Manama, Jun. 26– Under the patronage of the Deputy Prime Minister of Bahrain Shaikh Khalid bin Abdulla Al Khalifa, Diyar Al Muharraq, one of the leading urban developers in the Kingdom of Bahrain, held a Groundbreaking Ceremony to mark the start of construction of Phase 1 of Dragon City, a Chinese-themed retail development in the Diyar Al Muharraq masterplanned project, on Thursday 26th of June 2014 at the Diyar Al Muharraq construction site.
The ceremony was attended by several ministers, the Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China in Bahrain, members of Muharraq Municipality Council and government officials.
Diyar Al Muharraq appointed Nass Contracting in May 2014 to undertake construction of Phase 1 of Dragon City, which is scheduled for completion by mid 2015. The project will be developed by Dragon City BSC , a subsidiary of Diyar Al Muharraq WLL, and operation of Phase 1 will be undertaken by Middle East and Trade Promotion Center (Chinamex).
Dragon City is the first-of its kind development in Bahrain which will offer unique wholesale and retail opportunities to local consumers, trade customers and tourists in a 115 thousand square meter development set in the southwest corner of Diyar Al Muharraq city. The project design is infused with Chinese architectural and cultural aspects, in a layout which incorporates 700 individual retail store spaces and a five thousand square meter area designated for warehouses. The project also includes a six thousand square meter dining street and car parking for 1,500 customer vehicles.
On this occasion, the Deputy Prime Minister of Bahrain, His Excellency Shaikh Khalid bin Abdulla Al Khalifa, expressed his delight that Bahrain is embracing one of the most famous Chinese projects, and he reaffirmed the Kingdom’s strategy highlighting the importance of attracting foreign investments through distinguished projects that serve the national economy and allow for the provision of employment opportunities, in addition to meeting consumer demands.
Shaikh Khalid bin Abdulla Al Khalifa said: “The Dragon City Project further strengthens the Bahrain – Chinese relations, which prospered following the recent fruitful visit made by His Majesty the King of Bahrain to Beijing, during which His Majesty met with the Chinese President. The visit concluded with both parties reiterating the importance of supporting and enhancing the development of economic and investment cooperation between the two friendly countries”.
On this occasion, the Chairman of Diyar Al Muharraq, Mr. Abdulhakeem Al Khayyat said: “The groundbreaking ceremony for Dragon City heralds the start of a series of achievements for Diyar Al Muharraq. We are building a niche for Diyar Al Muharraq as a vital player in Bahrain’s economic development, and through this ceremony, we are taking confident steps towards fulfilling our goals, and we affirm our important role in developing the Kingdom into a world-class commercial and trade destination.”
Chief Executive Officer of Diyar Al Muharraq, Dr. Maher Al Shaer said: “Dragon City will introduce unique opportunities and a new wave of products that will keep up with new demands by consumers. It is envisioned to become the preferred source of a wide array of Chinese products such as home appliances, building materials, furniture, toys, garments, textiles, footwear and general merchandise. We aim to make Dragon City as the main destination that will singularly address consumer demands. And this ceremony today heralds the beginning of our journey as a strategic developer with an innovative stream of a futuristic vision in the Kingdom.”
“Phase 1 of Dragon City which includes the mall is targeted to be ready by mid 2015, and at a subsequent stage a themed ‘Asian dining street’ extending approximately six thousand square meters would be added where patrons could enjoy a choice of restaurants and food brands within an authentic Asian setting”, Dr. Maher Al Shaer added.
The Dragon City concept was launched in May 2012 as the result of an agreement between Diyar Al Muharraq and Chinamex. Gulf House Engineering was appointed for design and supervision and Baker, Wilkins & SmithMiddle East(BWS) for Cost Consultancy services, while Cluttons were appointed as the leasing agent for the project in the Kingdom of Bahrain. The mall was tendered for construction with the aim for all space to be entirely pre-leased to leading retailers and tenants from China and Bahrain.
