MANAMA: Edamah which announced an ambitious $1billion development plan for Hawar said the renovated hotel will open its doors for guests in July on the eve of Eid al Fitr.
Addressing a Press conference Mr. Ahmed Al-Janahi, Vice Chairman of Sothern Area Development Company (SADC), highlighted that the existing Hawar resort which is undergoing a complete revamp, with renovation works are well underway. The hotel is due to open its doors to visitors July 2016, to coincide with Eid Al Fitr, he said.
Edamah’s strategy for Hawar is considered two tier: renovating and further developing the existing Hawar resort and developing a new eco-friendly offering along 100 hectares of the Northern coast to allow visitors to experience its environmental significance and majestic scenery through an investment estimated at BD 350 million.
Al-Janahi reiterated that the current plan for the existing resort is not only focused on renovating the existing hotel, but also aims to transform the area into a signature tourism destination, which offers water sports activities and entertainment, F&B facilities and much more. He also stated that Southern Tourism Company is providing state of the art transportation facilities from the Kingdom’s mainland to and from Hawar.
In addition to the development of the existing resort, consultants have been appointed to build 50 luxury chalets in various areas of the islands. Two model villas will be completed this year, which will form the pilot work for the remaining chalets. SADC is also in the process of renovating 16 serviced apartments located opposite of the current resort, in addition to the landscaping works and beach cleanup undertaken.
To complement Hawar islands’ wildlife reserve, Edamah is developing an eco-friendly offering along 100 hectares of the northern coast to allow visitors to experience its environmental significance and majestic scenery.
Ms. Mireille Babti, Chief Development Officer of Edamah stated that the proposed development will be executed in two phases: Phase one will comprise of the development of a 350 key five-star lagoon resort, 150 eco-friendly apartments and villas. The second phase will include the renovation of the 100-year old Hawar mosque and the development of a bird research center, a 150 key boutique hotel and a heritage souq, 155 residential villas, and a 200 key wellness resort and spa.
Construction works is due to commence in 2017, with the resort opening date scheduled to take place in 2019. The second stage of the development is due for completion by the end of 2021.
“Preserving the environment and promoting healthy living is at the heart of our development’s strategy. We are promoting an offering to cater to diverse lifestyles and socioeconomic conditions, and we aim to transform Hawar into an eco-friendly offering that intertwines with nature to provide an experience of barefoot luxury that is second to none,” added, Ms. Babti.
In doing so, she said, the team is conscious of developing Northern Hawar in a holistic manner, promoting sustainability and innovation, while preserving the raw wilderness of the habitat.
