Frasers Hospitality marked the beginning of a major presence in the Middle East with the grand opening of Fraser Suites Seef Bahrain, the first of five properties to come throughout the region over the next two years.

The group, which has 33 properties worldwide in 19 cities, is looking to use Bahrain as a regional hub to develop a further nine properties across the region by 2013, according to chief operating officer for Europe and the Middle East, Guus Bakker.

The 19-storey Bahrain property sets new standards for luxury accommodation in the city, with 91 one or two bedroom suites and three penthouses.

It is the only international-class accommodation with direct access to Seef Mall, Bahrain's premier shopping and entertainment destination.

Fraser Suites Seef Bahrain was developed by Seef Properties, one of Bahrain's largest real estate companies, which owns and manages various commercial properties including Seef Mall, the largest shopping and entertainment centre in the kingdom.

The opening of Fraser Suites Seef Bahrain will be followed in quick succession with the launch of two more properties, Fraser Suites Dubai and Fraser Suites Doha.

Another two properties already on the drawing board in Oman and Saudi Arabia are scheduled to open within the next two years.

'The Middle East remains a most exciting growth area for business and tourism and, strategically for Frasers Hospitality, an important pillar in our global network', said Frasers Hospitality chief executive officer Choe Peng Sum.

'Bahrain's growth is predicated on a rapidly diversifying economy with impressive expansion into new areas such as tourism, manufacturing, trade and commerce.'

'The city's forecast of an estimated 6.7 per cent growth in international arrivals this year, together with a sharp demand-supply imbalance in the hospitality sector, set the scene for a successful start to our expansion,' he said.-TradeArabia News Service