The Kingdom of Bahrain tourism sector is one of the ever-growing sectors in the country where the total number of tourists visiting the Kingdom increased by 12.8 percent in the first nine months of 2017.

This has led to a huge movement towards enhancing the Kingdom’s tourism infrastructure to support this growth.

According to the managing director of The Bahrain Economic Development Board, the total number of tourists visiting Bahrain has reached 8.7 million during the first nine months of 2017, which is a significant number considering Bahrain’s resident population of only 1.5 million people.

It is worth mentioning that Bahrain tourism sector contributes with 6.3 percent to the country’s GDP where this number is bound to increase as the number of visitors and leisure activities increase.

All of the above encouraged the tourism investment projects with the value of 32 billion dollars to commence all across the Kingdom.

Here are the 7 Bahrain Tourism Projects that are in the tourism development pipeline and will cater to current and future demand.

1. Dilmunia Mall

Located in the heart of Dilmunia Island, Dilmunia Mall is the first of its kind in the Kingdom of Bahrain to offer a new and exciting shopping experience to its visitors through introducing a variety of retailers that are yet to enter the Bahraini market.

Representing a quality entertainment, leisure and retail destination, Dilmunia Mall is scheduled to open its doors to visitors from all corners of the globe by October 2019.

Suitable for family outings, the mall provides all family members with familial entertainment centres that include a spectacular 3-storey high cylindrical aquarium with aquatic life in addition to a state-of-the-art large indoor Ice Rink built on the first floor of the mall.

Overlooking the Dilmunia Grand Canal, the project houses an open-air sky terrace that offers picturesque views of the island of Muharraq.

2. King Abdullah Medical City

The mega healthcare project is set to be developed in the south of the kingdom. This giant medical city is being funded through a 267 million dollars grant from the late Saudi King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz Al Saud.

The project sprawls over an area of 100ha plot donated by HM King Hamad Bin Isa Al Khalifa, King of Bahrain, at Durrat Al Bahrain artificial islands.

According to officials from the Ministry of Works, Municipalities Affairs and Urban Planning, the medical centre will comprise of a multiple-phase, mixed-use development comprising academic and medical facilities, a research centre, 15 operating rooms, on-site accommodation for both students and staff, rehabilitation hospital and other communal facilities to create a self-sustained campus.

It is worth noting that upon the completion of the project the capacity of the hospital will increase to over 500 beds.

3. Marassi Galleria entertainment centre

Marassi Galleria is set to be the home of the largest entertainment centre in the country where Eagle Hills Diyar, developer of the urban waterfront project Marassi Al Bahrain, has signed up with Dubai’s Emaar Entertainment to bring this bumper family entertainment centre to Bahrain.

The 13,200 square meter centre will include an underwater zoo that extends over an area of 2,400 square meters and is considered the first of its kind in the Kingdom.

That’s not all as the centre will also provide an eco-friendly mountain climb, situated on the rooftop of Marassi Galleria, with natural sun rays and jungle atmosphere, plus a nature-themed dining area.

This family centre is unlike anything that can currently be found in Bahrain and it pledges to offer a mind-blowing experience to all its visitors.

4. Bahrain International Airport

Bahrain International Airport is undergoing a 1.1billion dollars expansion so as to increase the airport’s capacity from 9 million to 14 million passengers by 2020.

The expansion project will include the development of the terminal building with a built-up area four times the size of the existing terminal, a multi-storey car park, a central utility complex and all associated auxiliary facilities.

This new passenger’s terminal will occupy 220,000 square meters and will include departure and arrival halls similar to the existing building.

The terminal will feature 108 check-in desks, 24 passport control booths, 28 security lanes, a 9,000m² duty-free retail space, premium-class lounges, food and beverage zones, and 24 jetty-served departure gates.

5. The Address Hotel

Brought to the Kingdom of Bahrain for the first time outside its home market, UAE; The Address Hotel and Resort will be an addition to the Marassi Al Bahrain.

The Address Hotel and Resort will be directly linked to Marassi Galleria and will offer Marassi Al Bahrain guests and visitors chic and contemporary lifestyle.

Upon completion, The Address will feature 112 rooms including 17 suites and will have all advanced lifestyle facilities that include oceanfront restaurants and lounges, meeting facilities, a spa and wellness centre as well as an open-air pool.

The Address Hotels and Resorts brand is launched by Emaar Hospitality Group and is considered the perfect destination for business, leisure and group travellers. This five-star luxury hotel will definitely bring the definition of global hospitality to the kingdom of Bahrain.

6. One&Only Resort

Boasting 175 rooms, suites, villas, dining and retail options, plus a One&Only Spa over 72 acres, the resort is the ideal destination for business and leisure travellers.

The resort will be located in Seef district, on the northwestern coast of Bahrain and will feature a private beachfront.

It is expected that the resort will house the Kingdom’s first branch of London-born modern Chinese restaurant concept Hakkasan that offers visitors a unique culinary experience, as well as offering a Givenchy Spa.

It is worth noting that the One&Only brand will help position the Kingdom of Bahrain as a travel destination for tourists from all corners of the globe.

7. Hilton Bahrain Bay Hotel & Residences

Scheduled to open in 2020, the 66 million dollars Hilton Bahrain Bay Hotel & Residences will be located in The Avenues, Bahrain.

Upon completion, the hotel will feature 150 apartments, 60 studio suites, four stand-alone dining outlets, a swimming pool, and spa and fitness facilities.

The hotel is expected to be a valuable addition to the avenues, Bahrain where it will make the development an attractive destination for citizens, as well as for tourists, and business travellers from the GCC and other countries.

This would be the first introduction of Hilton Hotels and Resorts brand to the Kingdom of Bahrain’s hospitality sector.