all the news about bahrain financial harbor
as of february 8 2003

this is how it will look like

http://www.bfharbour.com/images/1-big.jpg

http://www.bfharbour.com/images/2-big.jpg

http://www.bfharbour.com/images/3-big.jpg


Bahrain Financial Harbour project moves into high gear with completion of piling work for first phase

Preferred Contractor for first phase - US$ 250 million Financial Center & Bahrain International Insurance Center - to be announced on February 16

Manama, February 8, 2003: The visionary Bahrain Financial Harbour (BFH) project has moved into a high-growth phase with the completion of the piling work for Phase 1 of the development, which consists of the US$ 250 million Financial Center and the recently announced Bahrain International Insurance Center (BIIC).

Making this significant announcement in Bahrain today a top official of the company further said that full-scale construction for this phase is also expected to start by the end of February, with the formal announcement of the preferred contractor scheduled shortly on February 16, 2003.

Envisaged as a complete financial city for the global finance sector, the US$ 1. 3 billion BFH development uniquely combines business, leisure and residential components and is being developed on a high-profile waterfront site. The development has also been designated by the Government of Bahrain as a Strategic Investment Zone, with a unique blend of liberalized conditions to attract private-sector participation. The placement agent and financial advisor for the BFH development is Gulf Finance House.

Mr. Esam Janahi, Chairman, BFH, said: "The BFH has been conceived as a centre of financial excellence that will catapult Bahrain into the league of top global economic centers such as London, Hong Kong, Singapore and Tokyo."

"BFH offers a highly compelling rationale that makes it a natural choice for any progressive and ambitious financial institution. The completion of the piling work of the first phase of the project marks a key stage in the evolution of this development and signifies its entry into an accelerated development phase."


Mr. Janahi further said: "'Further to the floating of the tender for the main contractor for the Financial Center late last year, we short-listed eight companies, each of which was subjected to a rigorous evaluation process. We are now down to two final names, and the final announcement on the Preferred Contractor for this phase will be made on the 16th of February. We expect full-scale construction to commence immediately thereafter," he concluded.

The contract, which will be awarded on an "Engineer & Construct" basis, will cover all non-design and architecture-related elements of the Financial Center and BIIC.

Covering an area of approximately 58,000 sq.m, the Financial Center comprises of the Dual Towers, the Harbour House and the Financial Mall. While the Dual Towers will comprise business centres, office suites, exclusive residential apartments and health and recreational facilities, the Financial Mall will house the stock exchange and other capital markets, a clearing and settlement house and brokerage and trading firms.

The Harbour House, on the other hand, will provide 10,000 sq.m of office space for media-based enterprises specializing in business, finance and investment.

Launched under the auspices of the BMA, BIIC has been conceived as the region's first world-class insurance market which will house a range of insurance-related businesses, both conventional and Islamic.

BIIC will have under its roof, insurance companies, reinsurance majors and providers of specialist insurance services, making it the single-largest composite development in the regional insurance industry.

Key Project Milestones

October 2002 to June 2004

June 2004 Bahrain Financial Harbour Phase II Reclamation Set to Start: Awards US$25.7 million Contract to a Bahraini Company
June 2004 Bahrain Financial Harbour Opens for Sale
June 2004 Bahrain Financial Harbour Announces USD$200 Million Bahrain International Insurance Centre
March 2004 Al Hamad Contracting Company awarded Engineering and Construction contract, construction commences
February 2004 BFH unveils Customer Relations Centre on Manama harbour for customers to experience the development as it happens.
January 2004 Piling work complete for Financial Mall & Harbour House
January 2004 Bahrain International Insurance Centre (BIIC) launched as part of BFH project. BMA signs agreement to lease 7 floor
December 2003 BFH hold official opening of state-of-the-art headquarters at Seef Tower
December 2003 Funding for Financial Centre over subscribed
November 2003 Kuwait Investment Company (KIC) signs agreement with GFH to invest USD$25 million in Financial Centre
October 2003 Project unveiled at Waterfront Expo in London and dubbed "Canary Wharf of the Gulf"
October 2003 BFH appoints SOCOTEC International as technical advisers
October 2003 Reclamation of Phase One completed
August 2003 Reclamation for Phase One reaches 50% mark
August 2003 Bahrain Government designates BFH as Strategic Investment Zone

July 2003 Tenders requested and TAMDEC selected as supplier to begin reclamation work on Phase One of BFH
January 2003 Al Ayam Press, Publishing and Distribution and BFH sign agreement to set up BD10 million fully-fledged multi-media information establishment at BFH
December 2002 Prime Minister Sheikh Khalifa bin Salman Al-Khalifa lays cornerstone for new financial centre "Bahrain Financial Harbour
October 2002 BFH design unveiled for BFH project, by Ahmed Janahi Architects

as of march 3 2004

CONSTRUCTION BEGINS


CONSTRUCTION TO BEGIN AT BAHRAIN FINANCIAL HARBOUR

Manama, 3 March 2004 - Bahrain Financial Harbour ("BFH") announced today that it has signed a Contract with Al Hamad Contracting Company ("Al Hamad") for the Engineering and Construction for Phase One, the Financial Centre of BFH. Construction for Phase One, the Financial Centre, will begin in Q1 2004.

The Contract was signed by Mr. Esam Janahi, Chairman of BFH, and Mr. Nashat F Sahawneh, General Manager of Al Hamad, at a signing ceremony held today at the Bahrain Financial Harbour Customer Relations Centre.

Other representatives included Mr. Ahmed Janahi, Managing Director and Lead Consultant, Ahmed Janahi Architects and Chairman and CEO of ReeMoon BDC WLL ("Reemoon"), Mr. Abdulrahman Al Jasmi, Director, BFH and Head of the Tender Committee, Mr. Nawaf R Sadeddin, Development Director, BFH and Mr. Claude Julliot, General Manager, Socotec International.

Total estimated project value for Phase One, the Financial Centre, is US$250 million and will create over 2,000 jobs. The Financial Centre includes the development of the Dual Towers, Financial Mall and Harbour House. Construction of Phase One will take approximately three years. Over 6,000 jobs will be created over the lifespan of the BFH project that is expected to be completed in six years.

"Today marks a significant milestone in the development and evolution of BFH as our vision becomes a reality. Construction for Phase One of BFH, the Financial Centre, begins this month and will be completed by March 2007. BFH is the first of its kind in the region, a holistic City Within A City development integrating finance, commerce, leisure, lifestyle and the arts.

"This important initiative for Bahrain creates jobs and spin off benefits for our country. The Financial Centre has been developed as a fully contained financial services centre in response to Bahrain's status as the Financial Capital of the Middle East. BFH also supports the Government's social and economic plan and we are very grateful to the Government and the people of Bahrain for their continued commitment and support for BFH," says Mr. Esam Janahi, Chairman of BFH.


"After a rigorous tender process to eight international contracting firms, Al Hamad was selected based on its track record of successful development projects of similar scope in the region. Its commitment to ensuring high quality, while maintaining costs, delivering to the timetable and ensuring that the people of Bahrain benefit through employment, education and training were also key factors in the decision making process", says Mr. Ahmed Janahi, Managing Director and Lead Consultant, Ahmed Janahi Architects and Chairman and CEO of Reemoon.

"We are thrilled and grateful to have been awarded the opportunity to construct this significant landmark for Bahrain and we will continue to work closely with the BFH team to ensure that Phase One, the Financial Centre, is delivered to the highest standard and quality while meeting the timetable. Our project site will be set up this week at BFH and we will begin recruiting subcontracting firms for the project soon.

"In addition to this Al Hamad will be establishing a Training Institute for construction related industries, in conjunction with the post secondary schools in Bahrain, based on best international practices to ensure that we give back to the community and evolve the standards of the construction and related industries in Bahrain", says Mr. Nashat F Sahawneh, General Manager, Al Hamad.

The Contract for Phase One, the Financial Centre, includes the engineering and construction of the Dual Towers, which are each approximately 71,000 m² of built area - which at 50-levels high will be the tallest buildings in Bahrain, the Financial Mall, an eight-level building with a total built area of approximately 78,300 m² and construction of the Harbour House, a nine-level building that is roughly circular in plan with an approximate diameter of 28m. Phase One, the Financial Centre is expected to be completed in three years, at the end of Q1 2007.

The Dual Towers are designed for financial services and related businesses and will comprise of business centres, office suites and health & recreational facilities. The Financial Mall is a home to the capital markets including the Bahrain Stock Exchange, clearing and settlement houses and brokerage and trading firms. The Harbour House is designed for media based industries and will offer approximately 10,000m² of gross leasing space.

as of june 23

PROJECT OPENS FOR SALE


Bahrain Financial Harbour 'Opens For Sale'

Beirut, 23 June 2004: Bahrain Financial Harbour ("BFH") announced today that The Financial Centre component of the development is officially 'open for sale' - offering local, regional and international financial institutions and related businesses freehold ownership or lease options within the region's first world-class financial centre. At this stage, 35% occupancy rate has already been confirmed, says BFH Chairman Esam Janahi.

"Today's announcement that freehold ownership or lease options are now available at the Financial Centre development is yet another crucial step in attracting and retaining leading Bahrain, regional and international financial organizations in the Middle East region.

"The Financial Centre is the first significant phase of Bahrain Financial Harbour, a development that builds on the 30-years reputation and legacy of Bahrain as the financial capital of the Middle East.

"Our business partners and marketing team have spent a considerable amount of effort conducting market research and analysis to ensure that our pricing structures and approach is consistent with the market. Individual investments will depend on the technical specifications and personalization of the space purchased".

Mr. Janahi believes that investors will find pricing levels at Bahrain Financial harbour offer the most competitive and value for money for quality business premises throughout the region, providing a significant incentive to prospective financial organizations already here or considering setting up business in Bahrain.

The visionary development has structured its freehold sale and lease options around an ownership system called 'Strata-Titles', one of the first projects in the Gulf to use this system. The Strata Titles approach involves individual issue of titles for titles for common property that is then managed by a committee of unit owners, called a 'Body Corporate', a system already popular in London, Beirut and North America.

"The Strata-Title system is still a new concept in this part of the world and unique in that it gives individual owners a clear role, defined process and role on a committee to manage their investment, much like the way a normal business would be operated. This provides increased increased levels of transparency and decision making abilities in consultation with the developer, in this case BFH," said Mr Janahi.

The Financial Centre is Phase One of the Bahrain Financial harbour project and comprises three core components: The Dual Towers - two 53 storey towers offering office space for the financial sector; The Financial Mall - a unique retail environment catering specifically to the capital and retail financial markets, an The harbour House - a blend of work and leisure space offering facilities for media-based enterprises.
Saleh Al Nashwan, a Senior Official at Bahrain Financial Harbour says "We are in talks with, and have already secured a number of high profile local, regional and international tenants in The Financial Centre, including the Bahrain Stock Exchange, soon to establish their base in The Financial Mall. The commitment by the Bahrain Bourse demonstrates our ability to deliver the high-technology and specialized facilities required for institutions of this nature, which we are confident will also draw others from around the region."

Construction of the Financial Centre began in March this year, when after a rigorous tendering process, the contract was awarded to UAE-based Al hamad Contracting Company. The total project value of the Financial Centre is US$250 million. Due for completion in Q1 2007, the Financial Centre offers a combined total of 131,565m2 office space and 1,873m2 retail space, as well as close to 900 car parks for visitors, owners an tenants.

Financial Mall

Overview:

The Financial Mall takes the concept of a modern shopping mall and applies it to finance and ancillary activities. It will offer an array of finance related activities and services under one roof. Designed specifically for capital markets, it will house the Bahrain Stock Exchange as well as brokerage and trading firms. It will harbour a retail environment for finance and investment services firms such as stockbrokers, market makers, proprietary investment firms, futures commission merchants and options brokers as well as other exclusive retail outlets.


About the building:

Spread across over 78,000m², the Financial Mall is set to recreate the ambience of a convenience mall for financial products. It will host everything related to financial services, catering specifically to the capital and retail financial markets.


Capital Financial Market

The mainstay of all trading activity in Bahrain Financial Harbour, the Capital Financial Market will accommodate the following units:

Trading Hall
Clearing and Settlement House
Brokerage & Trading Firms
Interactive Corporate Windows

Retail Financial Market

The retail financial market will establish direct contact with the consumers, bolstering the entire shopping mall concept. It will be a one-stop shop for the following facilities:

Auction Hall
Consumer Financial Market
Retail Insurance Market
Information Technology Retail Market
Support & Logistics
Money Exchange Market
Exclusive Retail Outlets:

Unique retail spaces to cater to the needs of the Financial Centre tenants and visitors.

Distinct Architecture

The architecture of the Financial Mall reflects the openness of Bahrain's financial culture.

Elevated glass bridges connect the Financial Mall to the Harbour House and the neighbouring developments.
A diaphanous glazed dome above the trading floor allows natural light to filter in.
Glass covered atriums add to the feeling of openness.

Harbour House


Overview:

Directly linked to the Financial Mall via a suspended bridge, the Harbour House is poised to create the ultimate working space. It has been primarily set up for media-based enterprises such as Television and Satellite broadcasting stations, publishing houses or strategic marketing and media consultancies that will benefit from the financial-based businesses of Bahrain Financial Harbour. With the judicious combination of work and leisure space, the Harbour House is the ideal place for business parties to converge.


About the building:

Directly linked to the Financial Mall via a suspended bridge, the Harbour House is poised to create a unique working space and environment. Featuring a pleasing blend of work and leisure space, it provides the ideal space and facilities for media-based enterprises specializing in business, finance and investment


Key Beneficiaries

Television and Satellite broadcasting stations, publishing industries, strategic marketing and media consultancies will benefit the most from the financial-based businesses of Bahrain Financial Harbour.


Unique Leisure Environment

Situated directly on the watercourse, the Harbour House complements its professional work environment with excellent relaxation alternatives. Access to restaurants, boulevards, promenades, sea-front walkways, cafes, waterways. All form part of the Harbour House's theme of turning living into a lifestyle at the Bahrain Financial Harbour.

more renders:

http://www.bahrainguide.org/BG4/Resources/bahfinharbourfrom.gif

http://www.bahrainguide.org/BG4/Resources/item6d.gif

Reception of BFH (pic courtesy of virtualtourist)
http://p.vtourist.com/1344358.jpg

http://www.thebanker.com/images//1880.photo.jpg

homepage is www.bfharbour.com

nice, n the skyline is different, looks very futuristic

Very very futurstic, i cant wait to see the project completed.

