Tag Archives: Bahrain

Minor Hotels is breaking new ground in the Middle East with a collection of luxurious branded residences in the UAE, Oman and Bahrain.  As one of the pioneering forces behind the branded residences concept, Minor Hotels introduced this model in Thailand in the late ‘90s and has since expanded this luxury offering internationally. Building on its strong hotel heritage, Minor Hotels seeks to meet the increasing demand for premium lifestyle residences across the GCC. By embedding the exceptional service standards and luxury offerings of its world-class hospitality brands into these upscale homes, Minor Hotels is not only delivering elevated living experiences but also positioning the Middle East as a global destination for discerning buyers. Key Developments: • Anantara Mina Al Arab, Ras Al Khaimah, UAE Recently announced as part of Minor Hotels’ partnership with RAK Properties, Ras Al Khaimah’s leading property developer, Anantara Mina Al Arab Residences will represent a new chapter in luxury coastal living for the emirate with 94 residential apartments and 20 overwater villas. JT&P will spearhead the design process integrating traditional Thai features into sustainable developments that blend seamlessly with the surrounding landscape. Residents will relish world-class amenities and direct access to pristine beachfront and lush mangroves while enjoying the comfort and hospitality of Anantara’s signature style. • Anantara Sharjah, UAE Announced in May 2024 and slated to open in 2027, this 100-key collection will be set within the grounds of the upcoming Anantara Sharjah Resort. Offering fully furnished residences designed to established Anantara styles and standards, these striking smart homes feature incredible views across the Arabian Gulf and UAE skyline plus access to the five-star facilities and services of the adjoining hotel. • Tivoli Muscat …

Hilton and Al Sorouh Hospitality Development Real Estate announced the signing of Waldorf Astoria Bahrain Bay in the heart of Manama, marking the brand’s debut in Bahrain. The landmark signing will bring Waldorf Astoria’s signature service and sophisticated accommodations to Bahrain Bay, one of the capital’s most exclusive districts. A refined haven in the heart of the city, Waldorf Astoria Bahrain Bay will feature 120 elegantly designed rooms and apartments. Continuing the brand’s globally renowned seamless service, each guest will be assigned a Personal Concierge who will meticulously attend to every detail of their stay from pre-arrival to post-departure. Waldorf Astoria Bahrain Bay will be located next to The Avenues – Bahrain, a premier waterfront shopping and leisure destination which includes a mix of luxury retail, high-street shopping and entertainment areas. It will also be in close proximity to Bahrain Financial Harbour, the country’s main commercial district, and will have easy access to the highways which connect Bahrain to Saudi Arabia. Chris Nassetta, President & CEO, Hilton, said, “We are thrilled to expand our partnership with Mr. Mohammed Alshaya, his team and Al Sorouh Hospitality Development Real Estate to introduce Waldorf Astoria to Bahrain for the first time. As Bahrain continues to grow and diversify its tourism offerings, we see tremendous opportunities to expand our portfolio. Waldorf Astoria Bahrain Bay will embody the luxury and excellence that travelers expect from our globally renowned brand. We eagerly anticipate the opening of this magnificent new property in the coming years.” Building on Waldorf Astoria’s legacy of culinary excellence, the hotel will offer a carefully curated range of food and beverage options including a brasserie, a specialty rooftop bar and the brand’s famed Peacock …

Celestyal marked its maiden call in Dubai this week entering the emirate’s waters with a dhow escort, the line’s newest ship, Celestyal Journey, hosted a plaque exchange ceremony and a star-studded party to kick off the ship’s first week-long ‘Desert Days’ itinerary, which includes sailing roundtrip from Dubai and calling at Bahrain, Khasab, Sir Bani Yas Island and Abu Dhabi. The result of a collaboration between Greek company Celestyal and the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) that aims to share the region’s extraordinary offerings with the wider world, Celestyal Journey will homeport from the city for the next three years, with passengers already able to book trips. Celestyal’s inaugural Arabian Gulf season sails until March 2025.

Etihad Airways has welcomed the bilateral codeshare with Air Astana which came into operation from 05 December, 2024. The agreement enhances connectivity for customers of both airlines across a range of destinations and gives Etihad’s customers convenient access to 10 destinations through Air Astana’s gateways in Almaty and in Astana, all of which are new to Etihad’s extended network. Kazakhstan’s largest city, Almaty, is a cultural hub with stunning mountain views, vibrant nightlife, and rich history, while the futuristic capital, Astana, is known for its striking modern architecture and dynamic urban landscape. The codeshare arrangement simplifies the travel experience for guests, allowing them to make a single booking and undergo a seamless check-in process, along with the added convenience of having their baggage effortlessly transferred to their final destination. Air Astana’s network becomes easily accessible to Etihad’s customers, who can connect to it via recently launched nonstop flights to Abu Dhabi by the Kazakhstan carrier. As part of this agreement, Air Astana passengers will have access to Etihad Airways’ flights unlocking new travel experiences to India, Bahrain, and Oman. Air Astana passengers will enjoy seamless connections in Abu Dhabi, utilizing Air Astana’s direct flights from Astana and Almaty. Jurriaan Stelder, VP Alliances and Industry Affairs at Etihad, said: “This partnership expands our codeshare network, offering our guests convenient access to 10 of Air Astana’s leisure and business destinations across Kazakhstan, as well as Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan’s vibrant capital, and Tashkent, the historic capital of Uzbekistan. Etihad guests can now enjoy the ease of booking connecting flights and checking in once for their entire journey. “We also look forward to warmly welcoming Air Astana’s customers travelling to Abu Dhabi to explore the inviting hospitality and rich culture …

