FRHI Hotels Resorts (FRHI) has signed a deal to open its first property in Bahrain, with the new 215-room Fairmont Bahrain Resort, set to open in 2018.

The luxury resort is being developed by Bahrain Real Estate Investment (Edamah) and supported by Mumtalakat, Bahrain’s sovereign wealth fund.

It will form part of an entertainment, leisure and corporate retreat being developed in the Al Jayazer area, to the south of capital Manama. It will target leisure, business, and MICE guests.

“Bahrain has one of the fastest growing economies in the Middle East and is a country that continues to diversify with a strong focus on residential, leisure and retail opportunities,” said Jennifer Fox, president, International Division and president, Fairmont Brand, FRHI Hotels Resorts.

“With the government’s plans to develop the southern area into a major residential, commercial and entertainment hub, we believe it’s a very opportune time to be entering the market and look forward to being a key part of the country’s future growth.”

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The resort will feature a combination of guestroom and chalets, as well as Fairmont Gold, the brand’s ‘hotel within a hotel’ concept. It will also have over 2000 square meters of meeting and event space, including a ballroom.

Leisure offerings will include an expansive beachfront area and a Fairmont spa and health club, while there will also be a line-up of restaurants and lounges featuring signature dining concepts.

Mahmood Hashim Al Kooheji, CEO of Mumtalakat, said: “We are pleased to be partnering with Fairmont to open the first Fairmont hotel in Bahrain and to create a prime destination for both residents and visitors to Bahrain.

“The hotel will be developed in Al Jazayer area, one of the most beautiful beaches in the Kingdom and will contribute positively to its development into a prime touristic destination in the region. It will also create jobs and opportunities for further partnerships between the public and private sector.