WORK has started on the next phase of the $6-billion (BD2.2 billion) Durrat Al Bahrain development off the southern coast of Bahrain.

Fayrooz 800 will feature 168 villas built across two petal-shaped islands at a cost of approximately BD50 million ($132.62 million), including infrastructure work.

Three show homes have already been built to display the three types of residential villas available, which have been named after precious pearls – Hassabah, Jomanah and Fareedah.

The villas with a total area ranging from 800 to 1,000 sq m overlooking the waters have been designed by Bahraini Khalid Al Hashimi.

The five-bedroom and two-car garage villas will boast a private swimming pool and smart house system, which allows homeowners to download an app on their smartphone to control air-conditioning, lights and door locks remotely.

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

When complete, it is designed to accommodate 33,000 permanent residents in addition to 5,000 daily visitors.