Awesome development indeed. The towers looks good, hope it becomes built...:)

Well the twin towers are already 10% built, dunno about the rest.

anyone able to get us some site pics of this huge project?

well here are some i took again before i left:

Reclamation of second phase
http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid141/p6fced4c57d71a3108f6e37fd7f85051f/f6cbe0a4.jpg

Phase one, now 3 floors are completed, here 3rd floor just started of the financial mall. Towers can't be seen, they're on the side. I'll post an article about the latest news.
http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid141/p656ab235431c4e45274c213a1e316db6/f6cbe3de.jpg

Old pic, the ones i posted above are newer.
http://tradearabia.com/source/2004-09/28/BFH.jpg

The $250 million (BD94.5 million) first phase of the Bahrain Financial Harbour (BFH) will be completed ahead of schedule, say contractors.

Sharjah-based Al Hamad Contracting Company has also reiterated its commitment to invest in more real estate development projects in Bahrain.

Chairman Nashat Sahawneh visited Bahrain to review progress of the BFH work.

Meanwhile, journalists from Bahrain were visiting the UAE to see Al Hamad's projects under construction at Dubai Marina, the hi-tech designs being developed at the headquarters in Sharjah and the carpentry, joinery and precast concrete factories in Ajman.

'Though we have projects valued at $3 billion (BD1.13 billion), including three of the 40 multi-storey towers of the Jumairah Beach Residence, we are giving special attention to the Bahrain project by adopting the most advanced building technology now available in the world,' said general manager-contracting Thamin Fakhoury.

'These include the post-tension technology which enhances the performance of the concrete.

'Currently, about 500 people are working on the project and it may increase to more than 1,000 during peak time.'

The total estimated project value for phase one, the Financial Centre, is $250 million.

It includes the development of the Dual Towers, Financial Mall and Harbour House.

'Though the completion date set for the projects was March 2007, we are confident that it would be completed ahead of schedule by end 2006,' said Fakhoury.

The Financial Mall work has reached the third-floor level and the eight-floor structure is scheduled for completion by February next year.

Ten per cent work on the Dual Towers have been completed.

'Foundation work is over and now we are casting slabs,' said Fakhoury.

Work on the Harbour House is still in the initial stages.

General manager-administration and finance Ezzat Sahawneh said the company was committed to the training and development of Bahraini engineers.

'Six Bahraini engineers have completed a four-month training in the UAE and are currently working on the BFH site,' he added.

'We are ready to train more Bahraini engineers if they are willing to be associated with this prestigious and challenging job.'

Sahawneh said BFH was one of the biggest projects undertaken by Al Hamad, which employs 7,000 people and has considerable years of experience in building high-rise state- of-the-art towers in the UAE.

Al Hamad has already appointed eight Bahraini sub-contracting firms which are now working on the site in Manama.

'As a Gulf-based company with an international affiliation, we are very excited at having the chance to work on such a high-profile global landmark development,' he added.

'Al Hamad is now seriously studying plans to make more investments in Bahrain.

'We shall be associated with the proposed Marriott Apartm-ents development in Bahrain and will be bidding for the second phase development of BFH.

Sahawney said Al Hamad was getting the whole-hearted support of the BFH team headed by chairman Esam Janahi, as well as the Bahrain government.

'We are also very happy with the investment regulations in Bahrain which encourage foreign companies to make investments in the Kingdom without any hesitation,' he added

in dubai they always are too optimistic with finsihing dates
hope it won't be like this in bahrain
but as not sooo much going on as in dubai i believe it will be finished in 2006

dubai lover, phase one they hope would finish in 2006, not the whole project. Phase one is the dual towers, financial mall and harbour house.

its great seeing this project really progressing nice and steady :) one of the major projects coming up in the GCC :) welll done bahrain

I think once this project is done it will give bahrain the seal stamp as the major financial hub of the region. There is strong competation from Dubai which is close in very fast. But i think bahrain is more established in banking, insurance, re-insurance, islamic banking, and financail constulting industries. Im really interested on where the Gulf montery agency which is coming online in a couple of years is going to be headquarterd. I heard AD wants to house it!

i think it's comparable to the difc project in dubai
but for bahrain this is the signature project
when people talk about bahrain's project, the first they'll mention is bfh

ya this is the best project for bahrain to date imo, and one of the best in the region. Should really redefine the skyline. It's moving fast as I was told and can be seen now, which is good news.

great project indeed it will boost the economy and help in turning the gulf into one of the mosty important financial centers of the world :okay:

not so sure it will be one of the world's most important, it takes time to become something like this, but with all the other developments bahrain is on the right way :)

well, it for sure will enhance Bahrain's reputation as a financial center. Bahrain is already well established with 362 financial institutions and more have been licensed (over 3 decades). If the project turns out to be very successful, then it may well be one of the world's most important, who knows.

yes, sure, but as aid, takes time

found another scenery render

http://www.bfharbour.com/images/BFH_image4.jpg

ya thats the pic they have in the main page of the website. Ya i agree, it takes a long time, i mean bahrain waited for over 30 years, it sure can wait more :)

what about posting a thread about this in the PROJECTS & UPDATES forum? some advert for bahrain would be good for this forum i think :)

umm wait till xmas, ill get newer pics and then we can post it. Have better construction pics and it will look nicer. Does that sound better? I've done a thread a long time ago about it.

ok, you're right, too few pics and info yet
x-mas is good time

very very very impressive

BFH development comprises of 10 projects:

1. Financial Centre 6. Residential South

2. Commercial West 7. Diamond Tower

3. Commercial East 8. Residential North

4. Harbour Row 9. Bahrain Performance Hall

5. Hotel 10. Dhow Harbour

Within the 10 projects, the development will comprise of 30 parcels.


The diamond tower apparently is supposed to be 45 stories, if so, that is good news.

45 floors, this is very good news. so we still can expect some more from this project
in the renders it looks like there will be 15 real high-rises
i'm so excited

Wonderful Project!!!, Enormous in scale indeed.

This came out on the 25th of june, so a few months old:

Bahrain Financial Harbour (BFH) today announced the establishment of the Eastern Commercial Complex component of the project, to house Bahrain International Insurance Centre, one of the most important facilities in the development, and established with support from Bahrain Monetary Authority.

The USD$200 million component of the Bahrain Financial Harbour development has been created with the objective of attracting global and regional insurance-related businesses.

An agreement regarding the establishment of the Eastern Commercial Complex was signed by Mr. Esam Janahi, Chairman, Bahrain Financial Harbour and Mr. Jalal Ahmed Mansoor Al Aali, Deputy Chairman, Ahmed Mansoor Al Aali Bahrain Company - lead investor in the Complex. Also attending were Mr. Anwar Al Sada, Executive Director, Financial Institutions Supervision, Bahrain Monetary Agency and Mr. Saleh Al Neshwan, a Senior Official at Bahrain Financial Harbour.

Signing of the agreement took place as part of BFH's participation in the 10th Arab Investment and Capital Markets Conference in Beirut.

"the Creation of Bahrain's International Insurance Sector, hosted in the Eastern Commercial Complex, is a significant step forward in achieving the objectives of the BFH project to meet the demands of the financial sectors of Bahrain and the region," said Mr. Janahi.
-
"The interest and involvement from our lead investor Ahmed Mansoor Al Aali Bahrain Company highlights both the importance of BFH itself as well as of the financial aspects of the insurance and reinsurance to the financial sector. It is yet another component that demonstrates the comprehensive nature of the entire development and our intention to evolve Bahrain as the Financial Capital of the Middle East."

Mr. Jalal Al Aali said,"Today's agreement between Ahmed Mansoor Al Aali Bahrain Company and Bahrain Financial Harbour is a sign of the confidence we have in this essential project and an important investment in a world-class banking and financial hub for the entire Middle East.

Insurance and Reinsurance is one of the sectors that Bahrain Monetary Agency has been responsible for supervising and controlling since August 2002. As a legal Authority, Bahrain Monetary Agency creates the regulatory framework for the sector and promotes the sector as an international hub for finance- related businesses, in accordance with international best practices.

"The existence of such a sector in Bahrain enhances the Kingdom's reputation as one important global financial hubs, as we have already been considered for over 30 years," said Mr. Anwar Al Sada.

"it provides huge support for the insurance and reinsurance sector in the region, and it is a tailor-made response to the needs of insurance from the financial sector and the private captive insurance market."

Bahrain International Insurance Centre's website is www.biic.org

Those renderings are so cool, Bahrain will get itself a very attractive skyline.

would love to see more pics of the site

I'll get pics in xmas when am back, and ill post em here. I'll get a lot of them over a period of a few weeks.

a bad rendering of the opera house:

http://www.coroflot.com/user_files/individual_files/35260_6tzk3K4Xpkvxq8akN6JxtShar.gif

you can see the opera house in the last island in this pic:
http://bfharbour.com/images/3-big.jpg

yep, not such a great design on the first look, but it truely is a crappy render
am sure it will look way better when final drawings will be published

ya it looks much better, trust me, they won't design a great project and then the opera house which is expected to be also an important development will look ugly. Here is a picture of Esam Janahi (chairman of bfh and a very smart guy) with a model:

http://www.propertyworldme.com/content/images/article_533.jpg

ppl really need to change this esam janahi.. they need a new face man for the project.. they guy gives me the creeps

7aram 3layk, this guy is the right guy, he has one of the sharpest banking minds in the whole middle east. He's a hard worker and totally dedicated.

Im not talking about his work! He is indeed a really great mind. I totally agree, but there is something wrong with the way he looks! The latest issue of arabian business the arabic version, has his picture standing above BFH model. He has a scary smile, sort of like, i want to take over the world smile!

hahaha look at the poor guy:

http://bfharbour.com/images/Esam.jpg

One with a smile:
http://www.internationalspecialreports.com/middleeast/01/bahrain/8



A bit more about Esam Janahi:

Mr. Esam Yousif Janahi, Chairman of the Bahrain Financial Harbour Holding Co, is a well-known figure in the region's banking and financial circles. His broad experience, particularly in structuring and managing investment funds, direct investments, asset management and advisory service, has helped to raise the level of respect and credibility for the industry amongst the global banking and financial community.

Nominated as `Islamic Banker of the Year' at the World Islamic Banking Conference held in Bahrain in December 2003, he has in-depth knowledge of conventional as well as Islamic banking and finance.

Mr. Janahi has held senior positions with both regional and global financial institutions such as Islamic Investment Company of the Gulf, TAIB Bank; TAIB Securities; and Merrill Lynch International. Mr. Janahi is also currently the Chief Executive Officer of Gulf Finance House. Previous to this he was a director and a member of the executive management team at First Islamic Investment Bank EC (Bahrain), where he was instrumental in the bank's capital raising activities as well as in enhancing its profitability by marketing its products and services to corporate clients and high net worth individuals.

Mr. Janahi holds an honours degree in industrial management from Saudi Arabia's University of Petroleum & Minerals, and a master's in business administration from the University of Hull, UK. He is also Chairman of Bahrain Aluminium Extrusion Company (Balexco) and Injazat Technology Fund, Deputy Chairman of Alkhaleej Development, a board member of Bahrain Islamic Bank and a member of the Shura Council.

When is the expected completion date?

well for the first phase, the official completion date is march 2007 but the contractors are confident that it would be completed by the end of 2006, which is good news. The whole development should be completed by either 2009 or 2010, most likely if am not wrong 2009.

US Ambassador William Monroe led members of the American diplomatic corps on a visit to the Bahrain Financial Harbour (BFH) Client Relations Centre.

He was accompanied by senior officials from the US Embassy, in Manama.

The delegation was received by BFH Holding Company chairman Esam Janahi and other senior executives, who briefed them on various aspects of the landmark project.

Their visit served to reinforce strong commercial relations between the US and Bahrain, who have just signed a Free Trade Agreement (FTA).

"Bahrain is a country on the move and the ambitious BFH will play an important role in complementing Bahrain's economic initiatives, aimed at creating a favourable investment climate in Bahrain," said Mr Janahi.

"It will also serve as an ideal launchpad for US financial institutions and banks interested in gaining access to the GCC and Middle East markets."

He added that the BFH project was attracting considerable interest from the international business community.

"We are confident that BFH will go a long way towards opening Bahrain's doors to American investment and boosting the country's economy," he said.

Meanwhile, Mr Monroe said he was impressed after the visit, which provided a better understanding of Bahrain's financial sector and the potential implications of projects such as the BFH to Bahrain's economy.

I emailed the BFH to tell them to fix the pic that was not working and they did so thanks to them here you have this beautiful top-down view of the towers and literally phase one:

http://bfharbour.com/images/4-big.jpg

incredible render
and quite a good close-up of the towers
thanks for your effort :)

A delegation from Bahrain and Gulf Air is taking part in the World Travel Market (WTM), opening in London early next month.

Promotion of Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix, Bahrain Financial Harbour (BFH) and Durrat Al Bahrain will be the focus of this year's campaign at the Bahrain stand, said Tourism Affairs Assistant Under-Secretary Mubarak Al Atwi.

He will be heading Bahrain's official delegation and will be accompanied by Tourism Affairs marketing head Bader Nasser and senior marketing specialist Hassan Al Shehabi.

A 20-member delegation from Bahrain's private sector, representing hotels, resorts, tour companies and travel agencies, are also attending the WTM, being held in Excel, London, from November 8 to 11.

Bahrain's 80sqm stand will be built in traditional and modern designs and it will reflect the kingdom's culture and heritage, Mubarak Al Atwi said.

"Leaflets and other promotional materials will be distributed at the Bahrain stand," he said.

"Films on Bahrain will be shown on a massive screen. Three officials from Bahrain International Circuit are joining us in promoting the second Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix, scheduled for April next year.

"Besides promoting Bahrain as a destination, we hope to create more awareness of the Formula One event and the facilities provided by the country for visitors."

The BFH will also be a focus of a special promotion.

"We are taking promotional materials on BFH and Durrat Al Bahrain resort as part of a campaign to make Bahrain a destination for international investors and tourists," said Al Atwi.

