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Construction to start on first Marriott Executive Apartments property in Bahrain
Construction will soon begin on the first Marriott Executive Apartments property in Bahrain in the Juffair District of Manama.
An artist's impression of the Marriott Executive Apartments in Bahrain.
Costing BD 17 million, the twin-towered building is set to redraw Juffair's skyline. Each tower will consist of 21 floors and 94 apartments, offering long-stay visitors to Manama a choice of 188 elegantly appointed apartments ranging in size from one to three-bedroom units. When completed in 2007, the property will be managed by Marriott International (NYSE:MAR).
The project, which will be built on a 65,000 square foot piece of land approximately five kilometers from the city center and 10 kilometers from Bahrain International
Airport, near Al Fateh Highway. Bahrain's landmark Al Fateh mosque is nearby.
Final contracts for the property were signed today by Gulf Touristic Projects W.L.L. Chairman Sheikh Hisham bin Abdulrahman bin Mohammed Al Khalifa and Al Hamad Construction and Development Company Chairman Hashaat Sahwawneh. Present at the signing ceremonies were Marriott International Vice President for Middle East & Africa Anton Najjar and Director of Marriott Lodging Development Aboudi Asali. The ceremony was also attended by the project's consultant engineer Mohammed Salahuddin and Gulf Touristic Project's legal advisor Qays Al Zou'bi.
Following the signing ceremony Sheikh Hisham bin Abdulrahman bin Mohammed Al Khalifa said: 'We are delighted to be partnering with Marriott International on this important project to build a luxury apartments hotel. Recent efforts by Bahrain to attract international tourism are reflected by its recent success in attaining the rights to annually host a Formula One Grand Prix event. The Kingdom has enjoyed positive growth and expects an increase in the numbers of visitors. The introduction of Marriott Executive Apartments will play a large role in satisfying the demand for high-end quality accommodations.'
In addition to accommodations, the Bahrain Marriott Executive Apartments will offer a coffee shop and a resident's lounge. Recreational amenities will include a health and leisure club and an outdoor, rooftop swimming pool. Other amenities will include a business center, room service, a shopping service, laundry and valet services, parking and a gift shop.
The upscale Marriott Executive Apartments is designed to meet the housing needs of business executives on long-stay assignments of 30 days or more and for family leisure travelers.
Marriott International will also overlook the construction process. This, however, will be done in accordance to Islamic laws in order to offer a suitable atmosphere for family tourism Sheikh Hisham said. Additionally, all apartments will be furnished according to Marriott's high standards and reservations will be able to be made through the internet, redefining family tourism in Bahrain.
Sheikh Hisham noted that Al Hamad Construction Company, which will be the main contractor of the project, is the company that is also constructing the Bahrain Financial Harbour, while the consultant engineer, Mohammed Salahuddin, is one of the most prominent and reputable engineering and consultancy companies in the region.
Finally, Sheikh Hisham stressed that the general economic environment is Bahrain helps develop such ambitious projects. He added that this would not be possible without the reforms put forth by His Majesty The King who has succeeded in providing peace and prosperity for all; the work of H.H. the Prime Minister who has promoted and attracted investments by providing an attractive environment and H.H. the Crown Prince who allows economic growth to take its right and proper path. Therefore, he concluded, Marriott Executive Apartments comes as a product of this prosperity in which Bahrain is living.
In a recent statement, Ed Fuller, President and Managing Director for international lodging at Marriott International said: 'We are excited to see our Executive Apartments brand expand in the Middle East. Bahrain is a multi-faceted destination with a strong, diverse economy that offers a wealth of business and tourism related activities. With its large expatriate community, we are certain that our Marriott Executive Apartments brand will be very appealing and successful in Bahrain.'
Marriott Executive Apartments are currently located in Hong Kong, Beijing, Shanghai, Budapest, Prague, Mumbai, Brussels, Tokyo, Dubai, Bangkok, Sao Paulo and London. Future Marriott Executive Apartments will open in Shanghai, Dubai, Doha and Seoul.
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