Bahrain Real Estate Investment (Edamah), the real estate arm of Bahrain Mumtalakat Holding Company, has announced a $930-million plan to transform Hawar Islands into a signature eco-friendly tourism destination with state-of-the-art facilities, in collaboration with a private sector.

An archipelago comprising 35 islands and spanning over 51 million sq m south-east of the kingdom’s mainland, Hawar makes a compelling destination for an eco-friendly experience. With over 80 per cent of the land declared a wildlife preservation zone, Hawar is home to the world’s largest breeding for the Socotra cormorant bird, the dugong seacow, the Arabian oryx, reem gazelle, extensive sea grass and amazing coral.

The ambitious project will be developed in two phases, stated a BNA report. Phase One will involve the development of a 350-key five-star lagoon resort and 150 eco-friendly apartments and villas, while the second phase will see the renovation of the 100-year-old Hawar mosque and the development of a bird research centre, a 150-key boutique hotel and a heritage suq, besides 155 residential villas and a 200-key wellness resort and spa.

The construction work is due to begin next year, with the resort opening date scheduled for 2019. The second stage of the development is due for completion by the end of 2021, added the report.

In addition to the development of the existing resort, consultants have been appointed to design 50 luxury chalets in various areas of the islands.