Diyar Al Muharraq CEO: Project drew attention of UNEP, and we will continue to inform the public and the government of the progress in the development

Bahrain - March 31st, 2009:  A presentation on Diyar Al Muharraq and Durrat al Bahrain was given on Sunday, 29 March, to five members of a parliamentary committee investigating violations in the sea and coasts as a result of reclamation and dredging in the marine areas of the Kingdom of Bahrain. Diyar Al Muharraq Chairman Mr. Abdulhakim Al Khayat and CEO Mr. Aaref Hejres briefed the members of parliament on the various aspects of the 12 sq km development, focusing on the project's high environmental standards.  The presentation was held at the Durrat al Bahrain offices, where Diyar Al Muharraq's impressive 3D model was on display. The MP's were also taken on a tour of the development to familiarize them of the infrastructure and amenities that this "city for all people" will include.

The presentation was attended by the following members of the committee: Naser al-Sheikh Abdullah Naser al Fadalah, Jamil Kazim Hasan Mohammed, Hasan Salem Al Dossary, Haidar Hasan Ali Hasn, Dr. Abdulaziz Hasan Ali Abul, and Dr. Ali Ahmed Abdullah.

Diyar Al Muharraq officials answered all questions about the reclamation processes in detail and their potential impact on the environment. They explained the measures that have been taken and the arrangements that have been made to prevent any damaged to the environment. They also briefed the deputies on the various environmental activities Diyar Al Muharraq carries out or sponsors, noting that these activities have drawn the attention of the United Nations Environmental Program (UNEP). 

Commenting on the presentation, Mr. Hejres said: "Keeping our stakeholders informed at every level and obtaining their valuable feedback is crucial to developing a city for all the people of Bahrain. I am glad for the support that the MPs expressed for Diyar Al Muharraq after they fully learned the project's vision and the comprehensive plans that were drawn up by international environmental consultants in cooperation with all governmental bodies before the execution of the project started."

"We hope to continue such cooperation and coordination with the concerned government bodies and public establishments in the future as we encourage and adopt a policy of open communication and transparency. As a project for all, we will continue to keep the public and the Government informed of Diyar Al Muharraq's progress, which we hope will serve the interest of the country and the citizens."

The presentation follows a number of visits from Diyar Al Muharraq officials to Bahrain's Ministries, where the development's health centres, public spaces, road masterplanning and beaches were discussed. Diyar Al Muharraq also recently supported a number of community initiatives as part of the project's ongoing commitment to Bahrain's social development. The initiatives included the construction of a BD3.4 million fishing harbour in the Ras Rayah area, support for the Fifth Globe Scientists Fair on the environment in cooperation with the Ministry of Education, and other activities that will be announced in the near future.

Located on the northern shores of Muharraq, Diyar Al Muharraq will provide a cohesive mix of residential and commercial properties with housing opportunities for over 120,000 people in around 30,000 housing units. The fully-contained city will serve to strengthen Bahrain's economy by creating a wealth of job opportunities and attracting foreign investment, as well as offering high-quality housing for a wide range of incomes, which will improve the quality of life for people of Bahrain.

98% of Stage 1, which involves reclamation of an area of 6 sq km (1.5 km by 4 km) - half of the development's overall 12 sq km - has been completed, while work on Stage 2 has already started.

-Ends-

About Diyar Al Muharraq
Diyar Al Muharraq is a unique masterplanned city for the people of Bahrain offering a range of housing options and quality lifestyle for all strata of society. Diyar Al Muharraq offers a cohesive mix of residential and commercial properties with the potential for around 30,000 dwellings housing over 120,000 people.

Situated on the northern shores of Muharraq, its amenities include over 40 kilometres of waterfront, together with sandy beaches - among the most extensive publicly accessible waterfront in the Kingdom - as well as all the elements one expects from a vibrant community, including schools, medical centres, parklands, sports facilities, and a wide selection of retail services including a shopping mall, showrooms, banks, and hotels all supported by a high standard of infrastructure services.

Visit the virtual Diyar Al Muharraq at www.diyar.bh 

Media Enquiries for Diyar Al Muharraq:
Hassan Al Jundi
Tel +973 17533532
Fax: +973 17533370
Email: hassan.aljundi@hillandknowlton.com.

Julia Atherton-Dandy
Tel +973 17533532
Fax: +973 17533370
Email: Julia.dandy@hillandknowlton.com 

© Press Release 2009