Gulf Air will also put up an attractive stand at WTM, and its delegation is expected to be headed by president and chief executive James Hogan.

Visitor numbers to the region have grown considerably over the years with Gulf Air reporting a substantial increase in passenger numbers on routes from the UK to the Gulf.

On offer will be a series of all-inclusive packages that include flights, accommodation and Grand Prix tickets for spectators from abroad.

Bahrain has been taking part in WTM, one of the world's largest tourism fairs, over several years.

Organisers, the Reed Travel Exhibitions, expect about 7,000 exhibitors from 180 countries to take part in this year's event.

wow just espectacular, great project.

The second phase of the reclamation works at Bahrain Financial Harbour have been given the go-ahead.

The reclamation works, estimated at BD9.7 million, will cover nearly 179,000 square metres and will be completed by April 2006, BFH holding company announced.

'A 2,670 metre-long road, lined with greenery and water channels, will be constructed, to link the eastern and western sides of King Faisal Corniche', Janahi Engineering and Consultants firm managing director and BFH company adviser Ahmed Janahi said.

He was speaking as he was received by Capital Governor Shaikh Humood bin Abdulla Al Khalifa.

http://gulf-daily-news.com/source/xxvii/248/images/busi2.jpg

A memorandum of understanding (MoU) was signed yesterday between Bahrain Financial Harbour (BFH) Holding Company and Microsoft to promote Bahrain as the leading technology centre and co-market the BFH's IT and support centre.Under the terms of the agreement, BFH will consider applying Microsoft's Enterprise Solutions in establishing and developing certain IT functions within the upcoming $1.3 billion project.

It was signed at the Middle East Financial Technology Exhibition and Conference by BFH Holding Company chairman Esam Janahi and Microsoft Middle East and Africa chairman Emre Berkin.

Mr Janahi said the association with Microsoft is a key step forward in BFH's plans to develop a highly advanced and cutting-edge technology and support service environment.

Meanwhile, BFH Holding Company board member Ahmed Janahi said the agreement with Microsoft would help to attract major software developers to Bahrain.

He said that it could be expensive for smaller companies to form their own agreements with IT companies and that this MoU will help attract many firms to the project.

"Its about adding value for tenants through the services that BFH will be able to provide," he said.

Mr Berkin added that Microsoft would be working closely with BFH to look at different ways to deliver services for the landmark project.

"BFH will consider using Microsoft's latest technologies to create technologically advanced, knowledge-based smart offices within the BFH project," he said.

Microsoft country manager Samir Benmakhlouf said the agreement would also help promote Bahrain as a leading Islamic financial centre through the development of Islamic banking applications.

"This effort will contribute to attracting IT, finance and related companies from different markets around the globe to consider Bahrain as their preferred base of operation."

Exhibitors at the first Middle East Financial Technology Exhibition and Conference (MEFTEC) gave the event a thumbs up after making contact with many potential clients.

More than 90 international exhibitors took part in the three-day event, which closed at the Bahrain International Exhibition Centre yesterday.

It showcased the latest products, services and solutions for the banking and finance industry.

Bahrain Financial Harbour sales director Murtuz Zamanly said the project had been approached by several major information technology (IT) companies, wanting to help develop its infrastructure.

"Since this is an IT exhibition, it hasn't attracted so much interest in terms of tenants, but several major IT companies showed interest in getting involved," he said.

"It's good exposure for us. Many visitors to our stand didn't realise that such a major project is being built in Bahrain."

Mr Martuz said that among the companies expressing interest was US chip giant Intel.

"We will be sitting with these companies to see what they have to offer. This follows the signing of a memorandum of understanding with Microsoft on the first day of the exhibition."

Under the agreement, the two companies will jointly promote Bahrain as the leading technology centre and co-market the BFH's IT and support centre.

BFH will consider applying Microsoft's Enterprise Solutions in establishing and developing certain IT functions within the upcoming $1.3 billion project.

Dubai-based Hitachi Data Systems, which specialises in data storage, hopes to use the exhibition as a platform to expand its customer base among financial institutions.

Europe, Middle East and Africa product marketing and management senior director Phil Jones said that financial institutions offered a lot of opportunities for companies such as his.

"Although 60 per cent of our clients are financial organisations, when the company established its regional operations in Dubai six months ago it has primarily focused on the telecoms market," he said.

"We still see a lot of potential in telecoms, but we'd like to also have more of a presence in the financial sector in Bahrain and other GCC countries."

Although no major deals were signed at the event, Hitachi Data Systems Middle East sales director John Bentley said that he had managed to make contact with several potential customers.

"These events give you the change to learn about the needs of the regional market," he said.

Athens-based banking and insurance solutions provider Intracom general manager Dimitris Plagiannis said that although their products are currently used in Bahrain, they don't have a direct link with customers in the country through their regional Dubai office.

"We would like to expand our presence in Bahrain, which is the hub of the financial industry in the region," he said.

"We also see the importance of being close to clients so after we establish closer ties with Bahrain-based countries we will consider opening an office here."

Mr Plagiannis said that his company's products helped banks to be more competitive, by lowering costs and improving efficiency.

"Competition in the industry is very fierce and complex solutions are required to help institutions maintain their competitive edge," he said.

Five Singaporean countries are taking part in the event as a national pavilion.

International Enterprise (IE) Singapore senior account manager Corrine Ong said Singapore and Bahrain had a lot to offer each other.

"Singapore has been a Far Eastern financial sector hub for over 30 years so it has a lot to offer other financial sectors such as Bahrain in terms of best practice in conventional banking," she said.

"Bahrain, on the other hand, is a pioneer in Islamic banking, an area Singapore is keen to develop.

"I think that many partnerships can emerge out of this which will benefit both sides."

MEFTEC was organised by the Bahrain Convention and Exhibition Bureau (BCEB) and Media Generation Exhibitions.

It was held under the patronage of Bahrain Monetary Agency (BMA) Governor Shaikh Ahmed bin Mohammed Al Khalifa and supported by the Economic Development Board.

Quick facts about the project:

http://bfharbour.com/fs_MED.html

A high-profile delegation comprising members of major regional and international financial institutions participating in the Arab Financial Forum (AFF) visited Bahrain Financial Harbour's Client Relations Centre.The delegates were given a detailed presentation on the various aspects of the project, which is at the forefront of attracting investments into Bahrain.

A site inspection was also organised, during which the group was given a preview of the progress made in the construction of Bahrain's landmark venture.

Expressing their appreciation, members of the AFF delegation said BFH will go a long way in creating a favourable investment climate for global financial institutions, while also reinforcing Bahrain's image as the financial capital of the Middle East.

The delegation expressed their confidence that BFH will act as an ideal platform for international banks and financial institutions wanting to gain access to the Middle East's growing markets.

By catalysing investments into Bahrain's financial sector, BFH will play a major part in strengthening the region's financial markets and boosting Bahrain's economy, they added.

BFH to launch exclusive Privilege Club

http://tradearabia.com/source/2004-11/28/bfh.jpg

The $1.3 billion Bahrain Financial harbour is to launch a new exclusive BFH Privilege Club - a one-stop facility providing high-quality personalised services for members and their guests.

The new offering will be a holistic management service programme that will provide a range of premium support services to banks and financial institutions, targeting potential BFH occupiers and their guests including senior corporate executives of financial institutions and banks, besides also catering to various governmental authorities, a senior executive told a reception at the BFH's Client Relations Centre (CRC) in Manama.

The reception was hosted for bankers and financial experts participating in the Corporate Governance Forum now under way in Bahrain.

The Privilege Club's unique BFH Executive Meet and Assist Service, one of the many services to be offered, is expected to be launched in the first quarter of 2005, to coincide with the 4th Gulf Excellence Forum being held in Bahrain in February, which will be co-organised by BFH and the Gulf Excellence Consultancy Company in Bahrain.

On the occasion, a number of key institutions and senior executives will be invited on a courtesy basis to experience a level of service that will be provided exclusively to BFH tenants.

"In keeping with the overall value proposition of BFH, the BFH Privilege Club is a premium lifestyle offering which provides first-rate personalised services to its members and guests. BFH, will gain competitive advantage by being the first and only provider for such an exclusive and unique service, which will compliment the physical environment and create a strong base for unique services that are of an interest for the financial community," said Esam Janahi, chairman of Bahrain Financial Harbour Holding Company.

The Privilege Club will be one of the many services provided for creating a world-class self-contained business environment at BFH that will go a long way in reaffirming its strong position in the global arena, he said. -

Another article about the Privilege Club
Bahrain Financial Harbour (BFH) is to launch a holistic management service programme to offer world-class service to its customers, it has been revealed.The main feature of the programme is an exclusive BFH Privilege Club, a one-stop facility providing high-quality personalised services for members and their guests, said BFH Holding Company chairman Esam Janahi.

"It will provide a range of premium support services to banks and financial institutions, targeting potential BFH occupiers and their guests including senior corporate executives of financial institutions and banks, besides also catering to various governmental authorities," he told a reception hosted at the BFH Client Relations Centre (CRC) on the eve of the Corporate Governance Forum.

The forum was held at the Gulf International Convention and Exhibition Centre yesterday.

"The Privilege Club's unique BFH Executive Meet and Assist Service, one of the many services to be offered, is expected to be launched in the first quarter of next year," said Mr Janahi.

"It will coincide with the fourth Gulf Excellence Forum being held in Bahrain in February, which will be co-organised by BFH and the Gulf Excellence Consultancy Company in Bahrain.

"On the occasion, a number of key institutions and senior executives will be invited to experience a level of service that will be provided exclusively to BFH occupiers."

In keeping with the overall value proposition of BFH, the Privilege Club is a premium lifestyle offering which provides first-rate personalised services to its members and guests, said Mr Janahi.

"BFH, will gain competitive advantage by being the first and only provider for such an exclusive service," he added.

"Besides the meet and assist service, the Privilege Club also offers hotel and travel bookings, concierge services, on-road, on-sea and on-air limousine services, access to corporate executive clubs and many other services."

BFH intends to play a major role in attracting foreign investments into Bahrain and strengthening its regional dominance in the financial sector, said Mr Janahi.

About 350 top officials from the Kingdom's leading banks and financial institutions attended the reception.

Mr Janahi said the Corporate Governance Forum could not have been held at a more opportune time, as the Arab banking industry is undergoing a paradigm shift against the backdrop of greater transparency and tighter regulatory regimes being instituted across the region.

"Bahrain, today, is at the epicentre of the region's booming financial markets. An acknowledged leader in terms of monetary expertise and regulation, its spectacular growth prospects are attracting an increasing number of regional and international financial institutions," he said.

Emphasising the importance of the Privilege Club, Bahrain Bankers' Society chairman Dr Fareed Al Mulla said Bahrain is holding a prestigious place as the region's premier financial and banking hub, supported by a strong regulatory environment.

"The BFH Privilege Club is a step in the right direction that will strongly back Bahrain's financial sector growth."

well they just completed a huge billboard, it's around probably between 40-50 m in width and weighs a few tons. The project itself is progressing well, it's huge but DL, I hope you won't be sad, but I've been soooo busy and I don't think I would be able to take pics and am leavin today, so ouch.

Fast taking shape in central Manama strategically close to the Bab Al Bahrain (Gate of Bahrain) is what is expected to be the financial capital of the region.

The Bahrain Financial Harbour (BFH) is rising rapidly along the King Faisal Corniche at a pace that would surprise many in the region. The $1.3 billion BFH is the first of its kind in the region, a holistic city within a city development, integrating finance, commerce, leisure, lifestyle and the arts.
Covering a 380,000 sq m area including a series of interconnecting islands formed on reclaimed land, the private-sector-led development has been designed as an epitome of architectural splendor.
Upon completion, the project will be able to support a net lettable area of around 540,000 sq m that will consist of about 198,000 sq m of residential space, 210,000 sq m of commercial and office area and 130,000 sq m of retail, dining and leisure space.
Work on the project started last March, when the construction contract for the first phase was awarded to the UAE-based Al Hamad Contracting Company.

Phase I
The $250 million (BD94.5 million) first phase of the Bahrain Financial Harbour (BFH) will be completed ahead of schedule, according to Al Hamad Contracting Company.
“Though the completion date set for the projects was March 2007, we are confident that it would be completed ahead of schedule by end 2006,” says general manager-contracting Thamin Fakhoury.
Currently, about 500 people are working on the project and it may increase to more than 1,000 during peak time.
Phase one of the project – the Financial Centre - includes the development of the Dual Towers, Financial Mall and Harbour House.
The Financial Centre offers a combined total of 105,300 sq m office space and 15,200 sq m of leisure, dining and retail space, as well as close to 3,500 parking bays dedicated to the Financial Centre for visitors, owners and tenants.
The Dual Towers comprise two 53-storey towers offering office space for the financial sector; the Financial Mall is a unique retail environment catering specifically to the capital and retail financial markets; while the 10-storey Harbour House provides a blend of work and leisure space offering facilities for media-based enterprises and other financial and investment supporting projects.
The Dual Towers are designed to accommodate financial services institutions, investment banks, offshore banking units and investment funds.
The Financial Mall will host the Bahrain Stock Exchange, commercial companies and brokerage firms.
Already more than16 per cent of construction works of the Financial Centre has been completed.
The seven-storey Financial Mall is expected to see structural completion next month (February). Work is also progressing on the Dual Towers with the second floor slab having been completed and on the Harbour House, with constrcution under way on the first floor level.
Al Hamad has already appointed nine Bahraini sub-contracting firms, which are now working on the site.
The Financial Centre will link both sides of the existing Corniche into a 2.670 m walkway. It is the first significant phase of Bahrain Financial Harbour, a development that builds on the 30-year reputation and legacy of Bahrain as the financial capital of the Middle East..
The cost of the Financial Centre is estimated to be $250 million, of which $100 million has already been raised through private placement, and the remaining amount ($150 million) is being financed and structured by Bahrain-based Liquidity Management Centre.

