IHCL, Kingdom Projects announce $100m investment in Bahrain with Taj debut

CONSUMER NEWS

The Indian Hotels Company Limited (IHCL) and Bahrain-based Kingdom Projects have announced plans for three developments in the Kingdom, representing a combined investment of $100 million.

The agreement will bring the Taj hotel brand to Bahrain for the first time, alongside Taj Hotels’ flagship Indian restaurant concept, Bombay Brasserie, and global toy retailer Hamleys, owned by Reliance Retail.

Announced at the fourth edition of Gateway Gulf, held on November 1–2, 2026, the projects span hospitality, dining and retail.

Kingdom Projects, which will serve as the exclusive partner of the Taj Group in Bahrain, is also working on a wider pipeline of developments with IHCL, with further projects expected to follow.

The announcement took place in the presence of Noor bint Ali Alkhulaif, Minister of Sustainable Development and Chief Executive of Bahrain Economic Development Board (Bahrain EDB), and Fatima bint Jaafar Al Sairafi, Minister of Tourism. The investment forum, hosted by Bahrain EDB at the Four Seasons Hotel Bahrain Bay, was held under the theme ‘Reimagining Global Partnerships, Powering Sustainable Growth’.

The flagship development, Taj Hotel Downtown Seef, will mark the Indian hospitality group's entry into Bahrain. Developed by Kingdom Projects in partnership with IHCL, the 200-key hotel is expected to begin construction shortly and will include 80 branded residences, combining hotel services with premium residential living.

Meanwhile, interior fit-out works are underway at Bombay Brasserie in Bahrain Bay, with the restaurant scheduled to open in the first quarter of 2027.

The third development will see Hamleys expand its presence in Bahrain through a flagship showroom at The Avenues Bahrain. Interior works are progressing, with the opening also targeted for the first quarter of 2027.

The store will offer the retailer’s range of toys and entertainment products, alongside an interactive shopping experience for families and visitors.

Commenting on the announcement, Noor bint Ali Alkhulaif said: “Kingdom Projects’ investments reflect the continued confidence investors place in Bahrain as a trusted destination for high-quality, long-term investment,”

She added: “By bringing leading international brands across hospitality, dining and retail to Bahrain, these projects will further diversify the Kingdom’s offering while supporting the continued growth of key sectors. At Bahrain EDB, we remain focused on working with strategic investors to identify opportunities, facilitate investment, and support their long-term growth in Bahrain.”

The developments are expected to generate employment across hospitality, food and beverage, and retail, while expanding Bahrain’s tourism and lifestyle offering for residents and international visitors.

Bahrain EDB has worked with Kingdom Projects across its development portfolio, supporting its investment plans and facilitating engagement with key stakeholders.

The collaboration reflects the Kingdom’s efforts to attract strategic investors and encourage long-term investment across its economy. -TradeArabia News Service

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