically suited to families.

seems like these artificial islands are more famous among the gcc people
we have the same here in dubai. most of the purchasers of palm island homes are arabs.

the western people mainly focus on towers and the continent me thinks
strange somehow

but good to know the demand is there, just like here

It really doesn't matter who buys them to a certain extend as demand is demand, and a good positive sign like this could mean faster implementation and better projects in the future.

Some proper renders of this project from the official website, enjoy:

http://www.durratbahrain.com/ContentPhotos/5.jpg

http://www.durratbahrain.com/ContentPhotos/6u.jpg

http://www.durratbahrain.com/ContentPhotos/11.jpg

http://www.durratbahrain.com/ContentPhotos/11u.jpg

http://www.durratbahrain.com/ContentPhotos/12.jpg

http://www.durratbahrain.com/ContentPhotos/14u.jpg

http://www.durratbahrain.com/ContentPhotos/15u.jpg

http://www.durratbahrain.com/ContentPhotos/16u.jpg

http://www.durratbahrain.com/ContentPhotos/boat.jpg

http://www.durratbahrain.com/ContentPhotos/colour.jpg

http://www.durratbahrain.com/ContentPhotos/Overallcolourized.jpg

http://www.durratbahrain.com/ContentPhotos/Salesection1.jpg

http://www.durratbahrain.com/ContentPhotos/map.jpg

http://www.durratbahrain.com/ContentPhotos/Elev_Rear1.jpg

http://www.durratbahrain.com/ContentPhotos/RoadView1B.jpg


More to come later :).

http://www.durratbahrain.com/Library/Images/view_masterplan.jpg

http://www.durratbahrain.com/Library/Images/atoll_image.jpg

http://www.durratbahrain.com/Library/Images/view_petal.jpg

http://www.durratbahrain.com/Library/Images/view_crescent.jpg

http://www.durratbahrain.com/Library/Images/underwater.jpg

http://www.durratbahrain.com/Library/Images/golf.jpg

http://www.durratbahrain.com/Library/Images/marina.jpg

http://www.durratbahrain.com/Library/Images/beach.jpg

The last bit:

http://www.durratbahrain.com/Library/Images/view_pearl.jpg

http://www.durratbahrain.com/Library/Images/locationmap.jpg


* Note that in the map, Hawar Islands is further south near Qatar (not seen here), but this is just to give people an idea about what Bahrain includes, the major bits atleast.

Hopefully you enjoyed them :).

wow very nice renders....

the villas are very dense here as well
anyway, a nice project

They have to be dense or else the area that the project will cover will be huge and thus, not cost effective. Although ppl might complain that there won't be privacy (am sure this has been taken into account), this density creates a sense of a community, which is what this and other projects aim for.

Wow, looks amazing...great renders...but why soo far south..theres nothing down there, its soo far away from everything...are they trying to make it seem really exclusive? Even if thats the point, its soo far south...i realize bahrain is small, but still!

Guys, We should praise efforts by the person who created these wonderful renders, who is Khalid Al Muharraqui, I believe is the son of Abdulla al Muharraqui our famous artist in Bahrain.

I love how we Bahrainies contribute in different aspects of development in our country, not just financing, but leaving our stamp prints on them :)

Really, how did you know it was him? They're a family of artists anyways with some valuable skill.

ya even khalid's brother "Faisal al muharraqui" is an artist so it is a family of artists, any way i think there is a future plan to connect Hawar with Durrat Al Bahrian by 101 man made islands so maybe that's why the project is in this area

I picked it up from a magazine, he made some awesome rendernings for the BWTC as well, very realistic ones i should say, positioned on a real skyline picture.

You can see his name on the pics you posted. on the bottom right...the first group of pics you posted.

Aha, well that danaat hawar thing seems to have been just a vision unless they're now planning to do somethin about it.

Moody, what magazine did you pic up? Is it the one you said you took from the BIC? If so, it seems that it's such an amazin one :).

About the location, it's pefect imo, cause a resort of this size (20 sq. km) which is larger than Manama needs a secluded location and you don't want it to be very close to everythin as it won't get the privacy in a way which it aims for. It's only 35 mins ride to Manama given or take a few mins depending on the traffic.

http://www.alayam.com/Archive/Pictures/27-4-2005_e1-1.jpg بكلفة *٠٢ ‬مليون دينار* ‬

*٧ ‬شركات تتنافس على بنـــــاء جسـور الــدرة الــيوم
كتبت*: ‬نزيهة سعيد
تطرح صباح* ‬اليوم الاربعاء مناقصة بناء الجسور التي* ‬تربط بين الـ *١١ ‬جزيرة اصطناعية بمشروع درة خليج البحرين والتي* ‬تم تأهيل *٧ ‬شركات لها والتي* ‬تبلغ* ‬قيمتها *٠٢ ‬مليون دينار بحريني*.‬
وفي* ‬حديث لمدير عام القسم التجاري* ‬بشركة درة خليج البحرين جاسم الجودر قال*: ‬تربط الجسور الأربعة عشرة بين جميع الجزر مشكلة اكبر شبكة جسور في* ‬الشرق الاوسط ويبلغ* ‬اجمالي* ‬طولها *٥‬*,‬*٣ ‬كيلومتر*.‬
وقال*: ‬صممت الجسور شركة دبليو اس اتكنز حيث سيتم ترسية المناقصة* ‬يوليو المقبل على ان* ‬يتم تسليم اول جسر للاستخدام بداية *٧٠٠٢ ‬وذلك بعد فتح المناقصة بعد شهر من الطرح*.‬
تربط الجسور بين الجزر المرجانية والفيروزية والجزيرة الهلال وهي* ‬مكونة من مسارين من كل جهة*.‬
هذا وأكد الجودر ان مراحل تنفيذ الجزر السبع التي* ‬طرحت للتسويق ضمن مرحلتين جارية حالياً* ‬على ان* ‬يتم طرح بقية الجزر العام المقبل للاستثمار سواء بالطرح المباشر او عن طريق شركات استثمارية وسيتم الانتهاء منه في* ‬العام *٧٠٠٢ .‬
وأشار الجودر الى ان مشروع درة البحرين متقدم على جدول العمل بشهر كامل،* ‬ومن المؤمل ان* ‬يتم طرح مناقصة بناء الفلل في* ‬المشروع التي* ‬يبلغ* ‬عددها *٠٠٠٢ ‬فلة في* ‬الربع الاخير من العام الحالي

What a waste of money,

above article in Arabic says they will spend BHD 20 million (USD 50 approx) on bridges linking the 11 islands !

You're probably right, but i bet it'll look really cool though :hammer:

Yeah whatever, but still its too much and should delay payoff !

Yeah whatever, but still its too much and should delay payoff !

this project is delayed enough as it is!

Man..

I mean the payback period, that of cost associated to the project will be delyed,

it will take them more time waiting to break even, this cost is not something they need.

Well couldn't resist posting this here for others to see:

http://muharraqi-studios.com/durrat13.html

Enjoy those, makes you live the project before it's even started serious construction.

HUUHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH,

NO WAY !!!

HUUHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH,

NO WAY !!!


???

Thats is bigger than Muharraq !????

They spoiled Bahrain's SHAPE !!!! uhh my heart, looks like a fly killer thing,

Wow, this project is huge, i always figured without really thinking that it was probably comparable to Amwaj Islands off of Muharraq, scale wise...

Both have one thing in common!

It's 35% larger than Manama for those who don't know how big the project is (20 sq. km).

Well in Span and not Area of the project,,just a small correction..


Most of it is Water,,and water and water..

guys ive been thinking about this and i dont really have a good feeling about durrat al bahrain and heres why:

1. Terrible prolonging delays ... correct me if im wrong but they havent even started land reclamation?

2. The above point worsens the situation because of increasing competition in the gulf through the likes of the qatarpearl, the omanwave and the THREE PALM ISLANDS in dubai.....which are in their much later stages of development!!! In the regional market why would anyone wait for this to finish when they could purchase their property elsewhere!?

3. Local competition - Project is lagging waaay behind amwaj islands.

4. lack of incentives- i mean if u seriously think about it what does durrat offer that amwaj doesnt? Apart from its more secluded location and a golf course....WHY would anyone choose this over the others?!?!

5. Monotonious and Boring (unlike amwaj) - Maybe i shouldnt judge from these early renderings but the majority of the project seems to lack in variety and it doesnt look good to have uniform houses over 20 km2!!! Its not very stable if you ask me and God forbid this project will ever fall into the fate of the now almost defunct Zallaq beach dvelopment (old chalet develpments).

CONCLUSIONS:

I fear that by the time the durrat dvelopers get off their bums, they will not be able to cope with the developed competition from both within bahrain (amwaj) and outside (qatar pearl, dubai palm). I fear that by the time the development is complete, it will have jumped onto the boat a bit too late...only to face lack of demand and a surplus of available properties.

so would anyone care to enlighten my negative thoughts on this project? :)

:dj:

guys ive been thinking about this and i dont really have a good feeling about durrat al bahrain and heres why:

1. Terrible prolonging delays ... correct me if im wrong but they havent even started land reclamation?

2. The above point worsens the situation because of increasing competition in the gulf through the likes of the qatarpearl, the omanwave and the THREE PALM ISLANDS in dubai.....which are in their much later stages of development!!! In the regional market why would anyone wait for this to finish when they could purchase their property elsewhere!?

3. Local competition - Project is lagging waaay behind amwaj islands.

4. lack of incentives- i mean if u seriously think about it what does durrat offer that amwaj doesnt? Apart from its more secluded location and a golf course....WHY would anyone choose this over the others?!?!

5. Monotonious and Boring (unlike amwaj) - Maybe i shouldnt judge from these early renderings but the majority of the project seems to lack in variety and it doesnt look good to have uniform houses over 20 km2!!! Its not very stable if you ask me and God forbid this project will ever fall into the fate of the now almost defunct Zallaq beach dvelopment (old chalet develpments).

CONCLUSIONS:

I fear that by the time the durrat dvelopers get off their bums, they will not be able to cope with the developed competition from both within bahrain (amwaj) and outside (qatar pearl, dubai palm). I fear that by the time the development is complete, it will have jumped onto the boat a bit too late...only to face lack of demand and a surplus of available properties.


Reclamation started months ago (for somethin like $120 million), the whole resort was revamped that's why it took a while to properly start sales n all. This project has nice things, am sure it'll be good. There has been huge demand on the properties so that's a good thing (read page 2 of this thread). Time will tell but it looks good. The developers are smart and trust me, they won't go for anythin.

Man,

This is not the case,

This one is unique among all, we had it even before the palm, yeah they came after this is 1.

2-isolated, makes it better for those who are non bahrainies, who prefer secrecy and personalised residence.

3-Amwaj will be full by time this one is about to be ready and market has capacity for more customers, my own opinion.

4-Every project has it own risks, so this one does, a little more/ yes but wait and see maybe we will overcome others in no tim.

5-villas will not look the same, i'm sure i read this somewhere and they will talk to the buyers to select their prefered design.

Be optimistic, like is luck man,

i really wish i was more optimistic about this but lets be realistic here in terms of competition.....the key question here is what would make the consumer choose durrat over others? .......the tartget market mainly consists of gulf consumers and they face a wide choice of projects that are currently more developed and offer a lot more.....i read that the budget for the peral is almost twice that of durrats and lets not even go into the dubai palms....

so Bahraini forumers if you were a consumer looking for a holiday home, would you choose durrat? and WHY?

Anyway Bahraini Spirit you are right to an extent in the sense that the developers have their ways about things....anyway i really hope this project succeeds and somehow manages to compete with heavily funded external gulf tourism projects. and as Bspirit says only time will tell....:)

:dj:

Be optimistic, like is luck man,

Yes Moody u r right I should really be more optimistic. Anyhow I just wanted to bring these issues to topic as I feel is important to realize the risks of this project...and in the end of the day we can be thankfull that investors are willing to take such business risks in our country :okay:

what i love about bahrain is they don't want the superlative like dubai
small, nice and fine :)

Why would you say that, i think this project (among others) is top notch!

what i mean is, everybody knows dubai is building up a hell lot of things, but none of them knows exactly what it is! not yet at least!

nobody in the world recognizes what's happening in bahrain & qatar though
it is completely ignored in the media

i swear, 99% of the people in germany couldn't even name the capitals of both, neither could they locate them on a map!

so, i think, both will have a deep impact like a bomb once some/many projects have been completed

I agree on this point, Normal people of the world never heard of our countries and these major developments will introduce our countries to them. ( of course business men do know what and where Bahrain and Dubai are)

It's just about marketing, Dubai gets tons of it while Bahrain and Qatar don't, although they have some projects that are some of the best around.

Well I hope our F1 has already introduced us to the Nations so far better than other countries !

Well I hope our F1 has already introduced us to the Nations so far better than other countries !

oh it has believe me :) Many people ive met over here have actually only known Bahrain through the F1!! So hopefully we can use this as a base to promote our bigger projects like the BFH onto the international stage aswell!

Allah yesma3 menik aaameeen:):)

I can tell you a lot of Spanish know where Bahrain is, I've been talkin to them and they're like yaaaaaa, that's where Alonso won hehe.

wow, finally people will know about bahrain
so we will not get questions like where is bahrain and we will have to answer Bahrain is an island next to Saudi and then they will think were part of saudi

Hahaha, ya, that used to happen with me too =P

I'd have to say before and even still, when I say we're next to Saudi, some think we're part of Saudi and am like noooooooo, we're a small island. It's funny but hey, it's part of the game.

http://pdf.alayam.com/Archive/PDF/May_2005/10-5-2005/Page52.pdf

Video:
http://www.muharraqi-studios.com/animation-durrat.html

Thanks for the video B.Spirit.

At the end of the video it says 2007 coming soon :dunno: ??????

I downloaded the video twice, but it doesn't seem to work...It says the file is either invalid or corrupted....and when i try to unzip it doesn't work, it says 'no files extracted'...can anyone help!?

I downloaded the video twice, but it doesn't seem to work...It says the file is either invalid or corrupted....and when i try to unzip it doesn't work, it says 'no files extracted'...can anyone help!?

Well its an avi file and you need a DivX plugin for it to work.

Ya I forgot to mention that :D.

Very nice animation, thank you B.Spirit

Kool works. liked it so much:)

It's just about marketing, Dubai gets tons of it while Bahrain and Qatar don't, although they have some projects that are some of the best around.

Yes B.S,

They are following agressive adversitising campaigns, in many GCC Newspapers, but hey, they have a good reason for that since their projects are one of thei kind!

Yes B.S,

They are following agressive adversitising campaigns, in many GCC Newspapers, but hey, they have a good reason for that since their projects are one of thei kind!


Well we have very creative projects sometimes more creative than them but we never market as agressively.

Bahraini and foreign construction companies are vying for a BD20 million project to build 13 new causeways as part of Durrat Al Bahrain. The final date for submitting the bids is June 21, said Durrat Al Bahrain chief executive Jassim Al Jowder.

He said that several other tenders for infrastructure projects will be invited in August and added that work on Al Hilal and Al Fairuz artificial islands has completed, while Al Murjan Island project is nearing end.

the project with Bahrain map ..

great project .. thanks guys for all the news..

http://muharraqi-studios.com/durrat/1.jpg

hi all ..

did u saw this picture before ?

