Bahrain Real Estate Investment Company (Edamah), the real estate arm of Mumtalakat, the kingdom’s sovereign wealth fund, has signed a partnership agreement with Minor Hotels, an international hotel owner, operator, and investor, to develop two upscale hotels at Bilaj Aljazayer.

Scheduled to open in 2024, Avani and Tivoli hotels at Bilaj Al Jazayer will be the first hospitality offerings in the area, which is undergoing redevelopment.

Located on Bahrain’s south-west coast, Bilaj Al Jazayer encompasses 1.3 million sq m of land with a 3-km beachfront. Manama is a 25-minute drive, and the Bahrain International Circuit and Lost Paradise of Dilmun Waterpark are located nearby.

The new mixed-use development will feature resorts, residential villas and apartments, food and beverage outlets, offices, and retail and entertainment offerings.

The agreement marks Minor Hotels’ entry into Bahrain to support the growth of the kingdom’s tourism and hospitality sectors, says its Chairman and Founder William E Heinecke.

“This Bahrain launch is of strategic importance for the group, strengthening our portfolio in the region and continuing to grow the footprint of the Avani and Tivoli brands,” notes Heinecke.

 Edamah Chairman Khalid Al Rumaihi comments: “This partnership with Minor Hotels complements our broader developmental goals for Bilaj Al Jazayer. The new hotels will play a key role in attracting tourism to the south-west coast of the kingdom.”

The Avani and Tivoli hotels, each with 110 keys, will be located along the main boulevard of Bilaj Al Jazayer, on the waterfront. Avani Bilaj Al Jazayer will offer a selection of guest rooms and suites, an all-day dining restaurant, an Avani Pantry, an outdoor swimming pool, a gym, and a meeting space.

Tivoli Bilaj Al Jazayer’s facilities will include guest rooms and suites, two restaurants, a café, an outdoor swimming pool, a gym, a spa, and wellness facilities. In addition, the hotels will share a beach club within the mixed-use development.

Edamah CEO Amin Al Arrayed says: “Bilaj Al Jazayer is one of the most exciting projects in our portfolio, which will transform Bahrain’s much-loved beach into a world-class waterfront destination. Having the right partner is crucial to achieving these goals and we are pleased to work alongside Minor Hotels on this project.”

Minor Hotels has a portfolio of 527 hotels and resorts in 54 countries across the Asia Pacific, the Middle East, Europe, South America, Africa, and the Indian Ocean.