Bahrain-based private holding company Maalem Holding has launched the kingdom's latest dining and retail destination experience 'The Courtyard', which is set to open by the third quarter of the year, in Seef District.

'The Courtyard', which is Maalem Holding's first development scheme in Bahrain, will boast retail and dining spaces spread across three levels, benefiting from numerous terraces, outdoor seating areas and rooftop spaces, and has secured Carlo's Bakery as its first tenant, said a report in the Gulf Daily News (GDN), our sister publication.

The internationally-renowned bakery will open its first location in the Gulf at 'The Courtyard'. Carlo's Bakery's Bahrain will be its flagship store in the region.

"We believe that our development will attract visitors from across the GCC and securing Carlo's Bakery is a major success for us," said Maalem Holding real estate development vice-president Ahmed Taleb.

"We are working with leading firms in Bahrain and abroad to deliver a development of the highest international standards.

"Once completed, 'The Courtyard' will be a focal point in Bahrain's dining scene," he added.

"This is a very exciting expansion for Carlo's Bakery and for my family," Carlo's Bakery owner Buddy Valastro said.

"After personally visiting the area, and hearing about The Courtyard project, I knew it would be the perfect fit for the bakery not only as our first location in the Middle East, but as the first international Carlo's Bakery location.

"Bahrain is a lively destination and I am thrilled to be able to reach my fans here and begin building our Middle East presence," he added.

International real estate consultancy Cluttons has been appointed as the sole marketing and leasing agent for the 18 retail and food and beverage units, which will range from 100 sq m to 280 sq m. Strategically located within Seef District, 'The Courtyard' is in close proximity to most major hotels, serviced residences and office buildings.

The development is positioned to complement the community shopping centres and destination malls in Seef District, through the creation of a highly sought-after dining and retail destination in Bahrain.

"For a retail development like 'The Courtyard', it is essential to bring new concepts such as Carlo's Bakery, to provide a unique experience for visitors," Cluttons Bahrain head of agency Tom Carter said.

"We have been working closely with Maalem Holding since the inception of the project on achieving the optimum tenant mix that will position 'The Courtyard' as a prime destination for cafes, restaurants, speciality retailers and service providers.

"The development will offer the residents of Seef and the surrounding areas a new and exciting retail and dining destination," he added. - TradeArabia News Service