The project with this Satellite Picture at May 2005 ..


http://www.martinmideast.net/1dce07b0.jpg


its coming but still to build the other islands at first .


.

http://www.martinmideast.net/id20.htm

thanx bahraini 87 for yr posting
i like this and the previous :)

Wow, this is great progress since the launch of project:) thanks for the pic

The cresent Island will be soon offered to investors, they put an ad in alwasat.

قوامها *٠٩٣ ‬فيلا
طرح مناقصة بناء فلل المرحلةالاولى لدرة البحرين بنهاية اغسطس



صرح جاسم الجودر الرئيس التنفيذي* ‬لشركة درة خليج البحرين بأن فلل المرحلة الاولى من المشروع والتي* ‬تقع على جزيرتي* ‬المرجان الاولى والثانية وجزيرة الفيروز الاولى وقوامها *٠٩٣ ‬فيلا قد تم الانتهاء من اعداد تصاميمها بالكامل،* ‬وسوف تطرح مناقصة بناء هذه الفلل مع بداية شهر سبتمبر*.‬
وقال الجودر* : ‬سوف* ‬يراعى في* ‬طرح المناقصة استفادة اكبر عدد ممكن من مقاولي* ‬الانشاءات في* ‬البحرين وهذا القرار الذي* ‬اتخذته ادارة الشركة من منطلقات وطنية*.‬
وقال الرئيس التنفيذي*: ‬ان هذه السياسة تحقق فائدة اكبر للمستفيدين بالمشروع،* ‬حيث ان المنافسة الشريفة بين المقاولين ترفع من مستوى الانجاز وطبيعي* ‬ان تكون الاستفادة من جملة من المقاولين اكبر من الاستفادة بجهود مقاول واحد*.‬
واضاف الجودر* : ‬ان الاسلوب الذي* ‬اختارته شركة درة خليج البحرين من منطلقات وطنية واقتصادية هو اسلوب مفيد للجميع بلا استثناء بما في* ‬ذلك الشركة نفسها كما ان سياستنا التي* ‬لن نحيد عنها هي* ‬توزيع الاعمال واستفادة الجميع من المشروع قدر الامكان*.‬

Found this today:


http://gulf-daily-news.com/source/xxviii/139/images/ten.jpg

TENDERS for the construction of 390 villas in the first phase of Durrat Al Bahrain will be out later this month, it has been revealed. The villas will be built on the first and second Atoll Islands and first Petal Island, said Durrat Khaleej Al Bahrain Company chief executive officer Jassim Al Jowder.

A large number of local contractors in Bahrain will be given a chance to benefit from the tender, he told the GDN.

"This decision was taken by the company board out of national feelings," said Mr Al Jowder.

"Clients may also get a chance to choose their contractors. Work is expected to be completed by early 2007."

All 390 villas offered in the first phase of the luxury residential resort were sold in February this year.

The sale deals were concluded mainly in an exhibition at the Ritz-Carlton Bahrain Hotel and Spa, where the company's sales office was also opened.

Dredging for the first phase is being completed two months ahead of schedule by Great Lakes-Nass, which was also awarded a BD56.7-million contract last month for reclamation, dredging and shore protection for the second and final phase.

Durrat is co-owned by Kuwait Finance House and the Bahrain government and includes five petal-shaped islands, six atoll islands, a central island and a crescent-shaped island.

The total cost of the project is estimated at $1 billion (BD378m), said Mr Al Jowder.

It is being developed with the help of engineering design and consultancy firm W S Atkins.

"The idea of designing the project was derived from an oasis in the middle of a desert and the coral and sea islands," said Mr Al Jowder.

"Sea is a common factor for all the installations of the project because of its close links with the people of Bahrain."

The residential and resort city will have 2,000 villas, 3,000 apartments and community facilities.

These include schools, mosques, health centres, beaches, parks, an 18-hole golf course and sports and leisure facilities specifically suited to families.

"Durrat Al Bahrain will eventually accommodate 33,000 residents permanently, in addition to 5,000 daily visitors," said Mr Al Jowder.

"This is considered the biggest construction project that is being executed in Bahrain."

It is situated in the southeast of the country and is a 35-minute drive from central Manama along the newly constructed highway.

"The resort also lies near the area proposed for the Bahrain-Qatar causeway," said Mr Al Jowder, who added that half the area will be reserved for sports activities.

Building 13 new causeways as part of Durrat Al Bahrain
7.6.2005
Local and foreign construction firms are vying for a BD20 million project to build 13 new causeways as part of Durrat Al Bahrain. According to GDN, the final date for submitting the bids is June 21, said Durrat Al Bahrain chief executive Jassim Al Jowder.

Durrat Al Bahrain, which is building a huge housing and tourism project worth $1.2 billion in the kingdom, said it had awarded an insurance cover worth 175 million dinars ($464 million to two local companies, in the first such big insurance deal in Bahrain in years.

The agreement was signed in Manama on Monday with two Bahrain-based Islamic insurance companies - Takaful International and Solidarity.
Chief Executive of Durrat Jassim al-Jowdar said that the international insurance broker AON Middle East had been appointed as risk management consultants for the project.
Jowdar told reporters after the signing ceremony that the insurance deal was equally awarded to both companies starting from September 1 for 49 months, and is divided into four phases.
The first phase covers infrastructure at a cost of 50 million dinars, the 20-million-dinar second phase covers bridges, and the third, worth 50 million dinars, insures villas of the first phase, while the last phase worth 55 million dinars covers villas of the second phase.
Durrat is a 50-50 joint venture between the Bahraini government and Kuwait Finance House, which bought the stake from Saudi Arabia's Dallah al-Baraka worth 16 million dinars three years ago.
The Bahraini government has already set up a $100 million company to run the project.
Durrat Al Bahrain plans to build 2,000 villas with luxury rooms enjoying sea view from almost all directions, and around 3,000 apartments, luxury hotels, restaurants, a marina, and sport facilities including an 18-hole golf course. A 23-km highway is being built to link the project with the main island.
Cash-rich Gulf Arab and foreign investors have already bought luxury villas which will be built on the Atolls and Petals.
When the project is completed, Durrat will be a full fledged city resort, offering facilities including universities, schools and hospitals to its residents and visitors.
Construction of the villas is expected to start in 2006 and complete in 2007.
Durrat plans to build three bridges that would link 11 artificial islands with the main land in South East Bahrain on Wednesday. The bridges are three km long.
"Durrat Al Bahrain is a catalyst for the economic development of Bahrain. It will definitely give a boost to the economy, tourism and other industries," al-Jowdar said.
Bahrain's relaxed social environment, warm climate and nice beaches are luring Arab and foreign tourists, mainly from Saudi Arabia.
Tourism officials have said more than 4.5 million tourists visited Bahrain in 2004, and the number is expected to grow this year.
There are around 90 hotels and apartments in the kingdom, which has a population of around 700,000 – one third of them foreigners, and the government has created more leisure parks that appeal to Gulf Arab nations.
The landmark political and economic reforms launched by the King Hamad bin Isa al-Khalifa, together with the election of parliament have contributed well towards the stability of the archipelago and increased confidence among local and foreign investors.
Investors are also building a $1 billion housing and tourism project in North Eastern Bahrain – Amwaj - on an artificial island as part of a campaign to lure more foreign tourists.

Some pics of a villa there, quite nice:

http://muharraqi-studios.com/durrat_villa_new.html

Thanks to patriot who reminded me of visiting this site again ;).

can non-Bahrainis buy property and land in Bahrain? I know they are having limited success with this in the UAE, but am not aware of Bahrain's laws.

can non-Bahrainis buy property and land in Bahrain? I know they are having limited success with this in the UAE, but am not aware of Bahrain's laws.


Bahrain is the first country in the gulf to allow expats and foreigners to own property, so to answer you exactly, yes.

great! thanks for the answer. Bahrain is a very nice country.

November 2005

http://static.flickr.com/35/70904902_a0810808f1_o.jpg

It's nice but bahrain looks weird now in a way.

yeah cause Bahrain is so small this changed the image we were used too. You think they will change all the maps soon; cause that alone will be a huge advert for the project.

Reclamation is in progress! even more progress than i expected to see !

This looks weird, images the sea horse from two seas project, I don't want to go there hehe.

o ya wat eva happened with two seas has it been approved? and where is the location?? and ur rite man...images ahah i cant imagine bahrains map in 30 years...all these weird geometrical shapes ahha

I heard there will be another project on the opposite side of this one ! lets wait and see!

any websites or anything?

I heard there will be another project on the opposite side of this one ! lets wait and see!

It's this mina a salaam project that's on the opposite site.


Natural, am not sure what websites you're talkin about but just in case:

www.durratbahrain.com

Ohh reallly? did they mention the exact location of Salam beach resort?

here I did a little map since EDB never updates their site. :)

http://static.flickr.com/20/71782790_d2551a971f_o.jpg

i really want to see more of riffa views but their website isn't really helpful :bash: Riffa Views (http://riffaviews.com/riffa_views.html)

Nice map, EDP are in deep sleep, website sucks ...

Good job !

http://static.flickr.com/9/76988186_c045fab808_o.jpg

UP to 65 per cent of construction work on the new highway leading to Durrat Al Bahrain resort has been completed. The project is expected to serve Jaw, Askar and Al Dour villages on its completion, said Works and Housing Ministry Assistant Under-Secretary for roads Issam Khalaf. He was speaking as he inspected the site in company of roads projects and maintenance director Raed Salah.

The Durrat Al Bahrain Resort Highway is set to become an integral part of the peripheral highway.

Work on BD17.65 million project is expected to be completed on June 13.

link (http://gulf-daily-news.com/Story.asp?Article=130866&Sn=BNEW&IssueID=28280)

When I was last in bahrain, me and my cuz decided to just go around near askar and jaw just for the sake of it and we saw part of the highway u/c.

i cannot see the pics
can somebody please post them on a free hosting website?

i'd love to see the progress of this one

^^ here you go taken end of November 2005
http://tinypic.com/j63adf

thanks a lot
i didn't expect to be so far either
nice to see other projects than palm islands in dubai ;)

Durrat villas in great demand

MORE than 70 per cent of villas on offer in the Durrat Al Bahrain's second phase expansion have been sold to Gulf investors.

Out of 800 villas to be constructed, 650 have been sold, said Durrat Al Bahrain chief executive officer Jassim Al Jowder.

Reclamation work for seven islands has also been completed, he told the GDN.

A sales office will be opened at the site next month, said Mr Al Jowder.

"We also hope to start preliminary work on the commercial projects in the complex," he added.

These will include hotels, a shopping mall and a golf course.

Meanwhile, piling work is in progress in the complex for the biggest bridge construction of its kind within Bahrain.

Work on the construction of 13 bridges is being carried out by Nass Murray & Roberts joint venture, under a BD20 million contract awarded last year.

The contract comprises 13 precast architectural bridges with a total length of 3.5km.

The bridges have been designed by international consultants, W S Atkins & Partners Overseas.

"It is anticipated that the first bridges will be handed over for public use in early 2007," said Mr Al Jowder.

"These will form one of Bahrain's greatest tourism landmarks, owing to their magnificent architecture, as they link all islands in a single network.

"In addition to walkways and promenades between the islands, motorists or pedestrians will have the opportunity to take photographs of the breath-taking scenery."

Durrat Al Bahrain has won the government's support as it banks on world-class luxury to cater for all tastes and needs, said Mr Al Jowder.

The entire $1.2 billion project is going ahead on schedule, he added.

During the peak construction phase, it would provide jobs for about 8,000 people.

Mr Al Jowder said the project had already attracted international attention.

All 390 villas offered in the first phase of the luxury residential resort were sold in February last year.

Dredging for the first phase was completed two months ahead of schedule by Great Lakes-Nass, which was also awarded a BD56.7m contract for reclamation, dredging and shore protection for the second and final phase.

Durrat is co-owned by Kuwait Finance House (KFH) and the Bahrain government and includes five petal-shaped islands, six atoll islands, a central island and a crescent-shaped island.

The residential and resort city will have 2,000 villas, 3,000 apartments and community facilities.

These include schools, mosques, health centres, beaches, parks, an 18-hole golf course and sports and leisure facilities, specifically suited to families.

"Durrat Al Bahrain will eventually accommodate 33,000 residents permanently, in addition to 5,000 daily visitors," said Mr Al Jowder.

"This is considered the biggest construction project that is being executed in Bahrain."

It is situated in the southeast of the country and is a 35-minute drive from central Manama along the newly constructed highway.

"The resort also lies near the area proposed for the Bahrain-Qatar causeway," said Mr Al Jowder, who added that half the area would be reserved for sports activities.

Innovative ownership and financing schemes have been put in place, he said. "A freehold ownership law has opened opportunities for investment by expatriates." "Well thought-out financing structures, both Islamically compliant and conventional, are also in place to assist mid-level income earners become homeowners in Durrat Al Bahrain."

You posted 1 s before me hehe.

Guys checkout Muharraqi site, new video for durrat Al Bahrain.
there is also something about Bahrain airport which is coming soon
http://muharraqi-studios.com/

What is this new city on his website, next to the airport?

Thought it was the harbour for a split second but I have no idea. Northern town maybe?

hi,

This is certainly a massive project..! It is bound to bring a tourist influx into the island-country! A very well-designed project. Greetings Bahrain.

Peace.

thnx this is our version of the palm islands in dubai :)

sup my boys ahah well ya iam back....ooo wait a second this is nothing compared to palm islands...just 300% BETTER :P

http://www.3dtotal.com/team/interviews/Khalid_Muharraqi/images/main.jpg

http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid200/pff6c80dd039014188adb68b31f306c4e/f07cc678.jpg ترسي فلل جزيرة الفيروز الأولى خلال أسبوع
»درة البحرين« تطرح مناقصات جزيرتي المرجان الأولى والثانية قبل نهاية الشهر

ضاحية السيف - عباس سلمان
ذكرت شركة درة خليج البحرين التي تقوم بإنشاء واحد من أضخم المشروعات السكنية والسياحية في المملكة بكلفة تزيد على مليار دولار أنها سترسي عطاء فلل جزيرة الفيروز الأولى قبل نهاية الشهر الجاري معلنة بذلك بدء العمل الفعلي في بناء فلل المشروع الذي يقام في أقصى جنوب شرق البحرين والمتوقع أن يكتمل في العام .