Edamah and Sunset Hospitality Group announced a partnership with the introduction of Bahrain’s first Azure Beach Club. This dynamic new addition to Bilal Al Jazayer and Bahrain’s hospitality sector is set for Q2 2026, promising a world-class beachfront experience. Azure Beach,  is a vibrant lifestyle destination redefining beachside luxury in the Mediterranean and Middle East. With locations in Dubai, Marbella, Doha, and Beirut, it offers infinity pools, ultra-luxe cabanas, infinite stretches of sand, exciting entertainment, and an innovative culinary experience of Asian and Mediterranean flavors. Azure Beach Bahrain will also house Ammos restaurant, with a configuration mirroring the successful pairing of Azure Beach and Ammos in Dubai. Adding to the allure of the Azure Beach experience, AMMOS, meaning “sand” in Greek, serves traditional Greek island fare in a setting that reflects chic coastal ambiance. Antonio Gonzalez, Chairman and Group CEO of SHG, commented: “We’re excited to collaborate with Edamah to introduce Azure Beach and Ammos to Bahrain, marking another exciting step in SHG’s mission to redefine lifestyle experiences across the region. Together, we aim to transform Bilaj Al Jazayer beach into a dynamic destination, aligning with Bahrain’s Vision 2030 to elevate tourism and entertainment.” Chris Calvert, CEO of Edamah added: “The partnership with SHG reflects Edamah’s commitment to creating world-class experiences that elevate Bahrain’s tourism landscape. Bilaj Al Jazayer is one of Bahrain’s most treasured coastal developments and the introduction of the Azure Beach Bahrain will further establish it as a premier leisure destination in the region.” Azure Beach Bahrain at Bilaj Al Jazayer represents a significant expansion in SHG’s portfolio, reaffirming its position as a leading lifestyle and hospitality company. The project also underscores Edamah’s vision to enhance Bahrain’s …

Esterad Amwaj Co. the developer and owner of the iconic Amwaj Beachfront project in Amwaj Islands Esterad Amwaj, held a signing ceremony partnering with leading hospitality company Sunset Hospitality Group (SHG), in bringing METT Hotel & Residences, ISOLA Beach, and RAISE Fitness to Amwaj Beachfront. The signing ceremony was held on the sidelines of Gateway Gulf Forum 2024, and this collaboration represents a milestone development for the region, featuring 220 keys, branded villas, and residences that promise to elevate luxury and wellness on the Amwaj Beachfront. The project aims to draw international interest and further solidify the area’s reputation as a premier destination for lifestyle and luxury. With the combined expertise and visionary approach of both Esterad Amwaj and SHG, the development is set to redefine hospitality standards within the region. Commenting, Ahmed Abdulrahman, CEO of Esterad Investment Company, and the chairman of Esterad Amwaj Company, said, “Esterad Amwaj is thrilled to partner with SHG to bring a number of world-class hospitality concepts to Amwaj Beachfront. This collaboration is a pivotal step toward realizing our vision of establishing a vibrant, luxurious destination that enhances the lifestyle and leisure offerings in Bahrain. We look forward to setting a new benchmark in hospitality and providing unparalleled experiences for both residents and visitors to Amwaj Islands.” Antonio Gonzalez, CEO and Group Chairman of SHG, added, “Partnering with Esterad Amwaj represents an exciting milestone for us as we expand our footprint in Bahrain. Our aim is to bring a new level of luxury and lifestyle experiences to Amwaj Beachfront, tailored to the tastes of today’s discerning traveler and resident. We’re committed to creating memorable and immersive spaces that resonate with the local community while …

The 9th UN Tourism World Forum on Gastronomy Tourism will take place in Manama, Bahrain, on 18-19 November, under the theme “Gastronomy Tourism: A Driver of Economic Diversification and Inclusion.” This marks the first time the Forum will be held in the Middle East. Bringing together global leaders, policymakers, industry experts, and renowned chefs, the event will emphasize the transformative power of gastronomy tourism in advancing economic resilience, inclusivity, sustainability, and building a strong image for destinations. Co-organized with the Basque Culinary Center (BCC) and hosted by the Kingdom of Bahrain, discussions will feature Ministers of Tourism from around the world and from the Middle East. Joining them will be award-winning chefs, such as Chef Alejandra Espinoza of Somos Restaurant (Ecuador), and Chef Rudolf Stefan of Konoba Pelegrini (Croatia). Key participation will include Tim Brooke-Webb, Managing Director of 50 Best, empowering chefs worldwide, and fostering a global dialogue that elevates gastronomy as a fundamental cultural, economic, and creative force. The forum will highlight key initiatives that emphasize product quality and origins, such as Jordan’s “From Farm to Fork” initiative, an example of sustainable culinary tourism, and the Collège Culinaire de France, recognized for promoting quality dining and supporting artisans committed to preserving traditional savoir-faire. The event will also showcase Grupo Sagardi from Spain, a leading hospitality group that builds on gastronomic roots to offer authentic, high-quality culinary experiences. In line with discussions on leveraging intangible cultural heritage, the forum will explore key themes such as the use of intellectual property and branding to enhance destination branding, the preservation of culinary heritage and biodiversity, and the promotion of authentic, immersive cultural experiences that engage the entire gastronomy tourism value chain. Experts …

