JEDDAH – A future projects pipeline worth more than $44 billion will be comprehensively discussed by industry stakeholders at the forthcoming Bahrain Infrastructure and Finance Forum to be held on April 28-29, 2015 at the Crowne Plaza Bahrain in Manama. Held under the patronage of Sheikh Ahmed Bin Mohammed Al-Khalifa, Bahrain's Minister of Finance, the Bahrain Infrastructure and Finance Forum is expected to host more than 80 representatives responsible for Bahrain's infrastructure sectors, project owners, developers, contractors, consultants, advisories, financiers, and legal firms. At the forum, experts will shed light on the plans and associated project opportunities across the kingdom's transport infrastructure, real estate, housing, tourism and healthcare sectors. Overall Bahrain's project market is valued at more than $65 billion, including projects planned and underway, according to MEED Projects, the region's leading online projects tracking service. By sector, construction has the biggest share, with projects valued at $30.4 billion; followed by transportation and then power & water, with $10.9 billion and $6.1 billion worth of projects, respectively. “Bahrain is embarking on a new wave of major capital projects designed to modernize its infrastructure, create integrated housing developments and reaffirm its position as a regional business and aviation hub,” said Edmund O'Sullivan of the Bahrain Infrastructure Forum. “Plans to expand the capacity of the road link to Saudi Arabia and connect Bahrain to the GCC railway are among the exciting and innovative projects that will be highlighted at this conference,” said Edmund O'Sullivan, Chairman, MEED, organizers of the forum. Among the projects that will be put under scrutiny are Bahrain's latest land transport network initiatives, the $5 billion rail network and the $5 billion Saudi-Bahrain Causeway project. Both are envisioned to promote the kingdom's Economic Vision, 2030 Masterplan. Maryam Jam'an, Undersecretary for Land Transport, Ministry of Transport, will detail developments about Bahrain's transport initiatives and investments to facilitate safer, faster, more efficient and convenient transportation network. Significant investments are also being made in Bahrain's healthcare sector, with long-term healthcare development goals and related project opportunities such as the $18.4 million Diabetes Centre, the $29 million Dialysis Centre, and a $36.9m long-term care facility. Dr. Waleed Khalifa Al Manea, Assistant Undersecretary for Hospitals, Ministry of Health will lead discussions on upcoming projects for hospitals and associated contractor opportunities over the coming years until 2023. Other forum highlights include a Construction Leaders' Panel Session, which will identify the most lucrative opportunities in the kingdom's project market. “This is expected to be of particular value for stakeholders in Bahrain's project market with insights from leading experts, who have been responsible for shaping many of the region's world-class projects. We are delighted to partner with MEED on this important initiative to share views on what opportunities are available and the challenges that need to be addressed in Bahrain,” said Gabe Kobayashi, GM Sales & Marketing, SULB Company, headline sponsor of the event. Bahrain's airport expansion program and its role in the kingdom's economic diversification will also be a key focus of the forum, along with sustainability initiatives and the latest developments related to the overhaul of the country's sewage network. With such massive opportunities at stake, financing will be a critical factor to ensure successful project delivery. Robert Ainey, CEO of the Bahrain Association of Banks, will provide expert insights on the investment outlook in Bahrain, including assessment of market risks and mitigation strategies to safeguard investments, and requisites on liquidity for medium-and-large-sized projects and funding requirements. Bahrain Infrastructure and Finance Forum has dedicated the second day of the event on the kingdom's real estate and tourism sectors, detailing various aspects of the planned 30,000 homes to be built next year. — SG