9002 وقال الرئيس التنفيذي للشركة جاسم الجودر: »إن الدرة ستطرح في الوقت نفسه مناقصات جزيرتي المرجان الأولى والثانية في وقت تخطو فيه لإتمام اتفاقات مع شركات للبدء في إنشاء الخدمات المصاحبة للمشروع وتحويل المنطقة الخالية إلى واحدة من أفضل المناطق للسكن والسياحة لجذب المزيد من السياح العرب والأجانب إلى المملكة«.
وأبلغ الجودر »الوسط« في مقابلة خاصة »بالنسبة إلى الفلل فستتم الترسية خلال أسبوع واحد وأقصاه أسبوعان على جزيرة الفيروز الأولى. كما سيتم خلال أسبوع واحد طرح مناقصات الفلل لجزيرتي المرجان الأولى والثانية وسيتبع ذلك البنية التحتية للمرحلة الأولى الأسبوع المقبل للجزر الثلاث«.
وقال الجودر: »في الوقت الحاضر يتم دفن 13 جزيرة سيقام عليها المشروع وفي الوقت نفسه يتم بناء 13 جسراً تصل بين الجزر والساحل الجنوبي ليكون جاهزا للسكن في العام 2008.
وتبلغ القيمة الإجمالية لعمليات الدفان في المرحلتين الأولى والثانية نحو 150 مليون دولار وتم تركيب صخور لحماية الجزر بطول 3,5 كيلومترات. وستربط هذه الجزر شبكة من الجسور بطول 3,5 كيلومترات إذ تعتبر أكبر شبكة جسور بحرية يتم انشاؤها في البحرين.
وشركة درة البحرين مملوكة مناصفة بين الحكومة البحرينية وبيت التمويل الكويتي وتقوم بإنشاء المنتجع على مساحة تقدر بنحو 20 كيلومتراً ويهدف إلى جذب السياح العرب والأجانب وخصوصاً أن المنطقة مفتوحة للاستثمارات الأجنبية وكذلك تملك العقار للأجانب.
وبحسب المخطط الرئيسي، فإن نحو نصف مساحة موقع المشروع ستخصص لأنشطة الرياضة والترويح، ومساحات خضراء إضافة إلى ملعب الغولف والمنتزه الرئيسي. كما يشتمل على مساحة واسعة لاستخدام مختلف الأنشطة مثل ركوب الخيل وسباق السيارات الصغيرة وغيرها.
وستحتل المساحة المخصصة للأغراض السكنية نحو ربع مساحة الموقع، معظمها مخصص للفيلات الفاخرة التي ستحيط بكل منها مساحة كبيرة للمرافق والأنشطة الرياضية، بينما ستشغل الأرض المخصصة للأغراض التجارية والفنادق والخدمات العامة جزءاً صغيراً نسبياً. ويتضمن المخطط الرئيسي قوساً من ست جزر مرجانية وقوساً آخر على هيئة 5 من بتلات الزهور ومنتجعاً وجزيرة فندقية على شكل هلال وملعب غولف عالميّاً ومارينا للرياضات البحرية. وبدأت عملية ردم ودفن الجزر في نهاية العام الماضي.
وتقوم شركة غريت ليكس، وهي شركة مساهمة بين شركة غريت ليكس دردج آند دوك ومجموعة شركات ناس بجميع أعمال إنشاء البنية التحتية التي تشمل أعمال الردم والبناء. وكانت شركة غريت ليكس ناس حصلت على عقد تبلغ قيمته 105 ملايين دولار من أجل الانتهاء من أعمال انشاء جزر المشروع في غضون 26 شهراً.
وتم التخطيط لمشروع درة البحرين ليكون منتجعاً استجمامياً وسياحياً فائقاً بمواصفات عالمية ويعد واحداً من أكبر المشروعات الإنشائية التي يتم تنفيذها حالياً في البحرين وتبلغ مساحته مليوني متر مربع تشمل أراضي ومساحات بحرية. من جهة أخرى يتوقع أن تقوم درة البحرين بالسحب على الجائزة الكبرى التي أعلنت في شهر رمضان الماضي وتتضمن فلة في المنتجع وسيارة ويختاً في شهر فبراير/ شباط المقبل.

sorry I don't know where to put and it is still in Design Stage


taken from http://www.atkins-me.com

http://www.atkins-me.com/Images/MasterplanI.jpg

http://www.atkins-me.com/Images/Durrat_Night_View.jpg

http://www.atkins-me.com/Images/Image2.jpg

FISH SHAPED Island
http://www.atkins-me.com/Images/FishPlan_II.jpg

http://www.atkins-me.com/Images/crescent.jpg



Durrat Al Bahrain Master Planning
Location: Bahrain

Client: Confidential

Features: Six atolls each comprising 172 villas with a total of 1.5 km of beach per atoll. Five petal islands of 52- 90 villas each with individual moorings. An 18-hole golf course of 5,000-6,000sqm surrounded by 258 villas. A 400-boat marina with clubhouse. The Crescent Island includes cafes, shops, leisure facilities and site for 2,000 apartments. Central Resort Hotel: 300-600 five-star rooms and suites together with world-class leisure facilities.

Size: Total site area: 20km2

Status: Design stage

Located on the southeast coast of Bahrain, the Durrat Al Bahrain project covers an area of 20km2 (5km x 4km). Atkins has been appointed to design the masterplan and provide complete design consultancy services for this ambitious project.

Six distinctive elements comprise the development.

Atolls: An outer fringe is formed by an arc of six atolls offering communities of 172 villas with adjacent to mooring and beach facilities. Each atoll boasts 1.5km of water frontage, shared club facilities and a private ladies beach island. The atolls are accessed from bridges via the Petal Islands.

Petal Islands: The arc of five petals is connected along a circular bridge. The long water frontages comprise communities of 52-90 villas each. Each villa has shared access to boat moorings, community facilities and a shared beach. The Petals complement the Atoll Islands and play a key role in the overall design of the project. They are also intriguing and compelling, forming a key link between the Atolls and the Crescent.

Crescent Island: At the heart of the project is the Crescent Island with a series of beaches totalling 2 km facing the central lagoon. The beach promenade comprises cafes, restaurants, a retail mall, shops, beach centres and apartments. A significant feature of the Crescent is the traditional walled quarter with craft shops, markets, accommodation and a ferry terminal. To cater to the business community, the Crescent offers a major conference and exhibition centre, provision of 2,000 apartments and community essentials including a school, mosque, healthcare facilities, police and fire stations.

Central Hotel: Built around the concept of the ‘Toy Box’ and a place for fun, the Central Hotel will occupy a prominent position at the geographical centre of the entire development. The 300-600 luxurious rooms and suites will be equipped with world class facilities. These include an aqua park, mega soft play zones, a crèche, water sports centre and spa, a tennis and fitness club and family restaurants

Golf Course: The classic 18-hole course of approximately 5,000-6,000m adds a further dimension to the project. To support this unique course, a 300-room five star hotel will be built partly on an island but also extending into the sea. The hotel will be complemented by 258 villas each facing the golf course or water.

Marina: The 400-boat marina set in a lagoon boasts a complete range of services and maintenance facilities for boats including a fuel station. 200 waterside villas with moorings will be supported by cafes, marina support services and a VIP boating clubhouse. The Marina, as with the Golf Course will have a bold ‘palm plantation’ setting bringing a tropical touch to this unique and innovative development. Strategically located around the fringe of the marina are apartments that command a view of the marina bay.

Thanx for the effort, but this project is not new...Way passed the Design stage...

Here's the thread: http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?p=7084024#post7084024

Remarkable progress on Durrat Al Bahrain transforming map of the Kingdom

With the significant progress made on the establishment of Durrat Al Bahrain, the Kingdom's largest planned residential, leisure and tourist resort, the Kingdom's coastline is being transformed as the 20 sq km island paradise takes shape.

http://www.ameinfo.com/images/news/8/21958-artis.jpg
An artist's impression.

The latest satellite photographs of the area provide a breathtaking view of the US$3 billion development project, which once complete, will be approximately the size of the city of Manama.

Currently, dredging and land reclamation work are advancing to their final stages, with all of the dredging and reclamation for the project expected to be completed months ahead of schedule.

Durrat Al Bahrain is comprised of a cluster of islands and land areas that together give the development its unique island lifestyle theme. These include: The Crescent, a semi-circular landmass extending into the sea, in addition to 6 Atoll Islands, 5 Petal Islands, a stand alone island set to house a 5-star family hotel and resort, a state-of-the art marina and an 18-hole golf course, which is expected to be developed by a world renowned golf course designer and operating company.

'As reflected in the latest satellite views, there has been remarkable progress made on this landmark project, which will offer a wealth of beach-life and leisure activities for residents and visitors,' said Mr. Jassim Al Jowder, Chief Executive Officer of Durrat Al Bahrain.

He continued, 'As the images project, land reclamation work is well underway and we have already completed a significant portion of the project's main features. All 5 Petal Islands are now finished in addition to two Atoll islands, setting the stage for work to begin on the construction of over 400 villas sold as Phase 1 and 2 of the project. Villas, which were sold out by February 2005, will be ready for delivery, to the delight of owners, by mid-2007.'

The project is creating some 15 to 18 kms of sandy beaches and approximately 50 to 60 kms of new seafront.

Ensuring the project is developing according to schedule, four dredgers, of which one is the tallest in the world, are on site, with dredging capacity reaching a massive 100,000 cubic metres a day.

Also moving forward at a fast pace is work on the required infrastructure for the resort community and commercial centre, which at completion in 2009, is expected to accommodate more than 45,000 full time residents in addition to some 4,000 visitors a day.

Infrastructure development currently underway includes piling work for the project's 12 bridges, which will connect the various islands together and to the mainland, as well as water and sewerage facilities. Work is also in progress on a highway linking Durrat Al Bahrain to Manama, with completion expected by September of this year.

'Whilst we are committed to meeting all project development deadlines, we are equally committed to protecting Bahrain's environment, including marine life,' said Mr. Al Jowder. A number of environmental impact studies, encompassing both land and sea, have been conducted, with continuous monitoring an integral part of the development work.

Durrat Al Bahrain has been planned as a world-class residential, leisure and commercial and tourist destination, offering a lifestyle experience unrivalled in the Middle East.

The Crescent, which will be the heart of the resort city, will boast 6,000 apartments, a large-scale modern shopping mall, restaurants and cafes, a piazza, public beaches and a host of community facilities, including a mosque, health centres and schools.

The Atoll and Petal Islands will provide quiet residential living, with a total of 2,000 luxury villas of different sizes, private and common beach areas, boat mooring options and breathtaking sea views.

The 400-boat, full service Marina will offer a canal-type lifestyle, with waterfront townhouses and apartments, cafes and shopping. The adjoining 18-hole championship golf course will also house a 300-room hotel and over 250 villas facing the golf course or the sea.

The Island Hotel is envisioned as a 400-room signature hotel, with private beach and an aqua park.

To facilitate access for all prospective residents, innovative ownership and financing schemes have been put in place. A freehold ownership law has opened opportunities for investment by expatriates and well-thought out financing structures, both Islamically compliant and conventional, are also in place to assist mid-level income earners to own the home of their dreams in Durrat Al Bahrain.

You guys have to do more of these projects. Bahrain should be like the Bahamas and I am not exaggerating, I think if you put enough money and efforts u can do it. I love Bahrain:) reminds me of Doha, before it totally changed its identity

Durrat Al Bahrain awards $18.5m deal
Posted: Tuesday, February 28, 2006

http://www.tradearabia.com/source/2006-02/28/Durrat.jpg
Al Jowder with Projects Construction managing director Stan Bontoft

Manama

Durrat Al Bahrain has announced the award of a BD6.998 million ($18.5 million) contract for the construction of 83 villas on one island of the residential, leisure and tourist resort, the Kingdom’s largest planned mixed-use development.

The contract, awarded to Bahrain-based Projects Construction Company, is the first of many contracts to be announced for the development of residential villas in the $3 billion development, where dredging and reclamation work is in its final stages.

With the award of the contract for villas on Petal 1 Island, work will begin within days and the villas will take 12 months to build.

The Durrat Al Bahrain project comprises a cluster of islands and land areas that together give the development its unique island lifestyle theme.

These include: The Crescent, a semi-circular landmass extending into the sea, 6 Atoll Islands, 5 Petal Islands, a stand alone island set to house a 5-star family hotel and resort, a state-of-the-art marina and an 18-hole golf course, all of which is being developed in phases.

“We are delighted to award the first contract for the construction of luxury villas on Petal 1 island,” said Durrat Al Bahrain chief executive officer Jassim Al Jowder.

The Petal 1 villas are part of Phase I of the development work, which also includes construction of over 300 villas on Atolls 1 and 2, for which contracts will be awarded within the next three months. All of the Phase I villas, which were sold out by February 2005, will be ready for delivery to the owners by mid-2007.

“There has been remarkable progress made on this landmark project and everything, from reclamation to infrastructure work, is on or ahead of schedule,” said Al Jowder.

A contract for Phase I infrastructure work, which will include power and water facilities and the building of roads, is expected to awarded within the next few weeks.

Durrat Al Bahrain has been planned as a world-class residential, leisure and commercial and tourist destination, offering a lifestyle experience unrivalled in the Middle East.

It is expected to accommodate more than 45,000 full time residents in addition to some 4,000 visitors a day, upon completion in 2009.

The Crescent, which will be the heart of the resort city, will boast 6,000 apartments, a large-scale modern shopping mall, restaurants and cafes, a piazza, public beaches and a host of community facilities, including a mosque, health centres and schools.

The Atoll and Petal Islands will provide quiet residential living, with a total of 2,000 luxury villas of different sizes, private and common beach areas, boat mooring options and breathtaking sea views.

The 400-boat, full service Marina will offer a canal-type lifestyle, with waterfront townhouses and apartments, cafes and shopping. The adjoining 18-hole championship golf course will also house a 300-room hotel and over 250 villas facing the golf course or the sea.

The Island Hotel is envisioned as a 400-room signature hotel, with private beach and an aqua park.

To facilitate access for all prospective residents, innovative ownership and financing schemes have been put in place. A freehold ownership law has opened opportunities for investment by expatriates and well-thought out financing structures, both Islamically compliant and conventional, are also in place to assist mid-level income earners to own the home of their dreams in Durrat Al Bahrain.

Durrat Al Bahrain is owned by the Durrat Khaleej Al Bahrain Company, in which the Government of Bahrain and Kuwait Finance House – Bahrain each hold a 50 per cent stake. Durrat Al Bahrain, a 20 square kilometre area of pristine waters and untouched beaches, once complete, is expected to be approximately the size of Manama, Bahrain’s capital city.

The master planner/architects of the project are W S Atkins, the renowned engineering design and consultancy, and project/development manager is KMC Bovis, a joint venture between the Kuwaiti Manager Company and Bovis Lend Lease.

sorry but the desing blows !!

Some people mention Amwaj and compare it to Durrat, come on there is no comparison.But I will have a go at it to clarify.

1. Durrat at 20Km square is about 5 times the size of Amwaj

2. Durrat is owned by The Goverment Of Bahrain and KFH which is one of the biggest Islamic Banks In Kuwait, and Amwaj is owned by 3 Bahraini buisness men which means limited resources.

3. Durrat was designed by Atkins and Amwaj BY?

4. Durrat villa will be built to very high standards and Amwaj, well I've seen their villas, and no comment. It's just targeted for a lower level client, and there's nothing wrong with that I'm only comparing.

Just to clarify the target market of each project is different...You can tell from the prices among other things.

5. Durrat will be developed by one developer which will stick with the project and run it after it's completed for a yearly fee. Amwaj is sold peice by peice to different developers and individual investors, some of them will just sell, take their money and leave.

6. Durrat is the only place I know of where you can have your Yacht parked in front of your villa and pool, and at the same time you have a 1.5 KM long beach behind your villa a 30 seconds walk away.