Hamad International Airport (DOH) has reported serving 13.7 million passengers in the third quarter (Q3) of 2024, reflecting a robust 7.9 per cent growth compared to the same period last year. Point-to-point traffic also experienced growth by 11.7 per cent, contributing to the airport’s overall performance. The passenger traffic growth was driven by strong demand for air travel, with July marking the airport’s busiest month ever, handling 4,742,068 passengers followed by 4,717,885 passengers in August and 4,246,742 in September. In the Middle East, the key growth countries were Saudi Arabia, UAE and Bahrain while in Europe, the growth was led by Spain, United Kingdom and Germany. China market grew by over 43 per cent compared to the previous year. The number of aircraft movements at Hamad International Airport reached 71,425 during Q3 2024, which is 6.2 per cent more that the same period in the previous year. This included 24,179 take-offs and landings in July, 24,329 in August, and 22,917 in September. This strong performance highlights the airport’s growing role as a major global aviation hub, handling increased volumes of air traffic with efficiency and precision.

Gulf Air to train 70 Bahrainis in the aviation sector with Tamkeen. Gulf Air signed two agreements with Labour Fund (Tamkeen) aimed at supporting the training of Bahrainis as pilots and aviation engineers. This comes as a continuation of the ongoing collaboration between the two organizations over the past years, with the goal of strengthening national capabilities in aviation by providing specialized training and creating promising and sustainable job opportunities. The support includes training 50 Bahrainis as second officers and 24 Bahrainis in aviation engineering, both specialized fields requiring a high level of technical expertise and creating high-quality jobs in the aviation sector. This comes as a continuation of Tamkeen’s training support to 110 pilots at the company. Commenting on this initiative, Her Excellency Ms. Maha Abdulhameed Mofeez, Chief Executive of Tamkeen, emphasized Tamkeen’s commitment to supporting Bahraini talent to excel in various sectors and specialties, with the goal of making Bahrainis the preferred choice for employment. She stated: “We take pride in this partnership with Gulf Air Group and the promising opportunities it provides for Bahrainis in the aviation sector, which offers high-income jobs and diverse growth and development opportunities both locally and internationally. This partnership aligns with our ongoing efforts on providing training opportunities that refine national talent according to the highest global standards, preparing Bahrainis to enter and succeed in the aviation sector, which is a vital and important industry in the Kingdom.” Tamkeen’s support for the private sector in Bahrain is aligned with its 2024 strategic priorities focused on economic impact and the private sector under three pillars: increasing economic participation through employment opportunities for new market entrants, expanding career development opportunities available to the Bahraini workforce, and …

The Bahrain Tourism and Exhibitions Authority (BTEA) announced the successful conclusion of the first edition of the Bahrain Summer Toy Festival 2024 at the Exhibitions World Bahrain, where it attracted more than 97,000 visitors from the Kingdom and abroad. Visitors, particularly citizens of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) and residents expressed their positive reception of the festival. In its inaugural edition, the festival demonstrated a strong commitment to social responsibility by welcoming children from various charitable organisations and national initiatives. These included the Royal Fund for Fallen Servicemen, the Bahrain Association for Parents and Friends of the Disabled, Al Sanabel Orphan Care Society, and the Bahrain Down Syndrome Society. Dana Osama Al Saad, Deputy CEO for Resources and Projects at the Bahrain Tourism and Exhibitions Authority (BTEA), announced the successful conclusion of the Bahrain Summer Toy Festival in its first edition. She commended the cooperative efforts of the relevant government authorities and private sector institutions, emphasising the positive impact of these collaborations on the event. Al Saad expressed her appreciation to Al Dana Amphitheatre, Spacetoon, Exhibition World Bahrain, and the National Bank of Bahrain for their joint and constructive efforts, which resulted in an exceptional summer entertainment festival. She emphasised that the event has significantly bolstered tourism across the Kingdom and strengthened the hospitality sector. She also expressed her aspiration to make the festival an annual event in cooperation with all partners, in line with the plans to develop the tourism sector and achieve the goals of the Tourism Strategy 2022-2026. The Bahrain Summer Toy Festival contributed to boosting the tourism movement in the 2024 summer season, resulting in a significant increase in the occupancy rates of hotels and hospitality establishments. It also increased …