*** Positioning Hawar islands on global tourism map | THE DAILY TRIBUNE | KINGDOM OF BAHRAIN

Positioning Hawar islands on global tourism map

ManamaEdamah’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 BD350 million.

Existing developments

The existing Hawar resort is undergoing a complete revamp, with renovation works well underway. The hotel is due to open its doors to visitors by July 2016, to coincide with Eid Al Fitr, stated Southern Area Development (SADC) Vice Chairman Ahmed Al-Janahi.

However, 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. 

North Hawar development

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.  

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 as well as 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 centre, 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,” Babti said, “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.”

“In doing so, the team is conscious of developing Northern Hawar in a holistic manner, promoting sustainability and innovation, while preserving the raw wilderness of the habitat,” she added.

About Hawar islands

An archipelago comprising of 35 islands and spanning over 51 million square metres 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.

During his closing statement, Alkooheji said: “Both the new development north of Hawar and the renovation works on the existing hotel will bolster the local and regional tourism industry and will offer the public a unique encounter with nature at its best. With a forecast contribution of over 3000 direct jobs at completion, we believe the development of Hawar as an eco-friendly global destination is not a step, but a leap in the right direction, and one that will positively impact the economy.”