7. Durrat plots will range from 500 sqm to 1500 sqm. Prices range from BD 159,000
to over BD 600,00. Again back to my point diffrent client than Amwaj

8. Villa sea front range from 18m to 32m in Durrat, while it starts from 8m in Amwaj.

9. Amwaj was delayed for years same as Durrat, but the later was delayed because Saleh Kamel the previos developer didn't have the guts to go through with it, and sold it for $20mil profit I think. And come to think of it thank God he did, cos the Water Park he built was rubbish. And I am sure Amwaj will get one like it.

10. Durrat is at the south of the Island where the environment is cleaner, the wheather is cooler, and the sea is heaven.

11. Durrat is nearest to Riffa and others south of it. and come on a 7-10 minutes more time to drive to reach there than Amwaj is not that bad. It's an open new road with no traffic.

Don't miss the rerun about Durra in BTV 6pm today, not very sure about the date and time do you own DD. Last week I was told it was about Amwaj and Al Areen, missed them unfortunatly :bash:

taken 3 June 2006

http://img69.imageshack.us/img69/7016/durrat03june6lm.jpg

wow that's quite impressive...............wonder how long will it be till residents can move in

the reclamation still needs more time, they still have to reclaim one more atoll and the middle island. But I think they are going to hand some of the houses over in the first petal and two atolls, which is part of phase one, before they finish the whole project.

Great progress. What I really hope is that the beaches will be good, that's what we really need. The sea down there is fantastic so hopefully they'll capitalize on that.

Thanks pearl for the pic :).

Don't worry BS the beaches are great went there last month, each beach 1.5 km long and they have 6 beaches plus 5 smaller ones plus the hotel beach,and the crecent beaches.

Total beachs length more than 15 km at least.

You know the funny thing, my friends ask me how good are the beaches back home. I say well, depends. The thing is we're an island and we really need to work on them properly.

I have no doubts that we'll have some cool beaches in the near future. My friends already go to the south for a nice dip and you can see foreigners there also. The water is fantastic. I'll definately go there when I come back.

As for Al Jazair, that one needs serious work. They should remove it from the touristic websites, not the place to go to. Maybe in the early 90's but no now.

I remember a few years ago, the beach next to seef was great, rockless and very soft sand.

Anyways, let's see what happens :).

hahaha man aljazair beach was a real pain to go in because of all the rocks!

Project 'a success'
17/06/06

Capital Governor Shaikh Hamoud bin Abdulla Al Khalifa yesterday hailed the success of the Durrat Al Bahrain project.

During a visit to the project, he said Bahrain has become a favourable destination for local and foreign investors due to the availability of a wide-range of investment, tourism and recreational projects, he said.

Shaikh Hamoud was accompanied by Kuwait Finance House director general Abdulhakim Al Khayyat, governorate officials and project officials.

link (http://www.gulf-daily-news.com/Story.asp?Article=146475&Sn=BNEW&IssueID=29089)

For me this is the most exciting offshore project in the region. It has the nicest design and features very beautiful modern houses. Though I like the idea of the Palm Islands, the villas they're building are really in a 'retro-style', same for The Pearl in Qatar. I think Durrat Al Bahrain has very modern clean designs and the shapes of the islands are really stunning... I just love this project!

Durrat awards BD1.9m sewerage contract
19/16/06

Arthur Macdonald
Business Editor

Durrat Al Bahrain, the Kingdom’s largest planned residential, leisure and tourist destination, has awarded a BD1.879 million ($5 million) contract for the vacuum sewerage systems serving the Atolls and Petal islands.

The contract, awarded to Zohal Construction Company together with specialist designers and equipment suppliers Roediger of Germany, marks another important step forward in the Projects infrastructure. Zohal Construction is a leading local contractor for infrastructure and sewage treatment works and Roediger are major system designers and suppliers of this specialist equipment.

“We are delighted to award this contract for the further development of Durrat’s infrastructure. Work on dredging, bridges, roads and the first phase of villa construction is well under way and the laying of the sewerage facilities is another important milestone as we move ahead,” said Jassim Al Jowder, Chief Executive Officer of Durrat Al Bahrain.

With the award of the contract, work on the development of the sewerage systems for the island communities and resort is expected to begin this June. The vacuum sewerage installation is scheduled to be undertaken in three phases. Phase 1 is expected to be complete in April 2007 and the whole works by January 2009.

Further tenders and contracts for other key infrastructure elements are soon to be announced by Durrat. These include the Phase One package, scheduled to be awarded next week, and the Phase Two package which is at present out to tender.

To facilitate access for all prospective residents, innovative ownership and financing schemes have been put in place. A freehold ownership law has opened opportunities for investment by expatriates.

The Durrat Al Bahrain project comprises a cluster of islands and land areas that together give the development its unique island lifestyle theme. These include: The Crescent, a semi-circular landmass extending into the sea which houses the Projects world class facilities such as a school, shopping mall and Grand Mosque. The Project also includes 6 Atoll Islands, 5 Petal Islands, a stand alone island set to house a 5-star family hotel and resort, as well as a state-of-the-art, 400 birth marina and an 18-hole golf course, all of which is being developed in phases.

link (http://www.bahraintribune.com/ArticleDetail.asp)

Durrat Al Bahrain From Google Earth :)

http://i56.photobucket.com/albums/g179/F9y/G.jpg


http://i56.photobucket.com/albums/g179/F9y/GEDurratAlBahrain1.jpg


http://i56.photobucket.com/albums/g179/F9y/GEDurratAlBahrain2.jpg

This one is old it's complete now.

ad in one of today's newspapers.

http://static.flickr.com/66/173482499_5e2570f463_o.jpg

front-page ad and they misspelt bahrain and forgot the dot com. :no:

Was wondering the development cost of Durrat Al Bahrain (http://realestate.theemiratesnetwork.com/developments/bahrain/durrat_al_bahrain.php), as it started off at $1 billion, then it was $1.2 billion and another news article says its at $3 billion.

it's an ongoing developing project

DURRAT AL BAHRAIN HIGHWAY

Client: MINISTRY OF WORKS AND HOUSING
Consulting Engineer: HIGHPOINT RENDAL - IKA
Main Contractor: CEBARCO WCT WLL
Location: ASKAR TO DURRAT
Contract Period: 24 MONTHS
Contract Completion: IN PROGRESS
Value: US $ 47,000,000

Description:

The Durrat Al Bahrain Highway is the biggest road project undertaken in Bahrain for over 20 years. The 27km dual carriageway connects the national road network at the south of ALBA to the new multi billion dollar Durrat Al Bahrain development in the south of the island.

The project is cut through rock terrain and has necessitated the use of rock blasting to achieve the desired construction levels. The need to move several million m3 of material has required the use of massive amounts of plant and equipment. Included in the scheme are five bridges, 80m long, constructed from precast pretensioned super Y beams. Cebarco will cast the bridge beams on site in its own specially developed casting yard. This has been made necessary due to the significant size of the beams (40m long over 70 tonnes in weight).

..

http://img86.imageshack.us/img86/7995/crescenteq4.jpg

its the real thing at last!! cant wait to see the actual constructed houses


<a href="http://upload.arb7.com" target="_blank"><img alt="Image Hosted by Arb7 Uploading" src="http://upload.arb7.com/uploads/1eb5b34c8b.jpg" /></a>

ok sorry guys,,,, im still trying to get the hang of posting pics on this forum bear with me ..........

p. s. check out the durrat highhway you can actually see where it connects with the whole project





url=http://upload.arb7.com]http://upload.arb7.com/uploads/1eb5b34c8b.jpg[/url

I've been to the site last week, the next day after they announced reclammation completion. I've taken some pics and I'll upload them sometime soon and share them with you here.

I have some of the model pics and projects pics which I'll post tomorrow.

Cant wait. Thank you!

As promised, here is the first installation, the model pics. The other ones will be posted tomorrow. Enjoy :).

http://static.flickr.com/122/260120398_da37865311_b.jpg

http://static.flickr.com/53/260120399_72fd5cf354_b.jpg

http://static.flickr.com/80/260120401_339e3ecfe1_b.jpg

http://static.flickr.com/113/260120403_8edfe6a36a_b.jpg

http://static.flickr.com/114/260120406_1dc972b9b1_b.jpg

Nice ones, it looks much better now with the added new towers

Ye definetlly..iam sorta glad they got rid of those apartment blocks. That area looks very commercial now, nice.

You want a great sea view? forget BFH,Lulu Island, Lulu Towers. Just buy a flat on a high floor in a tower in Durrat facing the islands.

http://i12.tinypic.com/2ag9ncm.jpg

Nice small renders Natural :).

Here is the second set, should give you some impression about the project. It's starting to kick in now, you can see some houses u/c and the bridges. The other developments will start shortly. I'll post more tomorrow and you'll get to see how nice the sea is around there. Enjoy :).

http://static.flickr.com/121/260966975_69e1d17109_b.jpg

http://static.flickr.com/116/260966976_041bb9c466_b.jpg

http://static.flickr.com/119/260966978_ffe29ec618_b.jpg

http://static.flickr.com/121/260966980_84cf8174f9_b.jpg

http://static.flickr.com/87/260971553_67982ecd3b_b.jpg

great pics B.S. much better than the older design. i really like the circular town on the side.

Here are the beach shots (they still need to clean it properly but it was really nice), enjoy :).

http://static.flickr.com/121/262565883_c4f94a84e8_b.jpg

http://static.flickr.com/113/262565885_ee205e1543_b.jpg

http://static.flickr.com/120/262565888_22985cd900_b.jpg

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http://static.flickr.com/113/262565894_b847fc4007_b.jpg

I'll show you some model home pics tomorrow.

Heard the first fase of the project will be delayed till early 2008.

Delayed??? I've been told they'll be ready sometime in 2007 and for some it'll be very soon. Who knows???

Here are some model home pics:

http://static.flickr.com/97/268796464_7df0e41f36_b.jpg

http://static.flickr.com/95/268796460_a3e4f1fc86_b.jpg

Guys there will be 3 skyscrapers in Durrat 35-45-55 floors ...... Hip Hip Horay....... can you imagine the view from the high floors?

...

Some updates on construction on petal island
being done by "Projects" contracting



http://upload.arb7.com/uploads/cb7f000458.jpg (http://upload.arb7.com)



http://upload.arb7.com/uploads/0b0669a607.jpg (http://upload.arb7.com)

Heard the first fase of the project will be delayed till early 2008.

la man i dont think so, cause i heard from a durrat representative that its on track for sept. 2007,. but you never know maybe they dont want to admit it

Guys there will be 3 skyscrapers in Durrat 35-45-55 floors ...... Hip Hip Horay....... can you imagine the view from the high floors?

thats great news,, but do you have any more details on that like an article or something

درة البحرين تكشف النقاب عن رؤيتها لمنطقة الهلال التجاري



كشفت درة البحرين، أكبر مشروع عقاري سكني وتجاري وترفيهي في مملكة البحرين، اليوم عن رؤيتها لإقامة منطقة الهلال التجاري، الذي صمم ليكون بمثابة القلب النابض لمشروع منتجع مدينة درة البحرين الذي يجري تنفيذه حاليا وتقدر تكلفته بثلاثة مليارات دولار أمريكي.