Phase II
Meanwhile, the second phase of the reclamation works at Bahrain Financial Harbour has been given the go-ahead with the award of an estimated BD9.7 million contract to Ahmed Mansoor Al A’ali.
The reclamation works will cover nearly 179,000 sq m and will be the site for the Eastern Commercial Complex component of the project. The complex will house Bahrain International Insurance Centre (BIIC) – among the most important facilities in the development, established by Bahrain Monetary Agency (BMA) – where the latter has agreed to lease several floors which it will then sub-lease to insurance and re-insurance companies.
This component of the Bahrain Financial Harbour development has been created with the objective of attracting global and regional insurance-related businesses.
“The creation of this insurance centre, hosted in the Eastern Commercial Complex, is a significant step forward in achieving the objectives of the BFH project to meet the demands of the financial sectors of Bahrain and the region,” says Janahi. The lead investor in the development is Ahmed Mansour Al A'ali. Reclamation work on phase II is due for completion by April 2006.
Other buildings that are to be be constructed on this reclaimed area are the Diamond Tower, Southern Residential Complex, Harbour Row, Dhow Harbour and a hotel.
The third and last phase of reclamation will have the Northern Residential Complex and the Bahrain Performance Centre which will house the Royal Opera House.
Ahmed Janahi Architects is the lead consultant.


* I read that the diamond tower is 45 stories high, so hopefully it'll be over 150 m.

Premier Shaikh Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa has hailed the BD40 million ($106 million) performance hall project.

The landmark building, which will host ceremonies, conferences, meetings and attract cultural and religious events, is expected to be completed by 2008.

Plans for the prestigious hall were outlined to the Prime Minister, when he received at his court Bahrain Financial Harbour (BFH) Holding Company chairman Essam Janahi.

He was accompanied by BFH project engineer Ahmed Ahmed Janahi, chairman of Ahmed Abou Baker Janahi Shareholding Company.

The Premier was briefed in detail on the colossal project, featuring miniatures, video shows and maps.

It will also be used to stage glamorous shows in a bid to attract tourists from all over the world to Bahrain.

'Work on the centre is expected to start early next year as part of BFH third land reclamation phase, and cover a total of 25,800 square metres' Essam Janahi said.

Its first part will feature a performance hall capable of accommodating up to 1,600 spectators.

The second part will boast a state-of-the art media centre featuring offices and studios, while the third one will consist of a chain of restaurants and retail shops.

The project, which will provide 300 direct and 1,000 indirect job opportunities, will also include a parking lot capable of accommodating up to 800 cars.

The Premier hailed the project as yet another landmark which will further boost the success of the private sector.

He also said the project reflects Bahrain's status as an investment haven, owing to its solid legal framework, services and modern infrastructure.

'This landmark project,' the Premier said, 'will further consolidate Bahrain's place on the world map of tourism destinations'.

The Premier was also briefed on the progress of work on the Bahrain Financial Harbour and gave his directives to provide all necessary services and ensure smooth traffic near BFH.

He also urged BHF to be linked with Manama Suq so as to create commercial and economic momentum.

http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid155/p30b1a3a2a6a152cae5204ad55e99c425/f56bc16f.jpg

Dubai-Lover, here is a small pic for you with the latest news. The buildings are huge, but in the pic, what you see is the first phase.

http://gulfconstructionworldwide.com/source/xxvi/01/images/B2-DOKApic3.jpg


Formwork specialist Doka is assisting Dubai-based contractor Al Hamad Construction & Development to overcome tight deadlines on the prestigious Bahrain Financial Harbour (BFH) project rising on reclaimed land in Manama.

The project with fast floor cycles includes the construction of two 53-storey towers – the Dual Towers, the Financial Mall, a 28-m diameter circular Harbour House.
Al Hamad is determined to improve this already ‘tight’ schedule with faster floor cycles.

Formwork solutions
Al Hamad opted for Doka formwork systems following its experience gained on projects in Dubai. Fast delivery times from Doka’s nearby Dammam depot across the causeway in Saudi Arabia, was also an important advantage, says depot manager, Mohammed Abdul Raheem.
“We are able to make deliveries in 24 to 48 hours,” he says.
To date 30 deliveries have been made totalling 450 tonnes with at least a further 10 containers, each weighing 15 tonnes, to be delivered.
The ground floor of the Dual Towers has been divided in half to provide a 10-m high entrance area and two mezzanine levels.
Al Hamad has opted to use a mix of d2 and Aluxo support systems for the full 10 m height supporting Dokaflex tables.
The aluminium-framed Aluxo system has been designed to support flat floor slabs at heights above 4 m up to a maximum of 10 m. The lightweight system is easy and fast to erect and features a 40 kN bearing capacity for each leg, says an Austria-based spokesman for Doka.
Constructed in hot-dipped galvanised steel, the Doka d2 system features three basic frames, 0.9 m, 1.2 m and 1.80 m, allowing table formwork to be assembled to a wide variety of units and layouts offering significant flexibility for the contractor, he says.
Construction includes 2,400 mm by 400 mm thick drop beams supported by Doka’s d2 support system and corrugated sheet slabs.
Doka’s Frami and Frameco formwork systems are also being used for column construction for a floor height of 4.2 m throughout both towers and the Financial Mall, together with the Top50 system for staircases and some shafts.
The Top50 system has been designed for large-area formwork and is a combination of timber formwork beam, bonded plywood and steel waling allowing panels to be made of any size.
“Thanks to the efficiency of the Doka formwork systems, which ensure fast floor cycle times, we fully expect to meet the revised completion schedule,” a spokesman for Al Hamad Construction concludes.

Air power
A fleet of at least 10 Atlas Copco compressors have been used by main contractor Al Hamad Construction & Development Compnay at the start of its construction contract on the Bahrain Financial Harbour project.
The Atlas Copco compressors including different versions of the single-axle XAS range including XAS 125s, XAS 96s and the new XAS 97’s, were used to provide air power for jack hammers to break the top of the project’s concrete piles exposing the rebar
Currently at least three XAS 97 air compressors are being used to provide air for a variety of air-powered tools around the project.
“The top-of-the-range XAS 97 is rated to provide a free air delivery (fad) of 5.3 cu m/min (190 cfm) at Bar 7. Also on use is the new generation 7 series of compressors,” says a spokesman for Atlas Copco.
“The recently-introduced new-generation Series 7 compressors have been designed to offer increased reliability, durability and serviceability,” he adds.
It features a completely new canopy design. Fitted as a hinged unit, it can be easily opened or closed smoothly with the aid of sturdy gas springs. Easy removal of side panels supporting the canopy ensures excellent accessibility to all service components, he concludes.

A very recent pic of the financial center, a month old or so, the billboard changed and there are 3 cranes, DL this is for you:

http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid156/p2cfe401b39cb93ef1102e210ea256c94/f5456b3a.jpg


More news on this, I'll post that soon.

Well, finally this is the diamond tower in some detail, probably the best building planned for bahrain and one of the best designs in the world. It's 45 stories and is located on the east side of the bfh development. Land is reclaimed starting from this month till June and construction starts in july and finishing in july 07. Here it is:

http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid156/pab51d6cbb13e392b173b0375dacfeaeb/f5455b17.jpg

http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid156/p43ed46b562b271173c32490f500f7f11/f5455b14.jpg

http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid156/p439b078805414ebea302ee18506df8c9/f5455b11.jpg

http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid156/p1f83063dbbdae27e1bc60b623b936823/f5455b0f.jpg

this is a really stunning design
very funky!

as located on an island it makes the tower look even better than it already is

and thanks for the construction pic! an't wait to see this fantastic project coming up!

A very recent pic of the financial center, a month old or so, the billboard changed and there are 3 cranes, DL this is for you:

http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid156/p2cfe401b39cb93ef1102e210ea256c94/f5456b3a.jpg


More news on this, I'll post that soon.

what is being built there? how tall?

This is being built in the pic below (Two towers, and the media house connected by the bridge at the back of the towers, or to be specific the financial mall). This is phase one only). Well for height, they told me around 260m for both towers so it's cool:

http://bfharbour.com/images/4-big.jpg

thats great! :cool:

Blueprint unveiled for independent Arab-International Think-Tank in Vision Village project in Bahrain

Bahrain/ London: January 31, 2005: Bahrain Financial Harbour, the US$1.3 billion landmark project for a financial district of leading global institutions in Bahrain, the financial capital in the Middle East, unveiled today the blueprint for an independent non-partisan Arab-International Think-Tank that will create global awareness about the Arab nation, while reaching out to link up with the fast-changing world as part of an innovative project named Vision Village.

Addressing a press conference in London today, immediately after attending the World Economic Forum in Davos as a Young Global Leader, Mr. Esam Janahi, Chairman, Bahrain Financial Harbour; said: “The Vision Village, an entirely focused initiative, is being launched so that world opinion could be steered in a progressive and pragmatic direction about the changing face of the Arab world, creating better awareness globally.”

Mr. Janahi, who is also the Chief Executive Officer of Gulf Finance House Group B.S.C (GFH), one of the leading Islamic investment banks in the Middle East, also serves on the boards of several other companies and financial institutions, including Gulf Finance House Commercial Bank (GFHCB) of which he is the Vice Chairman.

Mr Janahi said, “The Young Global Leaders meeting and the World Economic Forum, offered me an ideal platform to interact with key influencers from across the world, and convey the importance of this Think-Tank of knowledge-based specialists. We have been extremely encouraged by the response that this initiative has received from various quarters, including key Arab leaders, associations, central governments and influencers from across the globe, as well as, from the Young Leaders present at the Davos summit.

“We are confident that it will emerge as a true bridge-building initiative between the Arab and the rest of the world and would receive the active support of many more governments and global influencers.”

Among other things, the Think-Tank will also be responsible for planning, developing and evolving a robust growth strategy for a series of Centres for Excellence (CoE) within the Vision Village. The crucial component of this Think-Tank will be its ‘mentoring’ initiative, aimed at developing an entire generation of informed global leaders from the Arab world.

Vision Village’s Centres of Excellence (COE), under the able guidance of the Central Think Tank, would aim at providing an enabling environment to ensure that all ideas and innovations are followed through to their logical conclusion. These Centres would provide Vision Village with the necessary tools to achieve its vision of creating Global Leaders and bridging the Knowledge divide between the Arab and rest of the world

The components of the Vision Village are:
1. Centre of Excellence in Media,
2. Centre of Excellence in Technology,
3. Centre of Excellence in Education and Training,
4. Centre of Excellence in Business & Finance,
5. Centre of Excellence in Events and
6. Centre of Excellence in Leadership.

While the independent and non-partisan Think-Tank will start actively functioning in three months’ time, the Vision Village project, a forerunner for creative blend of novel concepts, will be ready by the year 2008.

Located in the Bahrain Performance Centre, a key component of the Bahrain Financial Harbour, Vision Village will, in its initial stages, be promoted by Bahrain Financial Harbour. However, once instituted, the Think-Tank will be completely independent in all its spectrum of activities. The Vision Village, on the whole, will act as a beacon, nurturing the hopes and ambitions of the Arab and international communities in various fields including developing global leadership in new business, technology, culture, and political paradigms.

Exhorting the international community to participate in this knowledge-based enterprise, Mr Janahi said, “Our collective future depends on creating a society in a liberal and pragmatic environment that will act as a stimulus to resourceful individuals in any part of the world.”

The Think-Tank will be nucleus of the Vision Village featuring key global and regional Arab leaders, intellectuals and opinion-makers in the areas of finance, technology, politics, education and public affairs. The Think-Tank will act a comprehensive centre for global influence and will be responsible for initiating sustained process of dialogues and exchange between Arabs and the rest of the world.

“The Vision Village will provide a stimulating environment for thought leadership and will act as a knowledge repository to breed of cream de la cream professionals,” said Mr Janahi.

Fantastic architecture!

I'll post soon with more renderings and construction pics.

I really think that this financial district will look absolutely amazing. But I really think that they should have looked at putting the financial harbour in the Seef district, probably where the Blue Elephant is... Opposite the the Bab Al Bahrain/Souq is too much I think. Plus it would have made the Seef tower look not so out of place....

^ Hey first of all. Well, I think it's a perfect location, they want the harbour to be the new gateway to the capital and it's a strategic location and it's in the middle of everything (souk, diplomatic area, airport, saudi causeway, seef district). Actually if the harbour was in the seef district, it'll be out of place there, trust me on this, this is the best location on the island for such a project. Also, if you think about the corniche, you can't actually walk through all of it as before mina il manama (manama harbour) used to block the way (corniche ---- manama harbour ----corniche) and the bfh will link both sides with green walkways. Knowing this, this means that the seef district can have more buildings there, as this development could potentially hamper any surrounding businesses there meaning that if you locate it there, you can't just locate anythin next to it.

Bahrain spirit, I know.. i have posted it on the wrong thread ..

any way..

You should see the construction, improving very well ..ans so is the BWTC. In my opinion this will change the face of the country forever. add to that the cty center shopping mall. its a matter of two years only.. but the skyline will begin changing within the current year...remines me of dubai four years ago, but question remains, would we be able to keep the trend !

I wish to see the full project in shape.

About BIBF, i know now that due to huge costs, they are not willing to move to BFH.

Just wondering why they are using concrete (both BFH and BWTC while AL Moayyed Tower used Steel. aby clue

Don't worry about that other thread. Ya, these developments are changing very quickly, they're working on them 24/7 so they're takin shape quicker. Regarding keeping the trend, I hope so and I think if these projects have the imapct that is expected, then I think bigger and better projects will be launched. Consistency is very important to keep the current structural and economic boom continuing.

Am just wondering, did they start on the city center, cause they said by end of january it should start?

About concrete and steel usage, am not sure about the costs of steel (could be cheaper) but the only reason I can think of is that the shapes of BFH and BWTC aren't vertically straight so concrete has more flexibility if you get what I mean. I might be wrong on this one though.

It's good to have someone here also from bahrain who could help me out post pics and updates of the projects, as I wouldn't be in Bahrain until a further 6 months from now.

Ok, I won't post everythin at a time as I promised updates, but here is the first batch:

Construction through the different stagest:

http://bfharbour.com/html/Images/IG_con_1_1024.jpg

http://bfharbour.com/html/Images/IG_con_2_1024.jpg

http://bfharbour.com/html/Images/IG_con_3_1024.jpg

http://bfharbour.com/html/Images/IG_con_4_1024.jpg

http://bfharbour.com/html/Images/IG_con_5_1024.jpg

http://bfharbour.com/html/Images/IG_con_6_1024.jpg

It has changed a lot since the last pic, there are 4 cranes now on site.

