BAHRAIN. The Bahrain Leisure Complex at Bahrain International airport aims to make a visit to Bahrain worth remembering. The US$115 million (BHD43.47 million) complex, which will be completed in 2006, is a five-storey structure, located in the current airport parking area between Gulf Air headquarters and the passenger terminal. The project is first of its kind in the Arab world: Its piece de resistance will be a crystal ball-shaped executive lounge, with multi-purpose facilities.
The facility will include retail outlets, cinema, bowling and other recreational areas, a children’s day care and entertainment area, office space, utilities, banks and car rental facilities.
In other news, Bahrain has hopes to generate more than US$50 million a year, following the landing of the rights to a Formula One event. Officials expect 100,000 visitors, mainly from the Gulf countries, as the newly-built circuit will be busy all year round with three to four annual racing events as well as the big race itself. The event isexpected to sharply boost tourism and retail spending.
Another US$150 million is to be spent improving the country’s infrastructure in preparation for the Grand Prix. Bahrain Duty Free has also announced future substantial investment plans and will open its new enlarged arrivals shopping area later this month.