وفي أعقاب طرح مناقصة مشروع الهلال التجاري، تمت دعوة العديد من الشركات العالمية المتخصصة في مجال التصميم الهندسي والتخطيط للمشاركة فيها، حيث وقع الاختيار على شركة وودز باجوت الأسترالية الشهيرة لوضع تصور للمشروع. وتجمع الرؤية التي قدمتها وودز باجوت بين مختلف المعالم الفريدة في درة البحرين باستغلال المناظر البحرية والجمال الطبيعي للبيئة المحيطة بالموقع لفائدة الزوار والمقيمين والعديد من المشاريع التجارية التي ستصبح جزءا من مجتمع درة البحرين. وتستند الخطط التي قدمتها وودز باجوت على عدد من العناصر الأساسية التي من شأنها أن تجعل من الهلال محورا نابضا بالحياة ونموذجا للنشاط التجاري والعيش بأسلوب حديث وأن تسهم في نفس الوقت في المحافظة على هدوء وجمال أسلوب الحياة في درة البحرين. وتشمل العناصر الرئيسية في التصميم، مناظر خلابة وحدائق هادئة ومتنزهات وميادين فسيحة وشواطئ عامة وقنوات وممرات مائية - إلى جانب عشرات من المتاجر والمطاعم والمقاهي. ويخطط أيضا لإقامة مرافق خدمات أخرى تشمل مجمع تجاري حديث كبير الحجم وسوق شعبي وأسواق تجارية ومراكز صحية ومنتجعات صحية إضافة إلى مجموعة من المدارس ومسجد بهدف خلق بيئة مجتمع نشط في قلب الهلال التجاري. وسوف يتم تقسيم الهلال إلى ست مناطق مختلفة ستكون منسجمة مع التصميم والفكرة العامتين لدرة البحرين، غير أنه سيكون لكل منطقة في الوقت نفسه طابعها ونكهتها الخاصتان. وتتضمن كل منطقة أساليب متعددة للحياة حيث تتكون المساحات السكنية من مجمعات حديثة للشقق والمكاتب وأبراج شامخة للشقق السكنية إضافة إلى الفيلات السكنية الصغيرة الفاخرة التي تقع على مسافة دقائق من منطقة الخدمات. كما سوف تضم منطقة الهلال عددا من المعالم البارزة من بينها برج درة البحرين الذي يبلغ ارتفاعه 300 متر. ومن شأن هذا البرج الذي يقع في وسط درة البحرين أن يصبح رمزاً للمشروع ولمملكة البحرين ككل. وعلى إثر تقديم هذه الرؤية الفريدة للهلال التجاري والمجتمع النابض بالحياة الذي سيقوم فيه، فإنه تجري الآن دعوة المستثمرين والشركات التجارية من مختلف أنحاء العالم للاستثمار في هذا المشروع الذي سيكون في وسط منتجع المدينة. ومن المتوقع أن يصبح الهلال التجاري واحدا من أهم المقاصد للخدمات التجارية للجموع من الزوار والسياح إلى جانب المقيمين في درة البحرين أنفسهم. وستتكون مناطق الهلال التجاري من العديد من المخططات من مختلف الأحجام وقد تم تصميم كل مخطط لضمان تحقيق أقصى فائدة وقيمة استثمارية لكل من السكان والمشترين التجاريين. وفي تعليق على خطط إقامة الهلال التجاري قال المدير التنفيذي لدرة البحرين جاسم الجودر: يأتي إعلان إقامة الهلال التجاري بمثابة خطوة هامة على صعيد تطوير أسلوب الحياة المتعدد الأوجه في درة البحرين، والذي سوف يجمع بين هدوء العيش في المنتجعات وحيوية الإقامة في المدن. وبعد عرض هذه الخطط فإننا نقدم الآن للمستثمرين عرضا آخر مضاف القيمة وفرصة لأن يصبحوا جزءا من هذا المشروع الهام الذي من شأنه أن يقدم مفهوما جديدا في أساليب الحياة في مملكة البحرين والمنطقة ككل. يذكر أن مشروع درة البحرين مخطط بمواصفات عالمية ليكون منطقة سكنية خاصة ومقصدا ترفيهيا وتجاريا وسياحيا يقدم تجربة لأسلوب في الحياة لا مثيل لها في الشرق الأوسط. ويقوم المخطط الرئيسي للمشروع على فكرة الجمال الطبيعي للبحرين والرابطة التقليدية فيها بين البر والبحر مع اجتماع ذلك مع كل وسائل الحياة الحديثة. وتشمل المعالم المميزة لمشروع درة البحرين، إضافة إلى الهلال التجاري، مجموعة من الجزر تتكون من ست جزر مرجانية وخمس جزر فيروزية وجزيرة أخرى قائمة بذاتها ستضم منتجعا وفندقا عائليا من فئة خمس نجوم إلى جانب نادٍ بحري مصمم بأحدث المواصفات العالمية وملعب للجولف مكون من 18 حفرة. وسوف يتم تطوير كل هذه المنشآت على مراحل. يشغل هذا المشروع الضخم مساحة 20 كيلومترا مربعا ومن شأنه أن يصبح أكبر مشروع عقاري سكني وتجاري وترفيهي في مملكة البحرين. وتبلغ تكلفة هذا المشروع 3 مليارات دولار أمريكي وتعود ملكيته إلى شركة درة خليج البحرين المملوكة مناصفة بين حكومة مملكة البحرين وبيت التمويل الكويتي - البحرين، وهو بنك إسلامي رائد في مجال العمل المصرفي التجاري والاستثماري. ويتكون مشروع درة البحرين من 12 جزيرة سوف تضفي مجتمعة على المشروع طابعه المميز لأسلوب الحياة على الجزر. ويشمل ذلك ست جزر مرجانية وخمس جزر فيروزية بالإضافة إلى الهلال التجاري وجزيرة أخرى قائمة بذاتها سوف يقام بها منتجع وفندق راقٍ من فئة الخمس نجوم. وقد تم تصميم الجزر المرجانية والفيروزية لكي توفر مناطق هادئة للسكن ليس لها نظير ولكي تحتوي على المرافق التي من شأنها أن تضمن استمتاع السكان بأسلوب الحياة الخاص بدرة البحرين. وستكون هناك نحو 2000 فيلا سكنية فاخرة من مختلف الأحجام في هذه الجزر يسهل الوصول منها إلى الشواطئ الخاصة والعامة مع وجود خيارات لمراسي للقوارب، كل ذلك في محيط من المناظر البحرية الآسرة. وفي حين أن الهدوء والسكينة سيميزان طابع الحياة في جزر المرجان والفيروز فإن الهلال التجاري سيكون بمثابة القلب التجاري النابض لمجتمع درة البحرين. وبالنسبة إلى أولئك الذين يفضلون الجمع بين أسلوب حياة المنتجع وحياة المدينة، توجد في الهلال التجاري نحو 6000 شقة سكنية ومكتبية مقامة مقابل منطقة نابضة بالحياة تضم مجمعاً كبيراً للتسوق إلى جانب مجموعة من المطاعم والمقاهي والميادين العامة والشواطئ، إضافة إلى العديد من المرافق العامة ومن بينها مسجد ومركز صحي وعدد من المدارس. ويرتبط الهلال التجاري أيضا بجزيرة الدانه التي تضم فندقاً يحتوي على 400 غرفة وبها شاطئ خاص. وإلى جانب كل ذلك ستضم درة البحرين مرسى بحرياً مزودا بكامل التجهيزات ويتسع لرسو 400 قارب، يتوقع أن يضفي على المنطقة أجواء الحياة على القنوات المائية مع المنازل والشقق المقامة على الواجهات المائية والعديد من المقاهي ومنافذ التسوق المقامة على الطرق والممرات المائية المتعرجة. ومن المميزات الفريدة الأخرى أن المشروع سوف يضم ملعباً لبطولات الجولف مكونا من 18 حفرة سيقوم قبالة فندق يحتوى على 300 غرفة ونحو 800 فيلا سكنية تطل على مساحات الملعب الخضراء أو البحر. ولتسهيل فرص التملك في المشروع لكل السكان المحتملين تم وضع برامج مبتكرة للتملك والتمويل. وحيث ان قانون الملكية الحرة قد فتح فرص الاستثمار أمام المقيمين فقد تم وضع هياكل مدروسة من صيغ التمويل التقليدي والإسلامي لمساعدة ذوي الدخل المتوسط في الحصول علي بيت الأحلام في درة البحرين. ويتوقع عند اكتمال المشروع في نهاية عام 2009 أن تستوعب درة البحرين نحو 50.000 شخص من المقيمين الدائمين فضلا عن الزوار يقدر بنحو 4.500 زائر يوميا. وتقوم بأعمال تخطيط وتصميم المشروع شركة دبليو. اس اتكنس، شركة التصميم والاستشارات الهندسية المعروفة، في حين يتولى أعمال تطوير وإدارة المشروع شركة كيه أم سي بوفيس.
http://upload.arb7.com/uploads/fc68cc5a11.jpg

The hight of the tower is 300M

in english:
Mehmood Rafique
Business Correspondent

Durrat Al Bahrain, the Kingdom’s largest planned luxury mixed-use residential, commercial and resort development – yesterday unveiled its vision for the creation of the project’s Commercial Crescent. The Commercial Crescent is designed to serve as the heart of the $3 billion waterfront resort city currently under development.
After the convening of a competition in which leading international architectural designers and planners were invited to participate, an Australian firm, Woods Bagot, was selected to put forth a dynamic concept for the development of the project’s Commercial Crescent.
The vision presented by the firm combines the unique features of Durrat Al Bahrain, leveraging the water views and natural beauty of the surrounding environment for the benefit of all investors, residents and the many commercial ventures that will become part of the Durrat Al Bahrain community.
Plans introduced by Woods Bagot are based on a number of beautifully elegant and distinctively powerful drivers expected to make the Crescent a vibrant hub of urban living and commercial activity while preserving the serenity of the Durrat Al Bahrain lifestyle.
Jassim Al Jawder, CEO of Durrat Al Bahrain, said: “The announcing of the Commercial Crescent is a critical step in the development of the multifaceted Durrat Al Bahrain lifestyle, which will combine the serenity of resort living with urban energy. With the introduction of plans for the Crescent, we are now offering investors another unique value proposition and an opportunity to become part of this truly remarkable project, which is set to introduce a new lifestyle concept in the Kingdom and in the region as a whole.”

MoU signed with Durrat Al Bahrain
MANAMA: Bahrain-based Al Khaleej Development Company (Tameer) yesterday announced it signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Durrat Al Bahrain company.

The deal concerns the development of a marina for Durrat Al Bahrain project, the country's biggest residential investment development.

It will be located to the east of the golf course covering an area of 600,000 square metres.

The development aims to become one of the most advanced marinas in the Gulf, with berthing facilities for around 400 boats.

It is also expected to feature restaurants and coffee shops as well as commercial and investment buildings.

The development period will take two years and is expected to begin shortly.

The announcement was made on the sidelines of the international property investment and development event Cityscape Dubai 2006.

The MoU was co-signed by Tameer board chairman Samir Yacoob Al Nafisi and Durrat Al Bahrain board chairman Abdul Hakim Al Khayat.

Durrat Al Bahrain chief executive Jassim Al Jowder, general manager of the company's technical department Mahmood Abdulrahman, board member Abdul Razaq Jawahery and Tameer deputy chairman and managing director Ahmed Al Qattan also attended.

The Highway To Durrat AlBahrain :

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/107/312070492_eaf40f29f5.jpg?v=0

The Highway To Durrat AlBahrain :

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/107/312070492_eaf40f29f5.jpg?v=0

This is the old road!

nice project

http://www.ameinfo.com/images/news/6/35706-durrat.jpg

Durrat Al Bahrain, the Kingdom's largest planned luxury residential, commercial and resort development - today announced a major progress with the finalization of infrastructure works in seven islands in the in 3 billion USD project.

Villas of the first phase of the project will be delivered to the owners by the end of the year 2007.

As part of phase one and two villa construction, work is well underway on 890 villas at the landmark project which are expected to be delivered to owners between the end of 2007 and mid 2008.

Contracts for construction of villas in phase one and two worth more than 210 million dollars were awarded to Bahraini companies for the establishment of the villa and the relevant infrastructure projects.

Commenting on the announcement, Mr. Abdulhakeem Alkhayyat, Chairman of Durrat Al Bahrain, said, 'We are pleased to reach this key milestone as we are approaching the completion of the first phase. We have achieved great progress and are looking forward to delivery of these unique villa to eager homeowners that are ready to start the unique resort lifestyle being offered at Durrat Al Bahrain.

Also commenting on the award, Mr. Jassim Al Jawder, CEO of Durrat Al Bahrain, said 'We are pleased with the progress being made to date in infrastructure projects including the motorway that links the development to Manama city . We have also completed construction of all bridges that link the project's islands to the mainland as well as the over all water and sewerage system networks.'

Durrat Al Bahrain has been planned as a world-class residential, tourist destination, offering a lifestyle experience unrivalled in the Middle East. Upon completion in 2010, it is expected that there will be more than 60,000 permanent residents as well as some 4,500 visitors a day.
In addition to the 12 islands and the crescent which will represent the commercial heart of Durrat Al Bahrain, the project will also boast a world class marina and an 18-hole golf course that will be constructed by a world leading golf course design and operating company.

http://www.ameinfo.com/110642.html

....

good morning guys.,

does anyone have any updated pics of this beautiful project (other than the one above) any info on the highway houses, etc..

any inside info on delays etc...

stuff like that would be really appreciated


i personally think this will be one of the best projects in bahrain,, by far!

brn4ever why wait for people to post, go there and take all the pic you like then post them here. :)

al wasat 14 Feb 2007
http://farm1.static.flickr.com/180/390452256_5d6c7c9def_o.jpg

Durra is selling like hot cakes

^ True. When I went there in the summer, I was told that prices on some houses jumped by as much as BD 30,000. I think the new revamped plan made it even more appealing plus the sea is great there.

check out this video

http://www.metacafe.com/watch/553063/durrat_al_bahrain/

check out this video

http://www.metacafe.com/watch/553063/durrat_al_bahrain/

great find Adel, checkout the company's website (from the video you posted).

http://www.arqui300.com/arqui300uk.html

click on "FILMS" then Durrat al Bahrain; its much longer.

Let's hope they won't change the masterplan too much. Look at the Palm Jumeirah, what a difference between the original plans and what it turns out to be now. If they keep Durrat Al Bahrain like they show in the video, it will be fantastic!

Great videos, I wasn't impressed with that silly comment by a random guy on the thread of the first video, but nontheless, it's a great development and the sea is fantastic there.

Durrat Al Bahrain awards new contract for phase 2 villa construction
Durrat Al Bahrain, the Kingdom's largest planned luxury residential, commercial and resort development, today announced further significant progress with the award of a new construction contract for the second phase of villa construction at the development.




Local contractor CHAPO has been awarded a BD15.7 million contract to construct 171 villas on two of the development's islands. Villas are currently being constructed across four of Durrat Al Bahrain's planned 11 islands. All of the development's luxury villas are being constructed by Bahraini contractors at a total value of BD120 million, with the first contract having been awarded to Projects Construction Company in February 2006 to build 83 villas on the project's first island for BD7 million.

This latest award follows on from the construction work that is already well underway on 890 villas in both Phases 1 and 2 of the US$4 billion project, as well as the finalization of infrastructure works on seven of the project's 11 islands.

Work has already begun on this latest contract and homeowners can expect to start taking delivery of their new island lifestyle homes from Phase 1 of the project towards the end of this year.

When completed, Durrat Al Bahrain will comprise 12 islands of luxury villas and an island hotel, as well as the crescent, which will represent the commercial heart of Durrat Al Bahrain. Announced only a few weeks ago, the development will also boast an Ernie Els designed 18 hole championship golf precinct, comprising a challenging golf course, a club house, a driving range, a hotel complex and 1400 beautifully designed luxury residential villas and apartments. With its innovative design, including water ways and green space, and with many of the villas fronting onto the course itself, an entire lifestyle community will be created. In addition, Durrat Al Bahrain will also design and build in partnership with Tameer, one of the region's leading marinas, with 400 berths.

Commenting on the award, Mr. Jassim Al Jawder, CEO of Durrat Al Bahrain, said, 'We have achieved a great deal and we are looking forward to delivering these unique villas to homeowners so they can start to live the unique island lifestyle of Durrat Al Bahrain."

'It is also very important to Durrat Al Bahrain that it is able to award these construction contracts to local suppliers. By securing these contracts, Bahraini companies are able to offer employment opportunities to the local population, as well as being able to invest in their businesses. This process enables the economic benefit of increased employment and business investment to feed through into the broader local economy.'
:cheers:

I wonder why the cost has risen by $1 billion. It's funny, this one went from an initial $1.2 to $4 billion. I suppose this only means it'll be better and of higher quality.

I wonder why the cost has risen by $1 billion. It's funny, this one went from an initial $1.2 to $4 billion. I suppose this only means it'll be better and of higher quality.

Bahraini spirit, If you notice the new videos then you can notice that some new towers have been added to the plan. I did not see those towers in the earlier videos so probably that explains the rise in cost.

There will be a central tower of around 80 floors, also some more towers of 30 - 50 floors. The golf course will be built by a South African company and Tameer will build a marina of 400 moors and several 30-50 story buildings, plus several villas overlooking the golf course and man made canals.

There will be a central tower of around 80 floors, also some more towers of 30 - 50 floors. The golf course will be built by a South African company and Tameer will build a marina of 400 moors and several 30-50 story buildings, plus several villas overlooking the golf course and man made canals.

The Golf Course will be built by Ernie Els...

As for the Marina ur right it will be taken over by Tameer and will be able to host 400 boats. As for the towers overlooking the Marina the highest one will be 30 floors...

Seeing that Tameer did a great job in Tala (especially the two floored apartments) i would say they are a great addition to this project.

08/May/2007 , Cityscape, Abu Dhabi

Durrat Al Bahrain

http://img504.imageshack.us/img504/1638/imresolt087ro6.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

http://img216.imageshack.us/img216/8984/imresolt088ew5.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

The Golf Course will be built by Ernie Els...

Ernie Els will design the Golf Course

Mabrook the height of the central tower in Durrat will be 103 floors

Mabrook the height of the central tower in Durrat will be 103 floors



Wow 103 floors , 1 floor = atleast 3 meter , 3 meter × 103 floors = atleast 309 meter :eek: great


.

Hey everyone,,

I went to durrat el bahrain site yesterday, progress is very good they have started infrastructure work on islands,, pavements are up in some areas and roads are being outlined,, ofcourse all bridges have been ready for a while, and houses on petal island are 75-85 % ready,, some are even being painted abd fitted with glass! on atol islands houses and all done with first floor and starting second floor.. I really think they are gonna make it on time...