Those pics are when they said that the harbour was 10% complete (in september 04):

http://bfharbour.com/html/Images/pr12_06_1024.jpg

http://bfharbour.com/html/Images/pr12_04_1024.jpg

http://bfharbour.com/html/Images/pr12_02_1024.jpg

http://bfharbour.com/html/Images/pr12_01_1024.jpg

http://bfharbour.com/html/Images/pr12_05_1024.jpg

Typical Bahrain beauty, very nice indeed. A great project for Bahrain

great update photos
thanks a lot :)

in post #76: from what dates are the first and last picture from, just to get an impression of how fast they work

Well the first pic is from March when construction started and the last pic is early december, and it has actually grown even bigger now, so pretty fast for a huge development. If you pass by it in real life, you'll realize how huge the buildings will end up being.

Second Phase Reclamation:

Love the water here, crystal clear
http://bfharbour.com/html/Images/IG_rec2_4_1024.jpg

http://bfharbour.com/html/Images/IG_rec2_1_1024.jpg

Some more renders (high and low quality ones):

You can see the performance center better here
http://bfharbour.com/html/Images/IG_ren_2_1024.jpg

http://bfharbour.com/html/Images/IG_ren_6_1024.jpg

http://bfharbour.com/html/Images/IG_ren_7_1024.jpg

http://bfharbour.com/html/Images/IG_ren_8_1024.jpg

Dhow Harbour
http://bfharbour.com/html/Images/IG_ren_9_1024.jpg

http://bfharbour.com/html/Images/IG_ren_10_1024.jpg


My favourite, that's why it's last:
http://bfharbour.com/html/Images/IG_ren_3_1024.jpg



Stay tuned for more updates.

:eek:

amazing renders

but i still ask myself if all buildings will have this strange green?

^ DL, ya they should have it, it'll make the overall look uniform and much nicer than random varied colours. It develops project coherence plus it merges along nicely with the sea.

yes it will
and it's not that i don't like the color, but it's very seldom seen to have to so many buildings of one "style" or design and color

^ I suppose that's what makes it unique ;).

I suppose that's what makes it boring ;). Seriously, the designs are very modern and I like each and every building in that project but the fact that they have the same color and feel makes the project look somewhat boring, variety is always a positive in any project.

I think they can use two more colors... Silver and light golden ...wow

I think it looks amazing. That entire area of Bahrain, down by the Sheraton Hotel is seeing some really nice developments. The Financial Harbour is one of them, and then I believe there is a twin tower complex also coming up (I think in the 250- meter range).

Well, we can never judge if it's going to be boring until it's completed and you have the sun and the night with the lights, hehe so I can tell you in 2009 early 2010 hehe. I personally don't see this project in any other different colours, I think it's fine. What other colours could actually work?

^ Saudijoe, the bahrain world trade center near the sheraton is 240 m, and this is around 260 m for the twins as far as am concerned, so it's going to be great.


This is what we need as manama needs a facelift.

Bahraini Spirit, you seriously think that Manama needs a facelift???? I think the city is really nice...Its not a Hong Kong, but it looks better than most other cities in the Middle East. My parents just love, love, love it, they go there every thursday. In my opinion its a mix between Saudi and Dubai (however weird that may sound) its cosmopolitan and quite at the same time, we go crazy everytime we go to Dubai, I swear its probably safer walking down Baghdad dressed as Uncle Sam, than driving on Dubai's Streets. As for face-lifts, the only place i could think of that is in need of repair would be the area down by all those restaurants (monsoon, and those places). Otherwise i think the city is really nice, I really like the area down by Seef Mall (which by the way is having another expasion), that area, The Ritz Carlton, and that Thai food place....whats it called???..... ahhh, Blue Elephant, YUM YUM YUM, they have really good food, and a very nice setting.

GREAT!!! i would like to give this place a visit after its done construction (after my studies hahaha :D)
wallah great!

This project is BIG!!, I mean...BIG!!

Fast taking shape in central Manama strategically close to the Bab Al Bahrain (Gate of Bahrain) is what is expected to be the financial capital of the region.

The Bahrain Financial Harbour (BFH) is rising rapidly along the King Faisal Corniche at a pace that would surprise many in the region. The $1.3 billion BFH is the first of its kind in the region, a holistic city within a city development, integrating finance, commerce, leisure, lifestyle and the arts.
The $250 million (BD94.5 million) first phase of the Bahrain Financial Harbour (BFH) will be completed ahead of schedule, according to Al Hamad Contracting Company.
“Though the completion date set for the projects was March 2007, we are confident that it would be completed ahead of schedule by end 2006,” says general manager-contracting Thamin Fakhoury.
Phase one of the project – the Financial Centre – includes the development of the Dual Towers, Financial Mall and Harbour House.
The Financial Mall will host the Bahrain Stock Exchange, commercial companies and brokerage firms.
Already more than 16 per cent of construction works of the Financial Centre has been completed.

Meanwhile, the second phase of the reclamation works at Bahrain Financial Harbour has been given the go-ahead with the award of an estimated BD9.7 million contract to Ahmed Mansoor Al A'ali.
This component of the Bahrain Financial Harbour development has been created with the objective of attracting global and regional insurance-related businesses.

Thanx for the news!

Ok here's the latest:


New 22-storey tower to house insurance centre

I like this design, simple and elegant.
http://gulf-daily-news.com/source/xxvii/355/images/25Tower.jpg

Work has started on a 22-storey insurance centre at the Bahrain Financial Harbour (BFH) with an initial investment of $50 million.

A ceremony to lay the foundation stone for the Bahrain International Insurance Centre (BIIC) was held at the BFH's Client Relations Centre in Manama yesterday.

Economic Adviser to the Prime Minister Abdulla Saif, Bahrain Monetary Agency Governor Rasheed Al Maraj, Finance Ministry officials, dignitaries and BFH officials attended the ceremony.

Insurance officials taking part in the second Middle East Insurance Forum also attended the event.

The centre is being established with the investment of Saudi businessman Shaikh Saleh bin Al Rashed.

Bahrain Financial Harbour Holding Company chairman Esam Janahi said that he was confident that BIIC would further strengthen the insurance sector and encourage the creation of innovative insurance mechanisms, adding more value to the financial services industry of the country and the region.

"Bahrain has the traditional advantage of being the insurance and financial hub in the Middle East," he said.

"Being an integrated and the single-largest composite development for the regional insurance industry, BIIC will attract global insurance players to Bahrain and accelerate the industry's contribution to the GDP."

Shaikh Saleh will be investing $50m initially to construct the purpose-built, world-class insurance facility.

Currently, he is the chairman of Bahrain-based Trade Union Insurance Company, Universal Corporation for Trade and Industry, Saudi United Co, Al Rashed and Al Thunayan Co, Saudi Activities Co, Saudi Logistics Support Instalments Co, Animals Product & Feeds Pentagonal Co and Amlac Hotel Services Co.

He is also the deputy chairman of the Kuwait-based Al-Ahlia Investment Company, established in 1974.

Shaikh Saleh said that the insurance industry in the region had a lot of untapped potential and BIIC will offer an "unparalleled opportunity to unlock this potential".

"It is also an honour for me to be working in close co-operation with BFH, the landmark project which will reinforce the status of Bahrain as the financial capital of the Middle East" he said.

He said that piling work for the BIIC had started in February and the construction of the building will be completed by September next year.

The BIIC will be a 22-storey tower with a net leasable area of around 19,000 square metres.

The ground and first floor of BIIC will be developed as an atrium space lined with small outlets for insurance services, together with a coffee shop.

On the second floor there will be a conference and meeting room.

The Bahrain Insurance Association will also have its offices in BIIC to provide statutory back-up to private insurers.

Also good news for the insurance sector:

The US-based New Hampshire Insurance Company (NHIC) has been licensed to offer non-life reinsurance services in Bahrain.

It is a subsidiary of the American International Group (AIG) and will establish a branch office here, which will serve as its headquarters for the region.

Saudi investor to develop Bahrain insurance centre

Manama

Saudi-based businessman Sheikh Saleh Al-Ali Al Rashed will invest $50 million to build the Bahrain International Insurance Centre (BIIC) within the upcoming $ $1.3 billion Bahrain Financial Harbour.

The announcement of the partnership with Sheikh Saleh was made at the foundation stone-laying ceremony of BIIC held on the BFH construction site under the patronage of Rasheed Mohammed Al Maraj, governor of the Bahrain Monetary Agency.

The purpose-built BIIC is conceived to be a the world-class insurance hub.

Terming BIIC as a milestone development for the insurance industry, Esam Janahi, chairman of Bahrain Financial Harbour Holding Company, said: "Insurance is a very vibrant sector and has catalysed the growth of the financial services industry in Bahrain. There are salient developments taking place in this industry and BIIC, which is a world-class project, should be viewed in this context. We are confident that BIIC will further strengthen the insurance sector and encourage the creation of innovative insurance mechanisms, adding more value to the financial services industry of the Kingdom and the region."

Commenting on the role BIIC will play in bolstering the regional conventional and Islamic insurance industry, Janahi said: "Bahrain has the traditional advantage of being the insurance and financial hub in the Middle East. Being an integrated and single-largest composite development for the regional insurance industry, BIIC will attract global insurance players to Bahrain and accelerate the industry's contribution to the GDP."

Welcoming Sheikh Saleh as an investor of the BIIC, Janahi said there is widespread enthusiasm among regional investors towards innovative and high-potential projects such as BIIC.

Currently, Sheikh Saleh is the chairman of the Bahrain-based Trade Union Insurance Company, Universal Corporation for Trade and Industry, Saudi United Company, Al Rashed and Al Thunayan Company., Saudi Activities Company., Saudi Logistics Support Installments Company, Animals Product & Feeds Pentagonal Company and Amlac Hotel Services Company. He is also the deputy chairman of the Kuwait-based Al-Ahlia Investment Company established in 1974.

Sheikh Saleh said: "I am proud to be part of this prestigious project which indeed is a pioneering initiative. The insurance industry in the region has a lot of untapped potential and BIIC will offer an unparalleled opportunity to unlock this potential."

"It is also an honour for me to be working in close cooperation with BFH, the landmark project which will reinforce the status of the Kingdom of Bahrain as the Financial Capital of the Middle East" he said, adding that piling work for the BIIC has already started in February 2005 and the construction of BIIC will be completed by September 2006.

Within the BFH environment, BIIC will come up in close proximity to the Financial Centre. It will be a stand-alone 22-storey tower with a net leasable area of around 19,000 sq m.

The ground and first floor of BIIC will be developed as an atrium space lined with small outlets for insurance services, together with a coffee shop. On the second floor there will be a conference and meeting room facility. The Bahrain Insurance Association will also have its offices in BIIC to provide statuary back-up to private insurers.

Does this have a thread in the projects forum? If not, B-S please start one!

Krazy, I'll start one in the summer cause I'll take more pics of the project u/c to make it more inviting, get what I mean and am sure more component will be u/c by then.

sounds good

Overall Development:

http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid160/pa2a4bd44964e38f2cc3e7e91c692bfdd/f4dfd679.jpg


Components are:
- Financial Center
- Commercial East (Bahrain International Insurance Center (BIIC) is here)
- Commercial West
- Harbour Row
- Diamond Tower
- Residential North
- Residential South
- Bahrain Performance Hall

Thanks! Do you whats the progress on the land reclaimation for this project?

It's underway and it should be completed in the second quarter of 2006. Construction will commence during this phase anyways so we don't need to wait till it's fully completed.

Some model pics during the vist of the Russian Industrial Investment Fund Members:

http://www.bfharbour.com/html/Images/pr09_02_1024.jpg

http://www.bfharbour.com/html/Images/pr09_03_1024.jpg

Another model pic (good one):

http://www.bfharbour.com/html/Images/pr06_6_1024.jpg

Besides the 53 story dual towers, the diamond tower is 45 stories and the other towers range between 22 - 36 stories. I'll try and get heights but am not sure of that as of yet.

amazing model
i'd like to have it in our living room :D

so the investors are only russian?

No, it was just a visit, never said only Russian investors. BFH didn't announce any names of who joined like the DIFC, only a couple. These are delegation visits to look at investment opportunities. Many ppl actually visited including a Goldman Sachs High delegation and the late Rafiq Al Hariri.

Hehe, I'd also like that in my room.

UK-based Global Real Estate Consultancy Knight Frank named Marketing, Sales & Leasing Agent for US270 million dollar Financial Centre


Bahrain Financial Harbour (BFH), the waterfront business and financial district on the Manama Corniche today announced that the UK-based global real estate consultants, Knight Frank LLP, will be appointed as the marketing, sales and leasing agent for the first phase of the development, the US270 million dollar Financial Centre, which is due for completion by the end of 2006.

http://www.ameinfo.com/images/news/9/12929-bahrain-financial-harbour.jpg
An artist's impression of BFH
The Financial Centre is open for sales and lettings and has already attracted considerable interest. It consists of three components - the 53 storey Dual Towers, the 9 storey Financial Mall and the 10 storey Harbour House. It offers a unique commercial office integrated environment with business, shopping and leisure facilities all under one roof.

Terming that the partnership with Knight Frank is a significant step in the development of BFH, Mr. Abdul Rahman Al Jasmi, Managing Director of the Bahrain Financial Harbour Holding Company, said that the appointment comes at a time when the project has stirred tremendous enthusiasm among the global finance and business community, eager to tap the growth potential of the GCC markets.

'Knight Frank is a leading real estate consultancy with long-standing client relationships in the global markets. Our association with them will emphasise the world-class nature of BFH and the unmatched opportunities it offers to investors across a range of segments spanning financial, residential, retail, media and leisure' Mr. Al Jasmi said.

The tie-up also marks the entry of Knight Frank into the Gulf markets. The real estate consultancy through its strategic alliance with Grub & Ellis and its partnerships and affiliates is present in over 30 countries worldwide. The network which has 9,000 people and over 200 offices in five continents handles Euro10 billion worth of commercial, agricultural and residential property transactions every year. It also provides advisory services to the owners and users of land and property on every aspect of real estate.

'Our association with Knight Frank is also a reflection of the positioning of BFH as a project that will attract both global as well as regional investment in line with the foreign investment policy of the Government of Bahrain. We are confident that Knight Frank will work with us in promoting BFH across global markets and investors keen to have a foothold in the region's growing market,' he said.

