Racing ahead

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Banyan Tree Desert & Spa Resort, Al Areen.

From the race track to the spa lounge, Bahrain's leisure industry is stepping up a gear, says Dominic Ellis.

If you had stopped shoppers in London's Oxford Street five years ago and asked them about Bahrain's leisure scene, they'd have probably shaken their heads in bewilderment.

Ask them today, and there's a good chance they'll reply "Grand Prix".

Certainly the Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix - which will be held from April 4-6 this year - has put the Kingdom on the map internationally. Its leisure scene doesn't stop at the chequered flag, however.

Investment worth BHD 2.12 billion (US $5.6 billion) is now flooding into hotels, spas, theme parks and golf courses, in tandem with the billions pouring into real estate, as Bahrain seeks to establish itself up as a business-meets-lifestyle hub, much like its immediate GCC neighbours.

Tourism revenues hit BHD 6.5 million ($17.3 billion) last year, up 15% according to tourism sector department data, and while the sector contributes between 10 and 12% of GDP, the government wants it to hit 30% in 10 years.

Buoyed by record oil prices, the Bahrain economy is tipped to grow 6.5% this year, according to investment bank EFG Hermes.

Around half a million dollars is being pumped into a new hotel classification system to bring it into line with global standards, indicative of the desire among Bahrainis to position their state in a fresh international light.

Marketing, arguably one area where Bahrain has struggled to keep up with image-savvy Dubai, is gradually being bolstered with former tennis star Boris Becker signed up to promote the Riffa Views Signature Estates, which backs onto the revamped Riffa Golf Club - currently being redesigned by Colin Montgomerie.

Modern cultural attractions are on the anvil to complement the existing museums - a $40 million multi-purpose theatre, capable of seating 1000 over three levels, is due to open in 2010.

Still, there's no getting away from the pivotal position the Grand Prix enjoys on the leisure podium.

The 2006 Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix generated $394 million during the course of the race week, more than twice the amount it cost to build the circuit.

The 2008 Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix is the third race on the FIA Formula One World Championship calendar and is likely to be watched by a television audience around the world in excess of 550 million.

Bahrain has definitely stolen a march on its GCC rivals, although from next year, the motoring stakes will be raised when Abu Dhabi's Yas Island joins it on the F1 grid.

The message is clear though: the Kingdom is on the move in more ways than one.

Hotel expansion

Bahrain currently has more than 30 applications for new four-and five-star hotels lodged with the Information Ministry's Tourism Affairs Department.

The Banyan Tree Desert Spa & Resort, Al Areen opened its doors last year, reportedly the only all-villa, private pool and jet-pool resort in the region.

Other soothing touches include a spa and hydrothermal garden, three international restaurants, a ‘body wellness centre' and Banyan Tree Gallery.

Its leisure pitch is its natural serenity and proximity to the Al Areen Wildlife Park, home of the rare Arabian oryx, although you might not get much peace when the Grand Prix is on, as the circuit is only five minutes away.

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