I saw some jelly fish and lots of fish,, some big.. it was very nice.

ill post some pics soon

got this via email.. the sender informed me that these shots are of the villas in durrat... please if inform it this is not durrat

http://i10.tinypic.com/61lcprp.jpg

http://i16.tinypic.com/52w3uv4.jpg

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
These are NOT in Durrat...This is in Amwaj way up northeast of Bahrain in Muharraq while Durrat is in the South east.

They also don't look like the villas in the renders at all.

...

...

hey guys, i went to durrat site few weeks ago and theres great progress i took some pics and i wanna upload them for all to see, I used to use http://upload.arb7.com/ to do it but it seems its not working, which web site do you guys use to upload??
:ohno:

hey guys, i went to durrat site few weeks ago and theres great progress i took some pics and i wanna upload them for all to see, I used to use http://upload.arb7.com/ to do it but it seems its not working, which web site do you guys use to upload??
:ohno:

you can use

http://imageshack.us/

http://tinypic.com/

ok thanks for the advice...

here are some durrat pics as you can see progress is not bad, they are promising January-May villa sign-overs..

http://img299.imageshack.us/img299/5752/dsc00362cp2.th.jpg (http://img299.imageshack.us/my.php?image=dsc00362cp2.jpg)

http://img337.imageshack.us/img337/6995/dsc00363ff2.th.jpg (http://img337.imageshack.us/my.php?image=dsc00363ff2.jpg)

http://img337.imageshack.us/img337/8708/dsc00365zg1.th.jpg (http://img337.imageshack.us/my.php?image=dsc00365zg1.jpg)

http://img251.imageshack.us/img251/8597/dsc00366pc7.th.jpg (http://img251.imageshack.us/my.php?image=dsc00366pc7.jpg)

http://img213.imageshack.us/img213/9418/dsc00367ey5.th.jpg (http://img213.imageshack.us/my.php?image=dsc00367ey5.jpg)

http://img181.imageshack.us/img181/787/dsc00368lz6.th.jpg (http://img181.imageshack.us/my.php?image=dsc00368lz6.jpg)

:okay: :okay:

Thanks for the update as we don't get a lot of updates from this exciting project. I'm really looking forward to see the finished product. If it looks like the renders, it will be stunning.

Firm wins $22m Durrat Al Bahrain pools contract

MANAMA: Dream Pools has won a contract valued at over $22 million for building 1,100 swimming pools and jacuzzis for the Durrat Al Bahrain project.

The project was started mid-July and Dream Pools managing director Jamal Abdulla Al Kooheji said that in financial terms, it will be the largest project that has been undertaken by the company to date.

Dream pools is a full-owned subsidiary of the Dream Group.

The company won the bidding after tough competition from among nearly 10 local and foreign bidders, Mr Al Kooheji said.

He said that growing demand for swimming pools in the region in recent years was a result of a surge of tourism projects which have stimulated many local markets, including those of swimming pools.

Dream Group general manager Tim Attwood said that the project was expected to last up to 18 months and their mobilisation plans were already fully underway.

Olive.vfm is the facilities management contractor for Durrat Al Bahrain

http://www.olive-vfm.com/

Durrat Al Bahrain NobleArchitect

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EWFmlQ-X2SQ

...

Durrat Al Bahrain project on course


MANAMA: Durrat Al Bahrain has announced major progress across key elements of its $4 billion project.

This includes its golf precinct, the Ernie Els-designed 18-hole championship course community; the 400-berth marina as well as the Crescent, the mixed-use commercial district of Durrat Al Bahrain.

With progress well underway on the residential villas located across 11 islands, focus is now moving to these significant elements of the development.

The preliminary master plan for the golf course has now been completed, which includes a club house and 1,400 villas and apartments. US consultants EDSA has been brought in to proceed with a detailed master plan and to advise upon the urban design vision of the golf community, with the aim of creating clusters of residential housing which will offer different types of lifestyle options.

The golf course community will also see a 200-room six-star hotel.

Development Controller Plans which define the heights, facades and appearance of buildings will be completed by the end of the month, marking a significant step in the development of the urban planning of the Crescent, the mixed-use commercial centre of Durrat Al Bahrain.

The Crescent will see a combination of commercial, retail and residential property, planned around waterfronts, open spaces and lakes where between 30,000 and 35,000 will live and work.

Arranged over three islands, Durrat Al Bahrain's 700,000 sq m marina has also seen significant progress in its development.

With the conceptual master plan approved, work is now underway to create the detailed master plan, due for delivery in the first half next year. Durrat Al Bahrain's marina will offer 400 berths and its own yacht club.

"With both phases of the residential villas well underway, we are now bringing additional focus to the other important elements of Durrat Al Bahrain - our commercial district, golf community and marina," Durrat Al Bahrain chief executive Jassim Al Jowder said.

"These areas of the development offer significant potential for developers and investors as we create a new island-based community, which is already successfully attracting residential investors from the region and internationally."


تقدم مهم في أعمال تنفيذ مشروع درة البحرين

أعلنت درة البحرين، أكبر مشروع عقاري سكني وتجاري وترفيهي في مملكة البحرين، أمس عن تحقيق تقدم كبير في جوانب رئيسية من تنفيذ المشروع الذي تبلغ تكلفته 4 مليارات دولار أمريكي، ويشمل ذلك مجمع الجولف الذي يضم ملعبا للبطولات العالمية مكونا من 18 حفرة من تصميم لاعب الجولف الشهير ايرني ايلس والنادي البحري الذي يتسع لرسو 400 قارب إضافة إلى منطقة الهلال المتعددة الاستخدامات في درة البحرين. ومع تواصل العمل بصورة حثيثة في تشييد الفيلات السكنية في مختلف

الجزر الاثني عشرة في درة البحرين أخذ تركيزنا يتحول الآن إلى هذه الجوانب المهمة من المشروع. ملعب الجولف اكتمل الآن وضع الخطة الرئيسية الأولية لملعب الجولف، وهي تتضمن تصميما لايرني ايلس لملعب للجولف يتكون من 18 حفرة ومبني لنادي الجولف وذلك إضافة إلى 1400 فيلا وشقة سكنية جميلة التصميم تقوم في مقابل المساحات الخضراء للملعب وعلى خلفية زرقة مياه البحر والبحيرات والقنوات الصناعية في الملعب. وقد تمت الاستعانة بالشركة الأمريكية الاستشارية (اي دي اس ايه) لوضع تفاصيل الخطة الرئيسية وتقديم الاستشارة بشأن التصور للتصميم المدني لمجتمع مجمع الجولف بهدف إنشاء مجمعات للفلل السكنية التي توفر خيارات مختلفة لأسلوب الحياة. ومن ثم سوف يتم تسويق هذه المجمعات لمطوري العقارات حيث من المقرر أن تكتمل في .2009 وإلى ذلك سوف يقام في مجمع ملعب الجولف في درة البحرين فندق من فئة الست نجوم يحتوي على 200 غرفة سيشيد على مساحة 3.6 هكتار، إضافة إلى دار لنادي الجولف مزودة بمنشآت صحية تشمل قاعات وصالات رياضية إلى جانب المرافق الترفيهية ومتاجر التجزئة التي ستكون متاحة لكل مجتمع درة البحرين. ومن شأن الجمع بين تصميم ايرني ايلس لملعب الجولف والبيئة الجميلة المحيطة مع الفيلات والشقق السكنية والفندق أن تجعل من هذا المجمع واحدا من أروع مقاصد رياضة الجولف في المنطقة. المنطقة التجارية من المقرر أن تكتمل خطط مراقب التطوير التي تحدد الارتفاعات والواجهات والمظاهر الخارجية للمباني بنهاية هذه الشهر، إيذانا ببلوغ مرحلة مهمة في أعمال تطوير التخطيط الحضري لمنطقة الهلال وهي المركز التجاري المتعدد الاستخدامات لدرة البحرين. وسوف يشهد الهلال بناء مجموعة من العقارات التجارية والسكنية يخطط لأن تقوم حول الواجهات المائية والمساحات المفتوحة والبحيرات الصناعية حيث سوف يقيم أو يعمل ما يتراوح بين 30.000 إلى 35.000 شخص.
وسوف يحدد ارتفاع المباني بخمسين طابقا في هذه المنطقة باستثناء عدد من الأبراج المعينة التي يراد لها أن تشكل معالم بارزة ترمز لجمال وحداثة درة البحرين بما تتميز به من فخامة معمارية. كما أنه من المقرر إقامة مجمع لمتاجر التجزئة في منطقة الهلال قرب المتنزه والبحيرة الوسطي على مساحة 80.000 متر مربع. النادي البحري من جانب آخر شهد العمل في النادي البحرين الذي يقام على مساحة 700.000 متر مربع في ثلاث جزر تقدما كبيرا. وبعد أن تمت إجارة الخطة التصورية الرئيسية يجرى العمل حاليا على وضع تفاصيل هذه الخطة التي من المقرر أن تسلم في النصف الأول من عام .2008 وسوف يتسع النادي البحري في درة البحرين لرسو 400 قارب وسيكون به نادي خاص لليخوت، بالإضافة إلى منطقة سكنية رئيسية حيث سيضم نحو 85% من المنازل السكنية و15% من العقارات التجارية في المنطقة. وإلى ذلك فإن النادي البحري الذي يرتبط بجسر مع مجتمع نادي الجولف سوف يوفر للسكان مساكن عصرية تطل على الواجهات المائية في بحر البحرين الجنوبي. وبهذه المناسبة قال الرئيس التنفيذي لدرة البحرين جاسم الجودر: مع تواصل العمل بصورة حثيثة في المرحلتين الأولى والثانية من تشييد الفيلات السكنية فإننا نحول تركيزنا الآن إلى جوانب مهمة أخرى في درة البحرين وهي تحديدا: المنطقة التجارية ومجمع الجولف والنادي البحري. ومن شأن هذه الجوانب من المشروع أن توفر إمكانيات عظيمة لمطوري العقارات والمستثمرين في الوقت الذي نقوم فيه بتكوين مجتمع جديد قائم على أسلوب الحياة في الجزر نجح بالفعل في استقطاب مستثمرين من المنطقة ومن مختلف أنحاء العالم.

Crescent Towers will be mostly 50F minimum and some will be higher

O2 Marketing to promote $1.3bn Marina Durrat Al Bahrain project


Marina Durrat Al Bahrain Company a prominent real estate development project in Bahrain and developer of the Marina Durrat Al Bahrain project, has signed with the O2 Marketing Communications an agreement based on which the latter will take over the promotion and marketing communications of the Marina Durrat Al Bahrain project in Bahrain.
The project, which will occupy an area of about 600,000 square metres at a total cost of about $1.3 billion, is the biggest of its kind in the Kingdom.
Marina Durrat Al Bahrain is arguably one of the leading housing projects in the Gulf region. It is being developed jointly by the Alkhaleej Development Company (Tameer), which owns 60 per cent of the project and Durrat Al Bahrain which owns the remaining 40 per ecnt of the stakes.
The project, which has been planned to be the most beautiful and luxurious marina in the Gulf region, will have all kinds of state-of-the-art equipment and luxuries, including the ability to accommodate 400 luxurious boats.
Consisting of 4,000 housing units, the project will have all the necessary amenities and first class facilities including a chain of first class restaurants, Marina walk, cafeterias, shopping malls, gyms, spas and other facilities that will make it one of the best tourist attractions in the world.
Ahmad Al Qattan, Marina Durrat Al Bahrain board member said: “The O2 Marketing Communications was appointed to handle the promotion and marketing of the project due to its good reputation and great successes in the field of communications and marketing. O2 Marketing Communications has successfully marketed a number of big companies in the region, including its successful promotion of the Bahrain Investment Wharf, which succeeded in selling most part of the project within one year, thanks to the good marketing and promotional job by the O2 Marketing Communications. This great job earned O2 Marketing Communications the “Best Public Relations Award” of the 2007 CNBC Real Estate awards.”
Mohammed Al Jahmani, Managing Director of O2 Marketing Communications said: “O2 Marketing Communications will live up to its good reputation by being an important strategic partner of the Marina Durrat Al Bahrain Company. We will launch a vigorous promotional campaign using the latest innovative and scientific methods and using all our offices in the region and our great influence and ties with local, regional and international media to achieve this objective. We also have great confidence in the ability of our task force, which have all the experience in public relations and comprehensive marketing communications skills.”

Crescent Towers will be mostly 50F minimum and some will be higher
wooooooow
adel thenx for the nwes

Crescent Towers will be mostly 50F minimum and some will be higher
wooooooow
adel thenx for the nwes

Yes imagine a row of 50F towers overlooking the Durrat Islands, impressive isn't it?

Yes imagine a row of 50F towers overlooking the Durrat Islands, impressive isn't it?

yes its imressive , and i hope they make a row of more than 50f in manama the capital

It's funny, everytime I hear about this project, the price tag goes higher, $4 billion now, wow.

Durrat plans new brand

MANAMA: Durrat Al Bahrain is planning to re-brand itself.

Since the $4 billion project's inception in 2001, Durrat Al Bahrain has used the blue stylised sea and pearl logo for its corporate identity to market to its target audiences. But with the development now moving on, Durrat has decided it is time to launch a new brand.

"We believe the time is right to invest in and build a brand," said Durrat Al Bahrain chief executive Jassim Al Jowder. "We need to look to the future of the project, to put in place a brand that will serve us by communicating the promise of Durrat Al Bahrain to our audiences."

Atkins unveils Marina Durrat master plan

http://www.bahraintribune.com/Archive/November_2007/29_11_2007_p15-1.jpg

http://www.akhbar-alkhaleej.com/source/10842/images/E1.jpg

To attract tourists, real estates, sailing enthusiasts
Mahmood Rafique
Business Correspondent

Marina Durrat Al Bahrain, an upcoming world-class yachting development, has announced the approved master plan for the revolutionary Bahrain marina, conceptualised by Atkins. The master plan has been handed over and is ready for action marks a major milestone towards the realisation of the Marina.
The Master Plan is the decisive strategic phase of development that will set the stage for the execution of design and construction. This framework maps out the grand design that will distinguish it as one of the world’s most sophisticated and revered marinas.
Marina Durrat Al Bahrain will be the first multi-service marina of its size and class. It is expected to attract tourists, real-estates and sailing enthusiasts from across the globe because of its striking design, astounding architectural features and quality services. It will boast decadent restaurants, retail galleries, waterfront cafes, luxury resorts, promenades and comfortably stylish residential units with spectacular views of the marina and open sea.
The marina would be located within the seaside resort of the renowned Durrat Al Bahrain, an astonishing constellation of man-made islands, with high-end beach-front residences, villas, a golf course, a five-star hotel on the mainland and connected by a network of adjoining bridges. The Durrat Al Bahrain is visible from space and expected to become one of the most outstanding developments in the Middle East, of which the marina will be its crowning jewel.
After much consideration and collaborative effort, Marina Durrat Al Bahrain’s senior members have approved the Master Plan proposed by Atkins. The Master Plan was recently consigned to Durrat Al Bahrain, and now the marina project is fully equipped for the next stage of development.
Atkins is one of the most recognised brands in the field of master planning and large-scale development, and one of the world’s leading design and engineering consultancies.
World famous developments such as the Burj Al Arab, the Bahrain World Trade Centre and the Dubai Metro are part of the Atkins portfolio.
“We’re very excited about the official Master Plan for the Marina Durrat Al Bahrain and enthusiastic to move towards the next step of the marina’s design. Atkins is a renowned architectural developer, and we’re pleased to have worked with them to attain a highly aesthetic and functional Master Plan,” said Ahmed Al Qatan Marina Durrat Al Bahrain board member, Managing Director and Vice Chairman of Al Khaleej Development (Tameer).
Bob Hope, Director of the Northern Gulf for Atkins said: “It’s a privilege to collaborate with Durrat Al Bahrain and Tameer in realising a working Master Plan for this magnificent marina. The project is both challenging and distinguished and I am delighted to deliver a master plan that is both practical and iconic.”
Ahmed Al Qatan said, “All aspects of the project are coming together seamlessly—right on target! The Primary Infrastructure Design & Supervision Consultancy Services proposals were submitted on November 7th and soon the winning firm will be determined. After the design stage is approved, we will circulate the RFP for the Quantity Surveying Works, the definitive step towards the actualisation of Bahrain’s grandest marina.”
“Not only we will make Marina Durrat Al Bahrain splash in Bahrain, it is sure to make head waves across the Gulf; it will outshine prominent marinas across the world,” said Ahmed Al Qatan.[/SIZE]

www.durratbahrain.com

you should all probibly check the website.