The experience of Knight Frank in marketing major financial sector developments, like Canary Wharf in the UK, will bring tremendous value to BFH, Mr. Al Jasmi added.

Commenting on the appointment, Clive Betts a senior partner of Knight Frank said: 'We are very excited to make our entry into the Gulf market particularly with such a global and regional landmark project as BFH. We are confident that BFH will be a great success and we are proud of being appointed.'

'Knight Frank considers this appointment to be only a starting point. We are convinced that there is scope to expand our relationship with BFH further ahead in the days to come, and it is in this spirit we look at the challenge of promoting the Financial Centre component,' Mr. Betts added.

This is what BFH needs, more marketing. Funnily enough, the financial mall is now 9 floors instead of 7 and the price is $270 million from the initial $250. Anyways, it's better that way :).

Great news, but i think they are maintaing secrecy over names of clients.

However, back to color issue, they cant stick to Greeeeen for the whole project.

Reason, each and every building will lose its uniqunes .....

Knight Frank, BFH agents

Bahrain Financial Harbour has announced that the UK-based real estate agents Knight Frank are to be appointed its marketing, sales and leasing agent for the first phase of the development. Its USD270m first phase is due for completion by the end of 2006.

Bahrain Financial Harbour appoints marketing, sales and leasing agent

Manama: The Bahrain Financial Harbour development has appointed a UK-based firm as the marketing, sales and leasing agent for its first phase.

Knight Frank LLP is taking this role to help create momentum for the $270 million (Dh990.9 million) Financial Centre, which is due for completion by the end of 2006, project representatives said.

The partnership with Knight Frank is a significant step in the development of Bahrain Financial Harbour (BFH), said Abdul Rahman Al Jasmi, managing director of the Bahrain Financial Harbour Holding Company.

The appointment comes at a time when the project has stirred tremendous enthusiasm among the global finance and business community, eager to tap the growth potential of the GCC markets, Al Jasmi said.

"Knight Frank is a leading real estate consultancy with long-standing client relationships in global markets.

"Our association with this firm will emphasise the world-class nature of BFH and the unmatched opportunities it offers to investors across a range of market segments spanning the financial, residential, retail, media and leisure industries," Al Jasmi said.

The Financial Centre offers a unique commercial office environment with business, shopping and leisure facilities all under one roof, project representatives said.

Knight Frank enjoys an alliance with Grub & Ellis. It boasts a network extending to 9,000 people and 200 offices distributed across five continents, handling ten billion euros (Dh48.9 billion) worth of property transactions every year, company representatives said.

http://gulf-daily-news.com/source/xxviii/011/images/bpic3.jpg

Bahrain Financial Harbour Holding Company (BFH) yesterday announced that Euro Motors would be its business partner for its Bahrain Financial Harbour Excellence Club. The Bahrain Financial Harbour Excellence Club is a holistic management programme that integrates high quality and personalised services that cater to the needs of the financial and business community.

Members and guests will experience a royal treatment through hospitality and greeting services, and luxurious limousine cars.

"Euro Motors will support the facilitation activities of BFH Excellence Club to serve the guests and investors," said BFH managing director Abdul Rahman Al Jasmi."

"We are proud to be associated with Euro Motors to serve our clients and guests. We are confident that Euro Motors will add value to the services of the Excellence Club.

"This is a step forward in providing cutting-edge client relations services," he said after signing an agreement with Euro Motors at the BFH premises in Manama.

Expressing his delight in the new association between the BFH Excellence Club and Euro Motors managing director Zayed Al Zayani said: "We are pleased to be associated with BFH in providing transportation services and consider it as a milestone for both companies.

"Euro Motors will provide a fleet of BMW 7-Series exclusively to provide transportation services to BFH clients and guests."

http://www.mahmood.tv/index.php?module=images&func=display&fileId=79

That's a few months old now. Am not sure when Mahmood is goin to take another pic of the project. There are a few more that I have of the project. SkylineBRN, are u registered on that site by any chance?

Model pic from the projects stand in the BIC for the F1 (pic courtesy of Moody):

http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid163/p0f5e917ef9e9512ff2668394c4b2db75/f49e9244.jpg

That's a few months old now. Am not sure when Mahmood is goin to take another pic of the project. There are a few more that I have of the project. SkylineBRN, are u registered on that site by any chance?

Not yet, but i think i will cuz of the blog section! Aside from that it is a great site that provides pictures and discussions of events around the country. one of the few bahraini online discussion sites in english...and apart from mahmood.tv and gulfgt.com, would you happen to know about any other sites?.

Well, the one I can think of my mind is www.Bahraini.tv also by Mahmood, but it's been inactive for a while. I'll think of more that are worthy and I'll msg you instead of spamming this thread hehe.

If you go to links in Mahmood.tv, it has a lot of websites there. Hopefully this helps :).

I have a surprise for you guys later tonight, that is if no one finds it before I post it later hehe, really worth it.

I have a surprise for you guys later tonight, that is if no one finds it before I post it later hehe, really worth it.

lookin foreward to it.... :runaway: be back later...this betta be worth it!:dj:

Hehe Skyline-BRN, I probably kept you waiting hehe.

Ok here's the moment of truth, the files are a few megabytes, some are around 10 Mg, so if you have a slow connection, please be patient. Trust me though, this is worth it. Forget all the renders and drawings, this is the ultimate stuff, you'll see the project like you'll never see it in pics.
How I found those, I visited the Janahi architects website a while ago and today out of curiosity I wanted to visit it again and they changed a few things and voila, this:

Overall Development:
http://www.aajarchi.com/BFH2.html

Bahrain International Insurance Center (BIIC):
http://www.aajarchi.com/biic2.html

Diamond Tower:
http://www.aajarchi.com/DT2.html

Bahrain Performance Hall:
http://www.aajarchi.com/movie/OH.wmv


All I can say is this: :eek2: Best Project Video Files I've Ever Seen IN My Life.

Also the towers in the Residential South will range from 26 to 34 floors, not sure about Residential North, but it should be the same. I'll post a map again for those who don't know what am talkin about.

i've actually seen these last week, when i was searching for the architect's website as i wanted to add it to emporis

but i have to admit they are great, very detailed

^ and you never told us hehe ;).

The world's second-largest bank, HSBC Holdings, plans to expand its Middle East operations to take advantage of the region's high savings rate, its chairman said.

"The majority of the savings of the world take place in the Middle East and Asia," Sir John Bond said in an interview.

He said that historically, most of these savings had been invested in Western markets, particularly the US.

"We think that is destined to change, and that over the next 10 to 30 years -- maybe even faster -- Middle East savings will be recycled in the Middle East and Asian savings will be recycled in Asia," Bond said.

He said British-based HSBC was interested in becoming part of all three financial centres currently being developed in the Gulf Arab region: Bahrain Financial Harbour, Dubai International Financial Centre and Qatar Financial Centre.

Analysts said HSBC is already one of the most active international financial institutions in the Middle East. The bank's regional activities including retail, corporate and investment banking.

Bond said HSBC had recently launched insurance and investment banking joint ventures in Saudi Arabia while "some foreign financial institutions appear to be retreating".

He said HSBC and was in "the final stages of negotiations" about how best to use the licence it has been granted by Iraq's central bank.

HSBC was also exploring opportunities in Libya, he said.

"Organic growth is certainly the safest way to grow our business," Bond said, referring to the bank's Middle East strategy. But he added: "If the regulations allowed us to make acquisitions, we would have a look at anything."

At present, foreign ownership restrictions in most Arab countries make this impractical.

"Our view is that this region is already hugely important," said Bond. "It is going to get even more important in the future."

Those model pics look exciting!

FYI,

8 floors have been completed already within the dual towers, skyline has changed already,

When i think that both towers will be two and half times NBB tower (260 m vs 101 m) can't believe it's Manama any more, I'm gona miss how simple Bahrain is,

Cool, 8 floors, that's great. Moody, any idea what the rate of floor growth is i.e. how long does it take for one floor to go u? 2-3 weeks maybe?

Hehe enjoy the skyline as it is now, cause it'll never be the same again. These and the BWTC wll dwarf the NBB tower.

stunning video files

No idea, but faster that BWTC, cuz the later is at begining or so .

Actually BWTC's construction is much faster cause if you think about it, they want to finish the whole project in 20-21 months which is very fast (less than 2 years). But again, the financial center of the BFH is huge.

Medium Quality Render:

http://www.capital.gov.bh/images/projects/bfh6.jpg

Actually BWTC's construction is much faster cause if you think about it, they want to finish the whole project in 20-21 months which is very fast (less than 2 years). But again, the financial center of the BFH is huge.

To be hounest, BWTC is much more complecated building it will not finish before the BFH, I believe this.

Secondly, the lower floors of both projects have greater area than the top floors, meaning, lower floors will take longer time to be built (construction will progress at a steady rate, then wil expedite and shall progress at an increasing rate)

For BFH, the lower floors are nearly completed, while BWTC is still at the flat stage,

BWTC is set for completion in June 2006 while the BFH was originally slated to be completed in March 2007 but they said by end of 2006, it should be completed. Also note that BFH's work started in March 2004 while BWTC started in July/August 2004.

Guys, this project is going up very fast,

11 floors.... done

Really, a few days ago you told me it was 8 or so hehe, goin good then. I believe then it already changed the skyline in a way due to its sheer size.

yeah that was the western tower, currently about 9 floors, it keeps going up crazy, personally i think they want to beat the BWTC, any doubts???

Well if they want to beat the BWTC when it comes to finishin first, that won't happen as the BWTC will finish in June 2006 will this was originally slated for completion in March 2007 but they'll now finish it towards the end of 2006, so that won't happen unless they put on nitros and just go crazy hehe, which I don't think will happen.

There will be a lot goin on in the summer with the BIIC already u/c and the Diamond Tower startin the serious construction in July as proposed (work already started on reclaiming the site).

Guys,

This is BFH in its latest shape,, I can see that almost 20% has already been built.
http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid165/pd39e6c78ece7a28baeaebf1866c76f3f/f46613f8.jpg

Wow, that's huge. Thanks a lot for the pic :), I've been wonderin how it looks like. Cool, then by the time am back (~ 3 months time), they should probably grow by atleast 7 more floors. Ya Al Hamad's website says it's 20.05 % completed and the BIIC 2.63% completed. It's nice to see that there's still 79.95 % to go and this one is already a monster.

I thought they said the financial mall structure (one in the middle) would've been completed by Febuary? I think the article was wrong somewhat.

The project has slightly changed as I can see from the new renders posted on the developers site, and I'd have to say, they're much better.

Yeah got better, and i see more room for improvement.

by the way, the BIIC location is adjacent to the dual towers, i.e all are in parallel on the highway.

Can you see anythin from the BIIC as of yet? I mean given that it's 2.63% only I wouldn't expect much, but i have no idea hehe, anythin is possible.

HeheHe,

For such a percentage of completion, i'd expect any improvements be below the surface level !!

Yeah got better, and i see more room for improvement.

by the way, the BIIC location is adjacent to the dual towers, i.e all are in parallel on the highway.


In which areas do you see room for improvement besides the facade colour hehe which I like but some don't like a full green?

The Commercial East area became much better than before.

Only small details, the overall project is stunning,

Green is one of the best clours as its in harmony with shallow seas around Manama shores. as you se with the NBB Tower which is very nice.

However, too colour mixing will give each building a different identity, it could give it more since of existance. Silver , Golden is desired in our culture.

they are building the 11th floot as I saw it yesterday

..

Your highness,

May I ask what are those pictures are trying to convay to us?

http://www.bahraingateway.org/view/images/section/harbor.jpg

http://press.nuernbergmesse.de/files/bilder/3993.jpg

Your highness,

May I ask what are those pictures are trying to convay to us?


Hehehe, I don't understand why they're posted unless there's some hidden resemblence, am guessin that the developments in the pics all have the same facade colour like the BFH.

Chad, thanks, nice to see that that pic is on a German site. Bahraingateway also is a really good site, like the initiative behind it.

MAAN,

Look at the pic i poste .. construction one, and copare to chads,

The monster is nothing compared to th whole things
http://press.nuernbergmesse.de/files/bilder/3993.jpghttp://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid165/pd39e6c78ece7a28baeaebf1866c76f3f/f46613f8.jpg

that looks like some good progress thanx for the pics Moody, maybe u can take some of the BWTC!:)

:dj:

guys, did they start building the harbour house because it doesn't seems to be belt up, although i saw the foundation in the one of the first stage pictures

now they are building the 12th floor as saw today on the east tower

:eek:

didn't know they are so far already

please keep us upated!

Bahrain Financial Harbour appoints Chesterton International as marketing consultants for Asia
The USD1.3 billion Bahrain Financial Harbour (BFH), coming up in the financial capital of the Middle East, Manama, the Kingdom of Bahrain, today announced appointing the Singapore-based global property agents and consultants, Chesterton International, as its sales, leasing and marketing consultants for the strategic markets of South East Asia and the Far East.
Bahrain: 26 minutes ago

Bahrain Financial Harbour - an artist's impression.
In a joint press statement issued on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum (WEF) Asia Roundtable, senior representatives of BFH and Chesterton International said that strategic marketing of the unique integrated development which will reinforce the reputation of the Kingdom of Bahrain as the Middle East's hub of financial industry will commence soon in the Asian markets.

Commenting on the role Chesterton will play in promoting the BFH development, Mr. Esam Janahi, Chairman of the Bahrain Financial Harbour Holding Co B.S.C. (c) said: 'With this arrangement, BFH enters a new and crucial phase - that of showcasing the components to potential tenants and enable BFH to leverage Chesterton's expertise in Asian property markets.'

'The BFH concept has already evoked tremendous interest among investors in Asia. Chesterton will now offer them a firm opportunity to make a foray into Middle East's lucrative financial markets,' he said.

BFH is planned as a landmark integrated development that will be home to the entire value chain in the financial services sector. The unique waterfront business and financial district on Manama Corniche will offer commercial, residential and leisure facilities comprising 30 individual development land parcels spanning 380,000 sq metres. The development of BFH is now on an accelerated pace with the construction of Phase I gathering momentum, scheduled for completion at the end of 2006. Simultaneously, the second phase of reclamation works on the project is now underway.

