The Indian Hotels Company Limited (IHCL) and Bahrain-based Kingdom Projects have announced plans for three developments in the Kingdom, representing a combined investment of $100 million.
The agreement will
bring the Taj hotel brand to Bahrain for the first time, alongside Taj Hotels’
flagship Indian restaurant concept, Bombay Brasserie, and global toy retailer
Hamleys, owned by Reliance Retail.
Announced at the
fourth edition of Gateway Gulf, held on November 1–2, 2026, the projects span
hospitality, dining and retail.
Kingdom Projects,
which will serve as the exclusive partner of the Taj Group in Bahrain, is also
working on a wider pipeline of developments with IHCL, with further projects
expected to follow.
The announcement took
place in the presence of Noor bint Ali Alkhulaif, Minister of Sustainable
Development and Chief Executive of Bahrain Economic Development Board (Bahrain
EDB), and Fatima bint Jaafar Al Sairafi, Minister of Tourism. The investment forum,
hosted by Bahrain EDB at the Four Seasons Hotel Bahrain Bay, was held under the
theme ‘Reimagining Global Partnerships, Powering Sustainable Growth’.
The flagship
development, Taj Hotel Downtown Seef, will mark the Indian hospitality group's
entry into Bahrain. Developed by Kingdom Projects in partnership with IHCL, the
200-key hotel is expected to begin construction shortly and will include 80
branded residences, combining hotel services with premium residential living.
Meanwhile, interior
fit-out works are underway at Bombay Brasserie in Bahrain Bay, with the
restaurant scheduled to open in the first quarter of 2027.
The third development
will see Hamleys expand its presence in Bahrain through a flagship showroom at
The Avenues Bahrain. Interior works are progressing, with the opening also
targeted for the first quarter of 2027.
The store will offer
the retailer’s range of toys and entertainment products, alongside an
interactive shopping experience for families and visitors.
Commenting on the
announcement, Noor bint Ali Alkhulaif said: “Kingdom Projects’ investments
reflect the continued confidence investors place in Bahrain as a trusted
destination for high-quality, long-term investment,”
She added: “By
bringing leading international brands across hospitality, dining and retail to
Bahrain, these projects will further diversify the Kingdom’s offering while
supporting the continued growth of key sectors. At Bahrain EDB, we remain
focused on working with strategic investors to identify opportunities,
facilitate investment, and support their long-term growth in Bahrain.”
The developments are
expected to generate employment across hospitality, food and beverage, and
retail, while expanding Bahrain’s tourism and lifestyle offering for residents
and international visitors.
Bahrain EDB has worked
with Kingdom Projects across its development portfolio, supporting its
investment plans and facilitating engagement with key stakeholders.
The collaboration reflects the Kingdom’s efforts to attract strategic investors and encourage long-term investment across its economy. -TradeArabia News Service