HIGHLIGHT: 100 storey tower, 300 meters. gorgeous design.

Crescent - Central

http://www.durratbahrain.com/images/950~238~2~ffffff~82~0~dab-v1-en~0/20071201_crescent-central.jpg

Crescent - Beach Front

http://www.durratbahrain.com/images/950~238~2~ffffff~82~0~dab-v1-en~0/20071201_crescent-beachFront.jpg

Crescent - Creekside

http://www.durratbahrain.com/images/950~238~2~ffffff~82~0~dab-v1-en~0/20071201_crescent-creekside.jpg

Crescent - Lake View

http://www.durratbahrain.com/images/950~238~2~ffffff~82~0~dab-v1-en~0/20071201_crescent-lakeside.jpg

Crescent - Garden View

http://www.durratbahrain.com/images/950~238~2~ffffff~82~0~dab-v1-en~0/20071201_crescent-gardenView.jpg

Crescent - Urban Hub

http://www.durratbahrain.com/images/950~238~2~ffffff~82~0~dab-v1-en~0/20071202_search.jpg

http://www.durratbahrain.com/images/950~238~2~ffffff~82~0~dab-v1-en~0/20071201_mediacenter.jpg

http://www.durratbahrain.com/images/950~238~2~ffffff~82~0~dab-v1-en~0/20071201_crescent.jpg

http://www.durratbahrain.com/images/950~238~2~ffffff~82~0~dab-v1-en~0/20071127_media-news-spot.jpg

http://www.durratbahrain.com/images/950~238~2~ffffff~82~0~dab-v1-en~0/20071201_project2.jpg

http://www.durratbahrain.com/media-files/2007/12/02/20071202_Durrat-ViewG.jpg

http://www.durratbahrain.com/media-files/2007/12/02/20071202_Durrat-HD-0007.jpg

http://www.durratbahrain.com/media-files/2007/12/02/20071202_Crescent-View-3.jpg

http://www.durratbahrain.com/media-files/2007/12/02/20071202_90-Horn-Warp-01.jpg

http://www.durratbahrain.com/media-files/2007/12/02/20071202_145-triform-Tower-GlassScr.jpg

Durrat Marina

http://www.durratbahrain.com/images/950~238~2~ffffff~82~0~dab-v1-en~0/20071201_marina.jpg

http://www.durratbahrain.com/media-files/2007/12/02/20071202_Durrat-HD-0003.jpg

http://www.durratbahrain.com/media-files/2007/12/02/20071202_29-1.jpg

http://www.durratbahrain.com/media-files/2007/12/02/20071202_31.jpg

http://www.durratbahrain.com/media-files/2007/12/02/20071202_45.jpg

http://www.durratbahrain.com/media-files/2007/12/02/20071202_A1-Prespective-1.jpg

Durrat Hotel Island

http://www.durratbahrain.com/images/950~238~2~ffffff~82~0~dab-v1-en~0/20071201_project4.jpg

http://www.durratbahrain.com/media-files/2007/12/02/20071202_Durrat-HD-0002-close-2.jpg

http://www.durratbahrain.com/media-files/2007/12/02/20071202_Durrat-HD-0002-2.jpg

http://www.durratbahrain.com/images/950~238~2~ffffff~82~0~dab-v1-en~0/20071201_project3.jpg

Petal Islands

http://www.durratbahrain.com/media-files/2007/12/02/20071202_Durrat-HD-0005-b.jpg

Atoll Islands

http://www.durratbahrain.com/media-files/2007/12/02/20071202_Durrat-HD-0006.jpg

Crescent Towers

http://www.durratbahrain.com/media-files/2007/12/02/20071202_30-Gateway-Overall-Combo-1.jpg

Central Tower

http://www.durratbahrain.com/media-files/2007/12/02/20071202_170-Central-Tower-Glass-01-1.jpg

Durrat Golf Course

http://www.durratbahrain.com/images/950~238~2~ffffff~82~0~dab-v1-en~0/20071201_golf.jpg

http://www.durratbahrain.com/media-files/2007/12/02/20071202_Durrat-HD-0000.jpg

Villas 500m2 Plots

http://www.durratbahrain.com/media-files/2007/12/02/20071202_VA2-Entrada-0001.jpg

http://www.durratbahrain.com/media-files/2007/12/02/20071202_VA2-Piscina-0000.jpg

Villas 750m2 - 1000m2 Plots

http://www.durratbahrain.com/media-files/2007/12/02/20071202_VB3-Entrada-0000.jpg

http://www.durratbahrain.com/media-files/2007/12/02/20071202_VB4-Entrada-0000.jpg

http://www.durratbahrain.com/media-files/2007/12/02/20071202_VB5-sem-mesa-grande.jpg

http://www.durratbahrain.com/media-files/2007/12/02/20071202_VC4-Entrada-0000.jpg

Villas 550m2 Plots

http://www.durratbahrain.com/media-files/2007/12/02/20071202_DMC-Backyard.jpg

http://www.durratbahrain.com/media-files/2007/12/02/20071202_DMC-Interior.jpg

$6 billion to be invested in Durrat Al Bahrain
By SOMAN BABY

MANAMA: The total investment in Durrat Al Bahrain will reach $6 billion (BD2.26bn) in the next five years, it was revealed yesterday.

People will start living in the 21sqkm residential, commercial and tourist resort by summer next year, said Durrat Al Bahrain chairman Abdulhakeem Al Khayyat.

"We have already invested $1bn (BD378m) in the project," he told a Press conference at the Banyan Tree Desert Resort and Spa, marking the launch of Durrat Al Bahrain's new brand.

"The project is almost 100 per cent sold, and about 1,000 villas will be handed over to their owners by the end of next year.

"Durrat Al Bahrain has already created 43km of beach and water front, which will ensure a healthy living for residents and enhance the quality of the environment."

now thats what i call a project :eek2: mashallah !

wow! its rivaling the Pearl Qatar

wow! its rivaling the Pearl Qatar

It's a lot bigger than Pearl Qatar

wow! its rivaling the Pearl Qatar

^^ i knew there was somthing fishy here ... the truth is that the pearl is one of the smallest man-made islands in the GCC its smaller than the Palm Jumerah

^^but it is one of the most concentrated projects and most glamorous place in the Middle East

^^ you used the slogan lol ! but anyways it is one of the first manmade islands and it is really great but in terms of size Qatar needs to learn !

Looks like a replica of The Palm Dubai project. Nice project though.

^^ it looks noting like the palm its quite original ! and it contains high buildings unlike the palm :D

Atoll Islands resembled the the palm to me. Of coarse it's not exactly the same. There are some similarities in my view.

There is something very unique in the Atoll Islands, they are the only man made islands in the world in which you can have a villa with it's own jetty to park a large yacht and at the same time have an access to a long sandy beach 100 meters away.

Marina Durrat Al Bahrain

http://www.durratbahrain.com/media-files/2007/12/02/20071202_A1-Prespective-1.jpg

http://www.durratbahrain.com/media-files/2007/12/02/20071202_45.jpg

Reclamation work will finish in 8 months

Durrat Marina will be launched in March 2008

A big and well known international company will run the Durrat Marina

70% of users expected to be Gulf Nationals and 30% Bahraini and Residents


عثمان جناحي «مدير الاستثمار بالمشروع«:

الإعلان عن المرحلة الأولى لمارينا درة البحرين منتصف يناير 2008

تشهد البحرين خلال الفترة الراهنة حركة عمرانية استثمارية غير مسبوقة والعديد من المشروعات العملاقة التي بدأت بالفعل تغير من شكل البحرين الحضاري وواجهتها البحرية.. مشروع درة البحرين أحد أكبر المشروعات التي تنفذ في المملكة حاليا إن لم يكن أكبرها بالفعل.. ويعد مشروع مارينا درة البحرين أحد المكونات الرئيسية للمشروع العملاق الذي يضفي عليه بعدا سياحيا وترفيهيا خاصا يميزه عن أغلب المشروعات الأخرى في المملكة إلى جانب العديد من المزايا الأخرى التي تميز المشروع وعلى رأسها تصميمه المبتكر الفريد.
في السطور القادمة سنتيح المجال للسيد عثمان جناحي رئيس الاستثمار في مشروع مارينا درة البحرين ليلقي الضوء على أبرز مكونات المشروع وخطط التطوير في المرحلة القادمة. وفي بداية حديثه أكد عثمان جناحي أنه من المقرر إعلان المرحلة الأولى لمشروع مارينا درة البحرين في منتصف يناير القادم على أن يتم تدشين المشروع رسميا في مارس القادم وفق المخطط .. وأكد أنه يجري حاليا العمل بوتيرة متسارعة في عمليات الدفان التي بدأت منذ أيام قلائل ومن المقرر الانتهاء من هذه المرحلة في حدود 8 أشهر من الآن.. وقال جناحي في لقاء خاص مع (أخبار الخليج) إن الخدمات في المشروع ستكون على أرقى مستوى ويجري حاليا التفاوض وإتمام الخطوات النهائية مع أحد أكبر الشركات العالمية المتخصصة لتشغيل المارينا.. ولم يفصح جناحي عن اسم الشركة غير أنه أكد أنها عالمية ولها باع طويل في هذا المجال.. ومن المحتمل أن يتزايد نشاطها بقوة عقب الدخول في مارينا درة البحرين.
70% من جمهور المارينا المتوقع خليجيون و30% للمواطنين والمقيمين
وردا على سؤال حول العملاء المستهدفين للمشروع.. قال جناحي بالفعل قمنا بدراسات جدوى حول المشروع وتبين أن هناك عددا معقولا من ملاك القوارب في البحرين يستخدمونها في النزهات البحرية والتنقل.. كما بينت الدراسات أن هناك العديد من ملاك هذه القوارب السعوديين والكويتيين والقطريين الذين يقومون بترسيتها في دبي نظرا لارتفاع الكلفة أو انخفاض مستوى الخدمات في مثل هذه المشروعات لديهم.. ثم يقومون بالانتقال جوا من دبي إلى هذه البلدان. وفي هذا الإطار نحن نسعى كمشروع إلى الترويج للبحرين مركزا للمارينا في الخليج مستغلين قربها من البلدان العربية الثلاث المذكورة والخدمات المميزة التي يمكن أن نقدمها في المشروع من خلال شركة التشغيل العالمية المستوى التي سيتم التعاقد معها. وحول نسبة الجمهور المستهدف للمشروع قال جناحي إنه من المتوقع أن تكون نسبة الأشقاء الخليجيين المستخدمين للمشروع حوالي 70% وخاصة مع بدء تشغيل جسر البحرين - قطر القريب جدا من موقع المشروع.. أما نسبة الـ 30% المتبقية فستكون للمستخدمين في المملكة ما بين مواطنين ومقيمين. الاستثمارات في المارينا وردا على سؤال حول الاستثمارات في المشروع حتى الآن.. قال جناحي إننا نتوقع طلبا متميزا على الاستثمار في المشروع وخاصة في المرحلة الأولى منه مبينا أنه من المتوقع أن تبلغ نسبة المستثمرين الخليجيين في المشروع حوالي 90% من الإجمالي.. وأضاف أنه على الرغم من أن المشروع في خطواته الأولى ولم نفتح باب التعاقدات حتى الآن .. إلا أنه بالفعل هناك طلبات من جانب المستثمرين لم نبت فيها بعد.. وقال إن وتيرة طرح المراحل التالية في المشروع ستبنى على نجاح المرحلة الأولى المتوقع. وأكد أن المرحلة الأولى هي قلب المشروع وتضم أبرز مكوناته كمارينا.. ومن هنا فإننا نركز عليها بالفعل خلال المرحلة القادمة.. وبين أن المشروع ككل يتميز بديناميكية ومرونة تمكننا وكذلك المستثمرون بالمشروع من التغيير والتطوير في إطار الالتزام بالخطوط العريضة والمخطط الرئيسي للمشروع ككل.. مشيرا على سبيل المثال إلى وجود أراض مخصصة لتكون فنادق على أرقى مستوى داخل المارينا في حالة وجود مستثمر. وأضاف أن مشروع مارينا درة البحرين من المشاريع السكنية الرائدة في المنطقة والذي تطوره شركة الخليج للتعمير ( تعمير) التي تملك ما نسبته 60% من المشروع، فيما تمتلك درة البحرين 40% منه، وتبلغ قيمته الإجمالية 1.3 مليار دولار ويقام على مساحة 600 ألف متر مربع . وقد أسس المشروع ليكون أرقى مارينا في منطقة الخليج مزودا بكامل التجهيزات ويتسع لرسو قرابة 400 قارب، بالإضافة إلى احتوائه على ما يقارب 4000 وحدة سكنية، تشمل عمارات ذات ارتفاعات مختلفة تتراوح بين 3 و30 طابقا بالإضافة إلى ناطحتي السحاب (30 طابقا) ذاتَي الإطلالة الرائعة على المرسى الذي يعتبر القلب النابض للمشروع.. فضلا عن عدد كبير من أرقى المطاعم والمقاهي في المنطقة مما يؤهله ليكون من أرقى وأفضل المنتجعات السياحية العالمية التي تتوفر فيها كل سبل العيش الرغيد نظراً لما يوفره المشروع من الميادين العامة المحيطة بالمرسى والمرافق العامة ومراكز التسوق العالية المستوى التي توفر أرقى الماركات العالمية وكذلك المراكز الصحية، وغير ذلك من مستلزمات الحياة الرغيدة. التأثير السياحي للمشروع وردا على سؤال حول أبرز ما يقدمه المشروع في ظل هذا الزخم الإنشائي الكبير في البحرين.. قال جناحي إنه مع ازدياد المشاريع هذه الأيام، يعتبر المشروع متميزاً من ناحية الحجم، البيئة التي سيوفرها، استقطاب العميل، وخدمات الساكنين، كما أنه سيكون بمثابة قلب مشروع الدرة. أضف إلى ذلك أن مارينا درة البحرين هو المارينا الوحيد في مشروع درة البحرين، وهو سيكون أكبر مارينا في البحرين. وحول أثر مشروع المارينا في المملكة وخارجها قال جناحي: يعد مشروع مارينا درة البحرين أحد المشروعات البحرية متعددة الأغراض الفريدة من نوعها في المنطقة حيث أنه من المتوقع أن يسهم في جذب السائحين والمستثمرين العقاريين وعشاق الرياضات البحرية من مختلف أنحاء العالم بسبب تصاميمه المعمارية الرائعة وخدماته الراقية. ويضم المشروع في جنباته العديد من المرافق والتسهيلات من بينها المطاعم والمقاهي المطلة على الواجهات البحرية ومحلات التجزئة العالمية إضافة إلى المنتجعات والوحدات السكنية الفخمة المطلة على المناظر البحرية المفتوحة. كما سيسهم المشروع في توفير العديد من فرص العمل للبحرينيين. وأكد أن إدارة المشروع على ثقة بأن المشروع سوف يحدث تأثيرا كبيرا في مختلف أنحاء منطقة الخليج وعلى المستوى العالمي باعتباره أحد المشروعات الراقية التي تنفذ على واجهة بحرية. وسيكون معلما بارزا من معالم المملكة إن شاء الله تعالى. وأوضح أن جميع مراحل العمل في المشروع تمضي في تناغم وفي الوقت المحدد لها، وإن خطة تصميم البنية التحتية وخدمات الاستشارات الإشرافية قد تم استلامها. وعقب اعتماد مرحلة التصاميم سوف نقوم ببدء المرحلة الأولى في تنفيذ مشروع مارينا درة البحرين. موقع استراتيجي وقد وقعت شركة مارينا درة البحرين للتطوير العقاري المطور الرئيسي للواجهة البحرية لمشروع درة البحرين اتفاقية مع شركة (O2) للاتصالات التسويقية تقوم بموجبها (O2) بأعمال التسويق والدعاية والإعلان الخاصة بمارينا درة. وأضاف جناحي أنه من أهم العوامل المشجعة على الاستثمار في مشروع مارينا درة البحرين هو ما يوفره من أساليب الحياة الراقية.. إلى جانب موقعه الاستراتيجي إذ يقام في المنطقة الجنوبية من البحرين التي تعد أرضاً خصبة للاستثمار السياحي وخاصة بعد افتتاح الخط السريع المؤدي إلى قلب العاصمة المنامة والذي يتقاطع مع جسر المحبة المزمع إنشاؤه بين مملكة البحرين ودولة قطر. وأوضح أن مملكة البحرين تشهد في الوقت الراهن طفرة اقتصادية ملحوظة، ويشهد الاقتصاد البحريني نمواً سريعاً، حيث اعتبر الأسرع في العالم العربي خلال العام الماضي 2006 حسب ما أعلنته لجنة الأمم المتحدة الاقتصادية والاجتماعية لغربي آسيا، إلى جانب أن اقتصاد البحرين هو الأكثر حرية في الشرق الأوسط، والعالم،ويحتل المرتبة الخامسة والعشرين على مؤشر الحرية الاقتصادية لعام 2006 الذي تصدره مؤسسة «هريتاج فاوندايشن HERITAGE FOUNDATION « وهذا يعطي دافعاً قوياً للمستثمرين ورجال الأعمال والأشخاص لإقامة مشاريعهم والعيش في مملكة البحرين التي توفر أسلوب حياة راق يماثل أفضل أساليب الحياة في العالم إذ أصبحت البحرين بما تزخر به من مرافق نقل ومواصلات واتصالات متطورة جدًا مقرًا للعديد من الشركات متعددة الجنسيات التي تمارس نشاطها الاقتصادي في منطقة الخليج. درة البحرين «المشروع الأم« وقال جناحي إن مشروع مارينا درة البحرين سيشيد ضمن مشروع درة البحرين الواقع في جنوب مملكة البحرين بمساحة 600 ألف متر مربع وهذا ما يميز المشروع كون درة البحرين التي تحتوي على تشكيلة متنوعة من العقارات الفخمة والتي تشمل المحلات التجارية والفلل والشقق السكنية والأماكن الترفيهية ،ويعد أول المشاريع العقارية المقامة في المنطقة الجنوبية من مملكة البحرين والتي تعتبر أرضاً خصبة للاستثمار السياحي. ويحظى المشروع بدعم لوجستي مهم من جميع الجهات المعنية في مملكة البحرين وعلى رأسها حكومة مملكة البحرين إذ يمثل هذا المشروع دعما قوياً لاقتصاد البحرين، وستعمل حكومة البحرين على توفير جميع الخدمات في وقت قياسي ومنها الطريق السريع الذي اكتمل ويربط المشروع بالعاصمة المنامة أما المشروع الرئيسي الذي تعد المارينا جزءا منه فهو درة البحرين ذاك الصرح المعماري المهيب المؤلف من مدينة ومنتجع يقع أقصى الطرف الجنوبي من البحرين، ويشغل هذا المشروع الضخم مساحة 20 كيلومترا مربعا وبذلك يعد أكبر مشروع عقاري سكني وتجاري وترفيهي في مملكة البحرين. وتبلغ تكلفة مشروع درة البحرين مابين 3 إلى4 مليارات دولار أمريكي وتعود ملكيته إلى شركة درة خليج البحرين المملوكة مناصفة بين حكومة مملكة البحرين وبيت التمويل الكويتي - البحرين، ويتكون مشروع درة البحرين من 12 جزيرة ستضفي مجتمعة على المشروع طابعه المميز لأسلوب الحياة على الجزر، ويشمل ذلك ست جزر مرجانية وخمس جزر فيروزية بالإضافة إلى الهلال التجاري وجزيرة أخرى قائمة بذاتها تحتوي على منتجع وفندق راق من فئة خمس نجوم. وأكد جناحي أن فكرة مشروع المارينا موجودة لدينا منذ فترة، وقد تم اختيار مشروع درة البحرين لما له من مميزات خاصة تبرزه وتميزه عن المشاريع الأخرى، من أهمها أنه استطاع أن يتخطى مراحله الأولى لينتقل حالياً إلى مرحلة البدء بتسليم الوحدات لملاكها، وذلك ما نعتبره نقطة قوة تضاف إلى رصيد المشروع... وأضاف أن مشروع درة البحرين يخاطب شريحة واسعة من ذوي الدخل المتوسط والمرتفع، ويخاطب مشروع المارينا الفئة نفسها في الخدمات الراقية التي يقدمها، والحياة الفخمة التي يوفرها لساكنيه ومرتاديه. أما عن التعاقد مع شركة أتكنز لتصميم مخططات المشروع فقد قال عثمان جناحي: باعتبار المخطط الرئيسي مرحلة استراتيجية حساسة تمهد السبيل لتنفيذ وتصميم المشروع على أرض الواقع، وفي خطوة تعد العلامة البارزة نحو تصميم وتنفيذ المشروع، اخترنا شركة أتكنز لتنفيذ واعتماد مخطط المشروع الرئيسي كونها الشركة التي نفذت تصاميم مشروع درة البحرين مما جعلها على دراية تامة بطبيعة المشروع وميزاته. كما أن شركة أتكنز تعتبر مطورا معماريا متميزا ومعروفا عالميا ونحن سعداء أننا قد عملنا معا من أجل وضع مخطط رئيسي وفق أعلى المواصفات العالمية.

Just amazing ! One word : beautiful. :applause:

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Thanks Adel for this excellent post! I love the pictures, it seems the project is on track and will be completed on scheduled time.

By the way when were these pics taken?

Thanks Adel for this excellent post! I love the pictures, it seems the project is on track and will be completed on scheduled time.

By the way when were these pics taken?

Taken 5/1/2008 . Durrat is beautiful, the pictures don't do it justice they were taken just before sunset, not enough light.

a friend of mine has a plot in phase one atoll island, im going there next week to take a look, were going to the house itself and take a look inside ill post some pics...

I think this project may be better than others in bahrain due to the fact that govt of bahrain is a partner, (less headache, more quality, less bulshit)

Yes be sure to do that, the new road (King Hamad Highway) is open now, it takes only about 20 min from Alba Roundabout near Jawad Nuwaidrat to Durra while observing the speed limit. Be sure to visit Petal 1, and take some pictures as I forgot to do that, it's the most developed island and will be the first to be handed over at the end of March 2008.

Here are some pictures of the villas on Atoll 3.

http://aycu20.webshots.com/image/39899/2006237159207268660_rs.jpg

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King Hamad Highway

http://www.up.00op.com/data/visitors/2007/12/15/storm_1950457459_2012596365.jpg

a friend of mine has a plot in phase one atoll island, im going there next week to take a look, were going to the house itself and take a look inside ill post some pics...

I think this project may be better than others in bahrain due to the fact that govt of bahrain is a partner, (less headache, more quality, less bulshit)

So have you been to Durra or not? please post pictures of your visit.

By the way anyone can go and ask for a tour, you don't have to own a villa there.

No actually i havent, I work in doha and will be back next week, ill visit then and definetly take some pics..!

king hamad highway ( the way to durrat al bahrain ) 38 KM from alba roundabout to durrat albahrain ..



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..

Durrat deal awarded

MANAMA: Durrat Al Bahrain has awarded a 25-year concession agreement to design, build, and operate the sea water desalination plant serving the irrigation for the entire development to Energy Central.

The extensive landscaped areas of the $6 billion Durrat Al Bahrain, including its 15 islands, the commercial centre and its Ernie Els designed championship golf course, will be irrigated by water from the desalination plant located on the mainland at a distance from the resort.

The development will benefit from a constant water supply ensuring all gardens, communal parklands, and sporting facilities can flourish.

"One of the unique characteristics of Durrat Al Bahrain is that it offers distinctively green surroundings, and it is crucial for us to choose suppliers who offer environmentally conscious solutions," said Durrat Al Bahrain chief executive Jassim Al Jowder.

"Energy Central's services comply with our stringent requirements, regulatory standards, and international environmental guidelines. We are confident that Energy Central will deliver high quality services, which meet Durrat Al Bahrain's excellence in design and development."

"Part of our vision is to encourage regional urban growth by building and operating state of the art plants to large-scale developments such as Durrat Al Bahrain," added Energy Central chief executive Khalis Issa.

"We are ever mindful of the environment and ensure that all our plants comply with international environmental standards."

Durrat picks Scott Wilson Group plc for golf precinct plan

http://www.bahraintribune.com/Archive/February_2008/21_2_2008_p15-4.jpg

Scott Wilson Group plc has been appointed by Durrat Al Bahrain to develop the master plan for a golf precinct as part of a $6 billion island city development in Bahrain.
The golf course and surrounding precinct is a key element of Durrat Al Bahrain, the Kingdom of Bahrain’s largest planned luxury residential, commercial and tourist resort development. In addition to the 18 hole course, designed by world renowned golfer Ernie Els, the plan will include a luxury hotel and residential villas, a club house and a health and wellness centre. The course, set to become one of the region’s leading golfing destinations, will be surrounded by waterways, canals and landscaped greenery.
Eddie Foster, Scott Wilson Director for the Middle East said: “Scott Wilson is very happy to be appointed by Durrat Al Bahrain to develop the masterplan for this luxury golf precinct. We look forward to working together and contributing to this prestigious development”.
Jassim Al Jowder, CEO of Durrat Al Bahrain, said: “Durrat Al Bahrain’s golf precinct is much more than a golfing experience. It will offer a world class course designed by one of the very best golfers, Ernie Els, and it will also offer a luxuriant and exclusive lifestyle for those looking for space and peace. Residents will be able to live within the green landscaping of the golf course and be surrounded by the tranquillity of the course’s waterways and canals. We believe Scott Wilson is the company to help us realise this dream and we look forward to working with them in developing the master plan.”

Man Made islands pole

http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?t=557731

Finally, thanks to doriangray and NASA an aerial photo of Durrat Al Bahrain

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2317/2322853609_8fd52f4903_b.jpg

Kingdom creates waves

Ready to host first Powerboat P1 Grand Prix in ME

Bahrain is a step closer to be a sports tourism hub in the region, thanks to the Kingdom’s strategic decision to host the first ever Powerboat P1 Grand Prix in the Middle East in October this year.
Bahrain, which is celebrating the fifth anniversary of Motor Sport F1Grand Prix, yesterday launched yet another most popular event in Europe, US and other parts of the world Powerboat Grand Prix. Jim O’Toole Managing Director Powerboat P1 said the event would put Bahrain on the global sports tourism map as the event would be aired for 300 million to 500 million TV audience covering Europe, US and other parts of the world. Jim said that they had secured a partnership deal with Bahrain for one year but it would be a long-term proposition. “The event will have a huge economic impact as Bahrain has been selected as the venue for this prestigious and exciting event that provides the finale to the Powerboat P1 season.”
Powerboat P1 will run the event from October 23 to 25 at Marina Durrat Al Bahrain, part of the Durrat Al Bahrain development project in the south of Bahrain.Backed by Shaikh Mohammed bin Essa Al Khalifa, CEO the Economic Development Board, Shaikh Fawaz bin Mohammed Al Khalifa, head of General Organisation for Youth and Sports and Shaikh Mohammed bin Duaij Al Khalifa, Chairman Bahrain Maritime Sports Association, event will attract 25 world’s best racing boats for the competition.
Jim said: “As the international appeal of Powerboat P1 continues to build, the evolution of the calendar is inevitable and we are happy to be able to announce such an eclectic mix of top class venues in three continents. We are breaking new ground within Europe with the inclusion of races in France and Spain whilst our visit to the Middle East signifies another new adventure for P1. This is an exciting development as we continue to establish P1’s credentials beyond Europe, strongly supported by our teams, the manufacturers and the marine industry.” Shaikh Mohammed bin Duaij Al Khalifa of the Bahrain Maritime Sports Association said: “We have been looking forward to hosting a top class powerboat race in the Kingdom, and are delighted that Powerboat P1, the very top level of powerboat racing, has chosen to make Bahrain its home in the Middle East. We hope to build on the success of the Formula 1 to really establish Bahrain as the home of all types of motorsport in the region, both on land and on water. I’m sure the event will offer some spectacular racing and a thrilling occasion that all Bahraini residents will be able to enjoy.”
Othman Janahi said: “Marina Durrat Al Bahrain, which is an integral part of the Durrat Al Bahrain development is proud to be a partner of the Bahrain Powerboat P1 Grand Prix and delighted to be able to host the event in 2008.”
Event Partner Marina West’s MD Mahmood Janahi said “Marina West is delighted to support the Bahrain Powerboat P1 Grand Prix and we look forward to a thrilling and action packed weekend of powerboat racing this October. Such events bring great opportunities for enhancing social and economic development and certainly put Bahrain at the forefront of motorsport in the Middle East.

Durrat Al Bahrain Video

http://www.durratbahrain.com/en/video-gallery/?cid=2

You can see it from google earth
http://i28.tinypic.com/117bms3.jpg

yo this is an old picture, in fact very old... :bash: if you look into our forum you will see that there are much better sattelite pics posted of the finished reclimation.