Elaborating on the merits of the partnership, Mr. Ricky Sim, Managing Director of Chesterton International, said: 'We are delighted to be associated with BFH, one of the Middle East's pioneering and world-class projects. The South East Asia and Far East markets are significant to BFH, given its strong business ties with the Middle East. Our in-depth knowledge of local markets will enable us to successfully create awareness about BFH among potential Asian investors.'

Chesterton International, which has in-depth knowledge of the Asian property markets, has a vast network of offices spread across Asia, North America, Europe, Middle East, Australia and the Caribbean. The group's strong presence in South East Asia and Far East markets coupled with its vast expertise in property dealings will enable it to successfully promote the BFH Development.

'There is definitely keen interest among Asian investors towards the Middle East. We are confident that BFH will offer an unmatched value proposition to Asian investors with an array of business components under one roof,' Mr. Sim said.

Besides aggressively promoting BFH in Asian markets, Chesterton will also work closely with Knight Frank LLP (UK), the global real estate consultancy - the marketing, sales and leasing agents for US$270 million Financial Centre, the central component of the BFH development.

The Financial Centre which is now open for sale consists of three components - a 53-storey Dual Towers, a 9-storey Financial Mall and 10-storey Harbour House. The Dual Towers will provide office and commercial space for the financial services industry while the Financial Mall is designed specifically for capital markets and will house the Bahrain Stock Exchange (BSE) as well as brokerage and trading firms. The Harbour House will accommodate media enterprises and marketing agencies specialising in business, finance and investment.

Chesterton, with its sophisticated systems, processes and procedures, will also promote the insurance component of the BFH, including the Bahrain International Insurance Centre (BIIC), which is being developed as an international insurance hub for the Middle East. BIIC provides a net leasable area of around 19,000 square metres comprising a stand-alone 22-storey tower.

Launched under the auspices of the Bahrain Monetary Agency (BMA), the banking and insurance regulator of the Kingdom of Bahrain, BIIC will have under its roof, insurance companies, reinsurance majors and providers of specialist insurance services, making it the single-largest composite development in the regional insurance industry.

The ground and first floor of BIIC will be developed as an atrium space lined with outlets for insurance services. The second floor will host a conference and meeting room facility. The Bahrain Insurance Association will have its offices in BIIC to provide statutory back-up to insurers.

'The tremendous untapped potential in the insurance industry in the Middle East will present a significant opportunity to Asian investors. BIIC and the remaining insurance components of BFH will speed up the growth of this sector in the Kingdom, attracting considerable inward investments,' Mr. Sim added.

For your info guys,

Sloping stage of the two towers has started, they shall slope upwards going forward and no one floor would have the same area of the one below it.

about the harbour house, it's in the yallow area, cant see it even if exists now, cuz its hidden by the towers and the financial mall.

I want this one ready ASAP, so that it stops the DIFC from stealing our Banking sector :):)

just a note

please make sure to post updates for the towers in their corresponding threads

general updates about the project should be posted in here :)

I heard that the harbour house would be Gulf finance house new HQ ?? anything similar heard around gents?

just a note

please make sure to post updates for the towers in their corresponding threads

general updates about the project should be posted in here :)
Well, who cares that thread is under a pile of pop and should be found first :weirdo:

I want this one ready ASAP, so that it stops the DIFC from stealing our Banking sector :):)

Let me add the fact that BFH and DIFC will tense the competition which is good for the region, but i meant that I don't want Bahrain to lose its dominance of Banking sector becuase of rivals here and there.

DIFC is a welcome addition and shall complete Bahrain's role as a Financial Hub for the middle East. and at the end the winner are the customers who will benifit from different facilities in all countries.

lol, i somehow posted a reply in the wrong thread window, it was for " ur city's most beautiful buildings" :) disregard the reply.

Yeah, DIFC is sort of worrying me a bit too...Bahrain needs its Financial sector, its the most heralded aspect of Bahrain's diversification away from what little oil we have left...I think DIFC doesn't necessarily have to hurt Bahrain's Financial sector in any way, as i believe Bahrain is more of a Financial hub for regional players and banks mostly..Dubai aims to attract international firms, an untapped share of the financial market, so to speak....Bahrain has been sort of an incubator so far for soo many regional banks, but with Dubai and with the international banks and firms planning to establish in the middle east and gulf at DIFC, these regional banks need to grow up already and be prepared for whats to come ahead, which i think theyre doing, as i read somewhere that banks such as BBK i think (or maybe it was some other bank) are scouting for partners and planning mergers....a smart move....But i'd still rather Bahrain be host to these new international firms rather than Dubai :tongue3: i guess we can share!

BFH appoints Chesterton International as consultant

28 April 2005

DUBAI — Bahrain Financial Harbour (BFH), has appointed Singapore-based global property agents and consultants, Chesterton International, as its sales, leasing and marketing consultants for the strategic markets of South East Asia and Far East.

Esam Janahi, chairman, Bahrain Financial Harbour Holding Co B.S.C. (c) said: "With this arrangement, BFH enters a phase that of showcasing the components to potential tenants and enable BFH to leverage Chesterton's expertise in Asian property markets."

"The BFH concept has already evoked tremendous interest among investors in Asia. Chesterton will now offer them a firm opportunity to make a foray into Middle East's lucrative financial markets," he maintained.

"The development of BFH is now on an accelerated pace with the construction of phase one gathering momentum, scheduled for completion at the end of 2006. Simultaneously, the second phase of reclamation works on the project is now underway," he added.

Ricky Sim, managing director, Chesterton International, said: "We are delighted to be associated with BFH, one of the Middle East's pioneering and world-class projects. The South East Asia and Far East markets are significant to BFH, given its strong business ties with the Middle East. Our in-depth knowledge of local markets will enable us to successfully create awareness about BFH among potential Asian investors."

Chesterton will work closely with Knight Frank LLP (UK), the global real estate consultancy — the marketing, sales and leasing agents for $270 million Financial Centre, the central component of the BFH development.

The Financial Centre is now open for sale and is designed specifically for capital markets and will house the Bahrain Stock Exchange (BSE) as well as brokerage and trading firms. The company will also promote insurance component of BFH..

Yeah, DIFC is sort of worrying me a bit too...Bahrain needs its Financial sector, its the most heralded aspect of Bahrain's diversification away from what little oil we have left...I think DIFC doesn't necessarily have to hurt Bahrain's Financial sector in any way, as i believe Bahrain is more of a Financial hub for regional players and banks mostly..Dubai aims to attract international firms, an untapped share of the financial market, so to speak....Bahrain has been sort of an incubator so far for soo many regional banks, but with Dubai and with the international banks and firms planning to establish in the middle east and gulf at DIFC, these regional banks need to grow up already and be prepared for whats to come ahead, which i think theyre doing, as i read somewhere that banks such as BBK i think (or maybe it was some other bank) are scouting for partners and planning mergers....a smart move....But i'd still rather Bahrain be host to these new international firms rather than Dubai :tongue3: i guess we can share!

Don't worry too much, they announce big names, but trust me, they ain't enough. Islamic Finance is the way to go and Bahrain is the world's best for this. Also the Insurance Center should hopefully attract major companies. As I said in the DIFC thread, Dubai attracts European players and we seem to attract American ones, and now, many Asian players (untapped market and very big). BFH never announces names, but inshalla you'll have some nice ones there. Remember, it ain't about the names, it's about performance. Plus, the BMA is the best regulator in the region by far.

guys, did they start building the harbour house because it doesn't seems to be belt up, although i saw the foundation in the one of the first stage pictures

This is actually the easiest of the buildings cause of it's smaller size in general. When I last was there, they were just doin the foundation (months ago), dunno where it has reached now, should have atleast 2 floors done or so.

A bigger pic of what chad posted:

http://press.nuernbergmesse.de/files/bilder/3994.jpg

Also found this stunning pic on the way, not very new but beautiful (I'll add it to the Bahrain pics section):

http://press.nuernbergmesse.de/files/bilder/3988.jpg

13 floors completed, 14th is on the way...

I think it takes them two weeks for each floor,

and as it grows up, time needed will decline, however it may getslower due to getting highr, dont know just a guess,

Where is BWTC from this? still somewhere 7th or so...

i think less then two weeks for each floor, because on the 25th of april they had the 11th floor completed which means in 10 days 3 floors were built..
it's really going fast

What a joke, a floor in three days, come on,

I'm sure while 11th was completed while they already 12 was half way.

so, 11+2 = 13 and was done in about say... more than 20 days..

If you look at the design and same applies with the BWTC, the lower part of both projects is the most difficult and time consuming, and as the tower thins out towards the top, this is where the construction becomes very fast. BWTC is on the 7th, not bad and this the 14th, cool, so by the time am back in hmm less than 3 months, I should see somethin nice then :D.

http://gulf-daily-news.com/source/xxviii/048/images/Bpic2.jpg

Switzerland-based Schindler Holding chairman, Alfred Schindler, visited Bahrain after his group was awarded a contract by the Bahrain Financial Harbour (BFH). Mr Schindler toured the BFH complex under construction in Manama, which will use Schindler lifts and escalators.

He was accompanied by board member Alfred Sporri and other top managers.

Mr Schindler, along with directors from his group's Bahrain partner Mohammed Jalal and Sons, held meetings with ministers, clients, consultants and architects.

These included meetings with Commerce and Industry Minister Dr Hassan Fakhro and Municipalities and Agriculture Minister Ali Saleh Al Saleh.

Very important guy around !

Good to see that he wants to see the project, the lifts and escalators provided by this company are really good.

Saudi Businessman buys Harbour House of Bahrain Financial Harbour for USD30 million

Underscoring the strong investor confidence in the integrated financial project, the USD1.3 billion Bahrain Financial Harbour (BFH), today announced that Mr. Khalid Abdul Rahman Al Rajhi, a prominent and one of the leading businessmen from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, has bought the Harbour House, one of the three components of the Financial Centre, first phase of the project, at an investment of USD30 million.

http://www.ameinfo.com/images/news/7/14437-harbour.jpg
Harbour House.
At a special ceremony held at the Client Relations Centre (CRC) of BFH, the deal was signed between Esam Janahi, Chairman of the Bahrain Financial Harbour Holding Company B.S.C (c) and Mr. Khalid Al Rajhi, CEO of Abdulrahman Saleh Al Rajhi & Partners Co. Ltd, Saudi Arabia. Mr. Al Rajhi is also a member of the Board of Bank Al BiLad, member of the Board of Saudi Cement Company and is a founder of a number of companies in the GCC.

Commenting on the sale of the Harbour House, Esam Janahi said: 'We look at this strategic development as a leap forward in the enthusiasm BFH has generated among investors. We welcome Mr. Khalid Al Rajhi as one of our partner-investors in BFH and we are confident that his investment will add more value to the integrated development.'

'Harbour House is one of the salient components of the US$270 million Financial Centre, and is being developed as a modern building with superior amenities and cutting-edge technology,' Janahi said.

'The deal unlocks the immense value of Harbour House and is a reflection of the robust investor demand in the key elements of BFH,' Janahi added.

Connected to the Financial Mall through a suspended bridge, the Harbour House will be located in the centre of the Harbour Row amidst seafront walkways, shopping boulevards, promenades, marina and water pathways with water taxis, coffee shops and dining facilities.

Construction of the 12-Storey stand-alone office building commenced in March 2004 and is expected to be completed by the end of 2006. Harbour House will have a total area of 12,240 square metres and is planned as a roughly circular structure having an approximate diameter of 28 metres for a typical office floor. The Harbour House will be constructed by Al Hamad Development and Construction Company, the contractors for the Financial Centre

Elaborating on his association with BFH, Mr. Khalid Al Rajhi, said: 'We are proud to be part of BFH, a project of significant scope and magnitude in the regional economy. Harbour House, being a central component of the BFH project, is a valuable investment for us'.

'Harbour House is placed in the middle of picturesque settings, being at the centre of BFH development, and is on the seafront, making it an attractive office base. This unique location is unparalleled in the region,' he added.

The first phase - the Financial Centre - will house investment and commercial banks, offshore banking units, legal and advisory services, takaful companies, fund managers, IT firms, professional institutes, leasing companies, financial consultants and international regulatory agencies. Construction for the Financial Centre commenced in March 2004 and is expected to complete by the end of 2006.

Saudi Businessman buys Harbour House of Bahrain Financial Harbour for USD30 million

cool, big move for BFH

Great to see important people puting more confidence,

He took a very correct decision, Khalid Abdul Rahman Al Rajhi is a wise man:)

How many more are coming here for purchasing more?? lets see !!

Great news, Al Rajhi family owns the largest bank in Saudi Arabia. This is cool as it follows Al Rashid's $50 million investment in the BIIC.

hey people...listen...i was really curious...is the BFH dual towers going to be taller than the moayyed tower? and if yes then what's the approximate height? and how many floors will it consist...i heard some say 35 and others 50....can anybody help me out??? thnx

Well khalid it is definetly going to be taller than Al Moayyed! Infact the dual towers each stand at I belive 53 stories at a height of 260m.

You can find out information about Bahrains buildings in the Emporis Database (http://www.emporis.com/en/wm/ci/bu/sk/li/?id=100199&bt=2&ht=2&sro=1) :).

Let me clear things out. The BWTC is 240 m and I've actually am the one that announced that 260 m figure after contacting the BFH myself, so I can confirm from what I've been told twice that the BFH's Dual Towers is 260 m. Almoayyed it 172 m so these will dwarf it.

Bu waleed, welcome, nice to see another Khalid here :).

whos the other khalid?

:). I'll do a thread for the Bahraini forumers (meet each other).

thanks alot...you guys are amazing..i never thought i'd meet people quite like u who are also interested in what i like..i hope i'll enjoy my time listening to your informative details about bahrain's under construction progress..thanks alot!

I heard that the harbour house would be Gulf finance house new HQ ?? anything similar heard around gents?


Harbour House is for media companies specializing in business info. Alayam is setting up a media company (BD 10 million) to operate from BFH, so it should be in the Harbour House.

Lookin at one of the pics posted in a blog (chanadbahraini) of the demonstration that took place a few days ago, you can see that the BFH is already having a great impact on the skyline (next to second light post on the flyover from the right).

http://photos1.blogger.com/img/242/898/640/100_5220.jpg

A market offering of the Al Marfa'a Al Mali Sukuk was launched on the open market yesterday in a presentation at the Gulf Hotel's Gulf International Convention and Exhibition Centre. It was jointly launched by the Liquidity Management Centre (LMC) and the Bahrain Financial Harbour Holding Company.

