The GCC real estate development boom continues unabated with asset prices pushing into unchartered positive territory. With all member states being at various stages of socio-economic development, attractive pockets of opportunity exist in several GCC territories -opportunities to pioneer further value advantage.

First Bahrain’s management is confident that the regional growth trend, fuelled by high oil prices and broad inward investment, will continue with the general real estate market's growth following this positive trend over the next two years and beyond. The much talked about recession in the USA is likely to have a dampening effect on some asset classes and the international markets have felt downward pressure on the back of the negative positions in the US subprime market, though effects on the GCC are likely to be off set by the positive movements in global crude prices.

While the unprecedented growth in the GCC is widely appreciated, the ability to sustain that growth has several major factors weighing on it. Not least of these is the price of commodities which as seen a price increase of steel and sand. The concerns over availability of labour has also caused concern with some large scale disruptions to projects due to worker disputes in regards to conditions and pay. Despite this, the market continues to grow and investor confidence and liquidity are bullish and major projects are being released at a near energetic pace.

First Bahrain’s investment strategy has been created against this regional and international macro-economic back drop, balanced against a clear understanding of the local market conditions. After analysis of the prevailing GCC market conditions and their general bullish trends, we have created a relevant and responsive investment strategy. Our strategy is characterized by projects that utilise demand driven fundamentals that are derived from unique positioning features such as unique zoning solutions, strategic locations, exclusive operators and anchor tenants.

First Bahrain's holistic investment strategy is ensuring we realize the full potential for significant value creation - specialized and intelligent development offerings founded on master planned assets, delivered to the market via highly differentiated brand strategies. This pioneering approach affords our investors and shareholders a greater level of return by creating 'stand out' projects amongst a back drop of vague investment offers, in projects that suffer from a lack of market differentiation. First Bahrain's strategy is derived from an understanding of real market needs and contracted on a deep understanding of value development and market differentiation.