AL LIWAN

A NEW MIXED-USE REAL ESTATE ICON IN BAHRAIN

AN INTERVIEW WITH SEEF PROPERTIES’ CEO - AHMED YUSUF

Seef Properties, a leading real estate development and management company in the Kingdom of Bahrain, has recently launched its latest project, Al Liwan, a mixed-use real estate icon located in Hamala. Al Liwan is designed to cater to the growing needs of the community, meet the demands of customers and partners, and contribute to the Kingdom’s economy. We had the pleasure of speaking to Ahmed Yusuf, CEO of Seef Properties, to discuss the inspiration behind Al Liwan and its features.

Can you tell us about the concept behind Al Liwan?

Al Liwan is a mixed-use real estate development that reflects the community lifestyle through its unique designs and exceptional facilities. The name “Al Liwan” comes from the Arabic language, which means the wide hall surrounded by dividing walls. This hall was used in the past to receive guests in old houses. We were inspired by every corner of this unique project from this standpoint. Our vision was to provide a distinctive experience for citizens, residents, and visitors from outside the Kingdom, through a contemporary style and vision.

What are some of the exceptional facilities and anchor tenants at Al Liwan, and how do they contribute to Bahrain’s economy?

Al Liwan occupies 120,000sqm, and the total leased area is 33,000sqm. It contains 117 housing residential units in four buildings bearing the names of trees known to Bahrain since ancient times and still present today. Additionally, there are 136 commercial units, which cover several service sectors, including entertainment, retail stores, restaurants, cafes, health centres, furniture, and others, to provide an exceptional shopping, entertainment, and hospitality experience for visitors of all tastes.

Danube, Yabeela, Al Nakheel Gym, and Al Liwan Cinema are the main anchor tenants at Al Liwan, attracting renowned brands on a regional and global level, many of which enter the Kingdom for the first time through Al Liwan.

With a total leased area of 33,000sqm, Al Liwan has created numerous job opportunities and continues to contribute to Bahrain’s thriving economy.

Can you tell us about some of the recent additions to Al Liwan, such as Yabeela and Danube Supermarket?

Yabeela is the largest indoor entertainment centre in the Kingdom of Bahrain, occupying 6,000m2. It includes more than 150 new family, sports, and interactive games that enter the Bahraini market for the first time, targeting different groups: children, adults, and families.

This family entertainment centre has become a new favourite entertainment destination for all family members in the heart of Al Liwan.

Additionally, Danube Supermarket recently opened, becoming the first branch of its kind in the Kingdom of Bahrain and Danube’s first outside the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. It offers a selection of fresh and high-quality products, and exclusive imported goods, as well as specialized foods, fresh juices, and fish sections, in addition to the fresh products of Danube Bakery.

What role did Seef Properties play in selecting the list of tenants for the commercial units at Al Liwan?

We were very selective in choosing the list of tenants for the commercial units to meet the needs and aspirations of each visitor, with a focus on diversifying entertainment and retail options to ensure the best experience for Al Liwan visitors of all ages and interests. Our goal is to provide visitors with a unique and an exceptional experience that would keep them coming back.

Can you tell us about the cinemas in Al Liwan?

Al Liwan Cinema is the latest addition to the entertainment offerings in Al Liwan, and it encompasses seven cinema screens with a total capacity of over 1,000 seats. Five of these theatres provide VIP service, with exclusive access to a lounge area.

Al Liwan Cinema also features state-of-the-art laser projectors and sound systems, providing an immersive cinematic experience for moviegoers. The cinema will offer a wide range of movies, from the latest Hollywood blockbusters to international and independent films. There is also a dedicated section for kids’ movies, with regular screenings of popular animated movies.

How has Al Liwan been received by the local community?

Al Liwan has been very well-received by the local community. We have seen a steady stream of visitors since the opening, and we have received positive feedback about the design and amenities. Many visitors appreciate the mix of traditional and modern elements in the design, as well as the range of entertainment and retail options.

What are your plans for future development at Al Liwan?

We are always looking for ways to enhance the visitor experience at Al Liwan. We have plans to expand the retail and entertainment offerings and to host various events and activities throughout the year to keep visitors engaged and entertained.

Ahmed Yusuf is a seasoned real estate and project management expert, with over 28 years of experience in the field. He currently serves as the Chief Executive Officer of Seef Properties, where he oversees the company’s extensive portfolio of assets across the Kingdom of Bahrain. With his leadership, Seef Properties has become a brand known for its innovative and diverse real estate portfolio.

Ahmed Yusuf played a crucial role in the development of Al Liwan, Seef Properties’ latest mixed-use project in Bahrain. He ensured that the project was completed on schedule and according to the pre-established plan. His contributions to the project’s success have further solidified Seef Properties’ reputation as a leading developer and manager of commercial and residential properties in the Kingdom of Bahrain.