LMC was mandated by the holding company to finance the development of the Bahrain Financial Harbour (BFH) financial centre, which is costing about $270 million.

LMC chairman Aref Kooheji said he was pleased to be associated with a project of such national significance and regional profile.

"On a broader note, we are pleased to be contributing towards the continuing expansion in both the quality and depth of the Islamic Sukuk financing market," he said.

BFH Holding Company chairman Esam Janahi said the Sukuk issue will present a valuable opportunity to Islamic investors who are keen to participate in Sharia-compliant growth opportunities.

"We are confident that the issue will generate great enthusiasm among Islamic investors, given the credentials of BFH as a one-of-a-kind project with a long-term outlook," he said.

The placement of the Sukuk will continue throughout the offer period, which is expected to run until the second half of next month.

LMC expressed its satisfaction at the solid underwriting position attained to date.

The current underwriting group is comprised of the Gulf Finance House Commercial Bank (GFHCB), Dubai Islamic Bank, Emirates Islamic Bank, Islamic Development Bank, LMC, Bahrain Islamic Bank and Sharjah Islamic Bank.

GFHCB general manager Ebrahim Hussain Ebrahim said participating in the Sukuk issue as the largest and lead underwriter is a significant opportunity for the bank.

Mr Ebrahim said the BFH's unique positioning as an integrated financial city had already evoked tremendous interest among investors and he is confident it will translate into robust subscriptions.

"Our participation reflects GFH's commitment to develop this awaited project," he added.

LMC chief executive officer Ahmed Abbas said the diversity of the current underwriting group evidences the cross-GCC interest in the Sukuk and the project.

"Our shareholders have given great support in the deal arrangement and underwriting process," he said.

The return of the Sukuk is expected to be 250 basis points over three months LIBOR, payable on a quarterly basis with the Sukuk having an overall tenor of five years and an option for early redemption funded from advance sales of the project.

The project company recently announced the sale of the Harbour House building for about $30m.

Quorum Management Services is expected to be appointed formally as the trustee, custodian and registrar to the Sukuk in the coming weeks.

LMC intends to have the Sukuk listed on the Bahrain Stock Exchange (BSE) in order to facilitate its tradability.

Senior lead manager is the GFHCB, lead managers are Islamic Development Bank, Dubai Islamic Bank, Emirates Islamic Bank and LMC, while the managers are Sharjah Islamic Bank and Bahrain Islamic Bank.

LMC is the structuring adviser, arranger, lead manager and placement agent and the Dubai Islamic Bank is the investment manager and paying agent.

16 floors complete

hey moody and bahraini spirit..u guys know good information about these projects mashalla (BFH and BWTC) where do you get it from? i wanna know the progress of these two projects.. like moody u just said that 16 floors are completed..what about the BWTC??

Just visited both sites earlier today. Im very suprised at the pace at which these towers are coming along. Very speedy, Im sure they are working on them 24/7. Im guessing by year end the complete shapes of these towers will be clear.

hey moody and bahraini spirit..u guys know good information about these projects mashalla (BFH and BWTC) where do you get it from? i wanna know the progress of these two projects.. like moody u just said that 16 floors are completed..what about the BWTC??

Hey man,

The floors are market with numbers (in Red) if you are in bahrain you will see while passing next to regency coming from Riffa.

As for the information, you can get it from different site, just type the name in google and you go!

Just visited both sites earlier today. Im very suprised at the pace at which these towers are coming along. Very speedy, Im sure they are working on them 24/7. Im guessing by year end the complete shapes of these towers will be clear.

24/7 is assured man!

However i think BFH will take full lenght (except for the antins) during 2nd month of 2006, according to my our calculations of course (adding a floor in one week on an average)

BWTC is a different story, more complecated structure. headache for them! but should pay off really.

thanks alot moody

hey moody and bahraini spirit..u guys know good information about these projects mashalla (BFH and BWTC) where do you get it from? i wanna know the progress of these two projects.. like moody u just said that 16 floors are completed..what about the BWTC??

Hey, well man I haven't been in Bahrain for months now, the only things i know is what i hear or read really, can't see the progress untill am back there, that'll be in around 2 months or so.

The guys in Bahrain keep me update with info I can't read. I read a lot though so I dig up or find a lot of stuff :).

ahh ok...hope u arrive safely man...

looks like a fight b/w the middle east countries to make their cities best

looks like a fight b/w the middle east countries to make their cities best

Huh!?

looks like a fight b/w the middle east countries to make their cities best


Dude,

It is called ( Competition ) hheehee

I'll post couple of new pics tonight...

Cheers

I'll post couple of new pics tonight...

Cheers


Lookin forward to seein them.

http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid170/pa58ce3bd3b87863712e86d14352610ab/f3fe2629.jpg

Nice man, thanks :), just fix that tag hehe ;). You can really see the shape now in a way. I'd reckon in a few months or so, this one will be taller than the NBB. Agool, how many floors is the WTC by any chance just to see how much it grew?

Thanks, the one you posted (Regency side is very nice). And thanks for the dedication :).

http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid170/peeda77d8ccc32a618ee41831033be452/f3fe2626.jpg


Dedecated to B.S

Taller than Old NBB tower already.

Not New NBB.

The Two towers are clearly visible in Mahooz, near Al Ahli club.

The Two towers are clearly visible in Mahooz, near Al Ahli club.

Cool, in the future, imagine comin in from the Sitra bridge and the view will be really nice.

I have a special angle I'll take pics from, I'll keep that as a secret till am back ;).

These, and according to me, will be visible even in Muharraq in a good day...

Man Imagine View from Muhharaq Bridge!!!!!!

My second favourite view is from the fly over going towards Seef Area. I love the view over the seef district especially during sunset. If only they could build more tall buildings to accompany Almoayyed :(.

Guys i work in Batelco as an account manager and i just got Al Hamad constructions account so thier my clients now, i also visited their office in BFH and i saw every thing from inside. I couldn't take pictures but i'll do it next time.
they started building Marriot and Alreen SPA and in few days they will start working on the Pearl towers

Guys i work in Batelco as an account manager and i just got Al Hamad constructions account so thier my clients now, i also visited their office in BFH and i saw every thing from inside. I couldn't take pictures but i'll do it next time.
they started building Marriot and Alreen SPA and in few days they will start working on the Pearl towers

Man al hamad are really lucky to win all those contracts.

Yeah, they even do here better than Dubai I believe

Guys i work in Batelco as an account manager and i just got Al Hamad constructions account so thier my clients now, i also visited their office in BFH and i saw every thing from inside. I couldn't take pictures but i'll do it next time.
they started building Marriot and Alreen SPA and in few days they will start working on the Pearl towers

Apartments are a good addition, Marriott is on the way then haa??

Anyway, Deplomat's Expansion has become at full lenght of existing Deplomat hotel and looks good addition. also gulf hotel's expansion is 3/4 of Gulf hotel tower. great ... it's booming here:):):)

^ you just figured out we're gettin a Marriott, you're months or a year late hehe.

Well guess what (older than the ones you posted) but they just show how huge this thing is. And about the land reclaimed around (pearl island and seef), all I can say is :runaway:


http://bfharbour.com/html/Images/IG_con_7_1024.jpg

http://bfharbour.com/html/Images/IG_con_8_1024.jpg

it's coming! :eek:

but there still is a lot of reclamation work to do?

Very old ones, surrounding area could be different now:)

^ you just figured out we're gettin a Marriott, you're months or a year late hehe.

Man, I know that mariott were coming, I just felt shocked cuz he said construction has started..heheeheee

wow..amazing pictures mashalla...where'd u get them from BS ???

nevermind :p i didn't know that they were posted on the official BFH website...heh

nevermind :p i didn't know that they were posted on the official BFH website...heh


Hehe now you know, they updated the website the day I posted them.

it's coming! :eek:

but there still is a lot of reclamation work to do?

Just saw your reply, yes, the second phase of reclamation will finish in Febuary 2006. Here is a pic to show you part of it. BIIC site can be clearly seen and there is more to the site than this now cause I think this pic is atleast a month or so old.

You can also see the area of the diamond tower takin shape clearly (far-center-right):

http://bfharbour.com/html/Images/IG_rec2_5_1024.jpg

Nice pic, I can see they are preparing (on the right) the place for Dimond Tower..

I can just imagine this project completed, man, King Faisal Road should be amazin and the view will be stunning.

I love this proyect it look like from another planet

Guys look at the 2nd pic on this page. You see the huge land reclamation in the background (not seef)? Is that part of BFH? It looks like its getting in the way of the development!

Skyline, it Lulu Island... find the thread and have a look, its a prime residential resort..

So this Lulu island thing is for real :) I looked back at the thread and it seems to be on track as they schduled land reclamation to finish mid 2005! Thats great. But it seems that Lulu Islands is blocking parts of the BFH!! I hope they havent redesigned of cancelled the affected parts!

BFH is ok, they showed a masterplan before, there will not be any revisions.

inshalla all goes well god willing...

Inshallah, and Bahrain will mark it's name infront of its aggressors

Inshallah, and Bahrain will mark it's name infront of its aggressors
Aggressors?

Man I seriously think there is somthing a bit fishy will the land reclamtion! Either the photo is misleading or master plan seems to have an obstacle (lulu islands) in the way. Cant you see it guys? Lulu islands is in the way of the BFH western development including the hotel and harbour row!! I may be wrong but it is clear that the two islands are gonna be soo close they may aswell connect them!!

well..as long as it gives a terrific skyline view of bahrain...i hope nothing wrong happens enshalla...

Man I seriously think there is somthing a bit fishy will the land reclamtion! Either the photo is misleading or master plan seems to have an obstacle (lulu islands) in the way. Cant you see it guys? Lulu islands is in the way of the BFH western development including the hotel and harbour row!! I may be wrong but it is clear that the two islands are gonna be soo close they may aswell connect them!!


It's all been thought about and no project will change although Lulu Island's initial design was different. BFH will stay the same as planned, won't change. If change was ever to happen, it'll be Lulu Island that changes and not BFH as BFH is way more important economically.


You can check out the Lulu Island thread I made before, I posted renders of the project and the tower there. Just find it by searching all the threads.

I totally agree with you B.S , thought the same when mates rised the issue..

initially the water distance betweeb BFH and lulu island was set to be 200m and will remain unchanged as far as I know.

Cazanova, you're right (the cost may change though as with many projects):

Lulu Island Development

Project Name: Lulu Island Development

Investors:

Lulu Tourism Company (Mouawad Group and the Government of Bahrain, 50% each)
Consultants:
Pentago/ Spowers- Architects
GIBB- Engineering
Cost of the Project: BD 250,000,000

Area (size): 552,000 sq meters

Date of completion:

Land reclamation and infrastructure: mid 2005
Buildings: 2005-2010
Location: 200m west of Bahrain Financial Harbour

Bahrain Financial Harbour to Sponsor Region’s First Euromoney Awards for Excellence in Bahrain

BFH introduces an award category – “the BFH Award for Outstanding Contribution to Development of Financial Services”

Manama, Bahrain, May 30, 2005: As part of its initiatives to promote excellence in the regional financial sector and further build on the reputation of the Kingdom of Bahrain as the financial hub of the Middle East, Bahrain Financial Harbour today announced the sole sponsorship of the prestigious 14th Euromoney Awards for Excellence Dinner Middle East 2005 to be held in Bahrain for the first time on June 2, 2005.

The event will be attended by senior executive of regional financial institutions. The awards event is a significant part of Euromoney’s efforts to identify and encourage pursuit of excellence in regional banking.

Regarded as one of the benchmark awards for banks globally, Euromoney Awards for Excellence have been presented for the last 13 years in London’s Natural History Museum. This edition of the awards ceremony in Bahrain is expected to attract over 200 high profile attendees from award-winning banks from across the region.

Euromoney will also launch a new award co-branded with BFH - the “Bahrain Financial Harbour Award for Outstanding Contribution to Development of Financial Services”

Highlighting the significance of the awards to BFH and the regional financial sector, Mr. Esam Janahi, Chairman of Bahrain Financial Harbour Holding Company, said: “Bahrain has remained at the forefront of the financial services industry over the past three decades. Stiff competition between banks in the region, and particularly in Bahrain, has prompted the launch of the solutions to meet rising expectations of clients. These awards intend to commend this spirit of innovation in the finance and banking. We are extremely pleased to be the sole-sponsor of the Euromoney Awards for Excellence.”

The sponsorship is a reflection of BFH’s commitment to the development of the region’s financial sector, Mr. Janahi said, adding that the theme of the awards is also in sync with BFH’s mission of evolving a highly focused, committed environment and promoting excellence in the financial sector. Sponsorship of the high-profile awards function will also enable BFH to showcase the plan to international investors attending the show.

Commenting on the awards, Mr. Simon Brady, Chief Executive Officer of Euromoney Institutional Investor said: “The growth in innovation and the sophistication of financial markets in the Middle East have been the key drivers in our decision to host a dedicated ceremony for the awards in the region."

“Once Euromoney decided to have the awards in the region, Bahrain was a natural choice. We are delighted to partner with BFH for the 2005 awards ceremony, which is an iconic project that marks a new milestone in regional finance and banking,” he said.

“The region has seen rapid growth in the financial services sector. Euromoney has always watched the growth of the financial sector in the Middle East with interest and our decision to host the award function in Bahrain reflects the increasing importance of this sector in the region which is now undergoing a paradigm economic transformation, Mr. Brady added.

Give it a week, and it will be as tall as..

20 Floors, average is one week per floor now,,

Bahrain Financial harbour project maybecome one of the great projects in the world ,.

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

this is my best video for the great project ...
http://www.aajarchi.com/biic2.html



and i have quastion for this picture :

http://bfharbour.com/html/Images/IG_ren_3_1024.jpg



my quastion : where is the bab-albahrain parking in this picture ?

Parks are proposed to be removed and a parking multi-storey building will be belt.

ahaa Cool !..

i think that green building between the soq and the harbour is the parking building ...


i have another quastion :
i think king faisal haighway not in that picture !. are they making that airea without road or what ? .. i mean where is tha haighway from the picture ?