Bahrain Real Estate Investment Company (Edamah) has signed up Nass Contracting and Al Hassanain Company as the main contractors for Phase One of its BD3-million ($8 million) beachfront development Bilaj Al Jazayer, located in the west of the kingdom.

Edamah, the real estate arm of Bahrain’s sovereign wealth fund, said the first phase of the Bilaj Al Jazayer project comprises improvements to 1 km of unrestricted vacant beachfront to be later enhanced by a landscaped promenade, food and beverage and supporting beach amenities.

Bilaj Al Jazayer will serve as a prime destination for leisure and entertainment which will be open to both tourists and locals alike, said senior company officials.

Phase Two of the project will include building a four-star hotel situated on the coast to serve the visitors who wish to spend more time at a seaside resort.

The scope of work includes improvements to 1 km of the existing beach, and provision of two beaches, and developing a walking path alongside the coast, in addition to the associated services.

As per the deal, Al Hassanain Company will help modify and rehabilitate the current beach to make it suitable for swimming, while A Ahmed Nass Contracting will be responsible for supply of the required rocks necessary for the beach improvement works.

Edamah’s vision is aimed at transforming the Bilaj Al Jazayer’s existing beach into a world-class beachfront destination aimed at catering to Bahraini families, GCC nationals, and tourists.

Announcing the contract awards, Edamah CEO Amin Alarrayed said: “We are pleased to announce the appointment of Al Hassanain Company and Nass Contracting as the main contractors for Bilaj Al Jazayer beach improvement works. The scope of this phase of the project is expected to conclude by the third quarter of 2019. These improvements will offer supporting amenities and entertainment facilities for locals and tourists, which will subsequently create attractive opportunities for investors.”

“We aim through our strategy to implement a number of vital projects in line with Bahrain Economic Vision 2030, as the current priority focuses on conducting developmental projects that achieve financial sustainability and assesses ways to enhance the national economy and achieve social well-being,” he added.

Edamah manages a portfolio of real estate assets worth BD190 million and is currently working on several developmental projects while exploring real estate initiatives in the hospitality and retail sector. These include The Terminal complex, which was launched last year in Adliya, and a mixed-use waterfront project, Sa’ada, being developed in Muharraq.