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Discuss this article (4 Comments)Coming of age: Bahrain
by Chryssa Kanellakis-Reimer on Friday, 03 October 2008
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While there are plenty of factors that make Bahrain unique, the comparisons with neighbouring countries abound, not least with the UAE and Dubai.
‘Bahrain is like Dubai 15 years ago' is a phrase you will often hear - everyone on this small island is keen to point out the great promise the country holds for the future.
Just like Dubai, Bahrain is a major finance hub, billing itself as the main financial centre between London and Tokyo. And just like in Dubai, development of the finance sector is accompanied by a boom in construction.
There are many who say that 'Bahrain looks like Dubai 15 years ago', but there are many who respond 'but it won't take 15 years for Bahrain to overtake Dubai.
Standing as testimony to the inextricable link between these two sectors is the Bahrain Financial Harbour, a $3bn integrated financial community development being built on 380,000 sq m of reclaimed land adjacent to Manama's existing commercial sector.
Phase I, the Financial Centre, which includes a shopping mall and Bahrain's tallest towers, is operational and open for business. Non-Bahrainis can buy properties on the development and will be entitled to residence permits for as long as they retain ownership.
The Financial Harbour is already a landmark in the Bahraini skyline, with its high-rise buildings visible from vantage points across the country.
If the penthouse of a 50-storey building doesn't seem family-friendly enough for you, then you might want to consider one of the 2000 villas being built over 13 man-made islands in Durrat Al Bahrain.
To reach Durrat from the capital Manama it is necessary to travel the entirety of the kingdom, from its northernmost point all the way to the extreme south - a journey that covers a grand total of 60 km and will take 35-40 minutes through a two-line highway linking it to Manama.
For those who are undecided between the giddy heights of high-rise living and the more relaxed pace of a seafront gated community, a stay at The Ritz-Carlton, Bahrain Hotel & Spa might be just the thing.
A mere 15 minutes drive from the airport, and boasting the serenity of its own private beaches, The Ritz-Carlton Hotel combines all the facilities of a traditional five-star city hotel, with the option of staying at one of its 23 luxuriously appointed beach-front villas.
READERS' COMMENTS
Disclaimer: The views expressed here by our readers are not necessarily shared by ArabianBusiness.com or its employees.
NEW HAVEN FOR LIBERALS
Posted by ABUSIDRA, DUBAI, U.A.E. on Saturday 15 November 2008 at 09:40 UAE time
Since all doors are opening for liberals, they find solace in a new, safe, evolving, happenning and cheap haven in Bahrain. Unfortunately they enjoy in this region, almost a tax free status, liberalism, pampering, leisure, respect which they don't find in their home countries & then suddenly they start groaning, moaning mostly out of usualism, wear and tear rather than real tears & issues.
Posted by ABUSIDRA, DUBAI, U.A.E. on Saturday 15 November 2008 at 09:40 UAE time
Since all doors are opening for liberals, they find solace in a new, safe, evolving, happenning and cheap haven in Bahrain. Unfortunately they enjoy in this region, almost a tax free status, liberalism, pampering, leisure, respect which they don't find in their home countries & then suddenly they start groaning, moaning mostly out of usualism, wear and tear rather than real tears & issues.
A Real Arabian Country with and Open Mind
Posted by Chris Moore, UAE on Sunday 12 October 2008 at 09:54 UAE time
Having lived in Bahrain from 1994 to 2002 and visiting often on business since then, I congratulate the Bahraini people in maintaining their identity while ebracing an open world and building a sustainable economy. It is a joy to arrive in Bahrain and be driven to my location by a Bahraini taxi driver and be checked into my hotel by Bahrainin staff etc. etc. etc. As a long term visitor I was proud to be part of the development happening in Bahrain, you should be proud to be the owners of it.
Posted by Chris Moore, UAE on Sunday 12 October 2008 at 09:54 UAE time
Having lived in Bahrain from 1994 to 2002 and visiting often on business since then, I congratulate the Bahraini people in maintaining their identity while ebracing an open world and building a sustainable economy. It is a joy to arrive in Bahrain and be driven to my location by a Bahraini taxi driver and be checked into my hotel by Bahrainin staff etc. etc. etc. As a long term visitor I was proud to be part of the development happening in Bahrain, you should be proud to be the owners of it.
Dont follow Dubai!
Posted by Syed Faisal Abbas, Manamah, Bahrain on Friday 3 October 2008 at 22:05 UAE time
I sincerely hope that Bahrain won't follow the Dubai model of hyper-growth that has turned Dubai into one of most expensive, congested and least livable cities in the world.
Posted by Syed Faisal Abbas, Manamah, Bahrain on Friday 3 October 2008 at 22:05 UAE time
I sincerely hope that Bahrain won't follow the Dubai model of hyper-growth that has turned Dubai into one of most expensive, congested and least livable cities in the world.
Nice overview
Posted by T A, London, UK on Friday 3 October 2008 at 16:35 UAE time
V. interesting overview of Bahrain's development over the last couple of years. Particularly liked the point that it now seems more relaxed with its own liberal identity since 2003 - one of the problems before (as exemplified by the Ajram riot) was that Bahrain's liberalism seemed top down rather than something intrinsic. If a mixture of political reform and new found wealth are prompting a less fraught atmosphere that's great news.
Posted by T A, London, UK on Friday 3 October 2008 at 16:35 UAE time
V. interesting overview of Bahrain's development over the last couple of years. Particularly liked the point that it now seems more relaxed with its own liberal identity since 2003 - one of the problems before (as exemplified by the Ajram riot) was that Bahrain's liberalism seemed top down rather than something intrinsic. If a mixture of political reform and new found wealth are prompting a less fraught atmosphere that's great news.
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