Gulf Air Bahrain F1 Grand Prix 2007 was a focal point for major regional financial institutions, banks, corporate and developers as the ideal platform to promote and sell their products, services as well as large infrastructure development projects in the region.

The Grand Prix, which kicked off early this week, attracted more than  100,000 visitors during the three day global motor sporting show in Bahrain. In an initiative to further promote the Kingdom's booming tourism industry, the Bahrain Economic Development Board created a special pavilion called ‘Invest in Bahrain’, which offered a rare opportunity for companies to meet potential investors and buyers.

Bahrain-based Al Areen Holding Company was one of the key attractions during the event where it showcased its pioneer projects Banyan Tree Desert Spa and Resort, Al Areen and the “Lost Paradise of Dilmun” Water Park in the ‘Invest in Bahrain’ pavilion.

Commenting on Al Areen's participation, Mr. Waleed Saffy, General Manager of Al Areen Holding Company, said, “The ‘Invest in Bahrain’ pavilion is specifically designed to showcase investment opportunities in Bahrain to the large set of international audiences present at the Grand Prix. We are pleased to have participated in such an initiative that supports our vision of  promoting the Kingdom and its development. Our team was extremely busy during the event, as thousands of interested visitors came across our pavilion.”

Mr. Paul Blunt, General Manager of “Lost Paradise of Dilmun” Water Park said, “Visitors were very enthusiastic about the water park, especially the young ones. As the opening time is approaching quickly, we anticipate a huge success. We expect that the water park will attract a large number of tourists and visitors from neighboring countries, especially from Saudi Arabia due to the convenient location of the park which is only a 20-minute drive from the King Fahad Causeway.”

Developed by the Al Areen Holding Company at an investment of US $50 million, the water park covers an overall area of around 77,000 square meters, with a built-up area of 45,000 square meters and about 20,000 square meters for future expansion and car parking. Expected to be open in the first half of  2007, the park will accommodate for a total of 5 ,000 guests.

Mr Blunt added, “We have had a stunning response from locals and visitors to the region - I think most were impressed by the fact that construction is now complete at the water park and we anticipate an opening very soon. With our neighbour, the Banyan Tree Desert Spa & Resort now open for business, the potential of the whole development is now tangible and the water park is the next step in its success." Featuring  over 20 different water rides and attractions plus F&B and retail outlets, the theme park will provide an enormous boost for year round tourism in the Kingdom and a welcome attraction for locals to enjoy.

“The theme of this exciting water park is based on Bahrain’s rich history and civilization of Dilmun. Each aspect of the park is based on the history of the Dilmun period reflected by unique stone sculptures and architecture that encompasses the theme.”

The water park will evoke the spirit of ancient times by drawing attention to the beauty of the Dilmun ruins and creating an escape into the past. 

The Al Areen development is considered one of the most important real estate projects in the Kingdom of Bahrain with total investments exceeding US$ 1.2 billion. This luxury mixed-use health, residential, commercial an family leisure development spans over an area of two million square meters next to the Al Areen Wildlife Sanctuary in one of the most beautiful desert areas in the southwest region of the Kingdom of Bahrain, Horat Anqa. It is only a 35-minute drive from Bahrain International Airport and five minutes away from the world-famous Bahrain International Circuit. The first phase of the development includes the world-class Banyan Tree Desert Spa and Resort- Al Areen, which officially opened last week and boasts the largest spa in the Middle East, and the state-of-the art “Lost Paradise of Dilmun” Water Park, due to open during the summer of 2007.