BizBahrain April 2016

Interview | Ahmed AlQaed Group
extensive internal fit out works to be
equipped with sophisticated modern
facilities for corporate requirements.
The gorgeous landscaping works
around the building add to the image of
luxury and oneness with the elements.
The 50-storey mixed use building
is truly a vertical city, allowing the
visitor to perfectly and seamlessly
move in a single journey. The 14 floors
of the Wyndham will also comprise
500 square metres (nearly 5,400
square feet) of meeting space and a
900-square-metre ballroom (equivalent
to nearly 9,700 square feet) on the
building’s top floor, offering stunning
sea views. Complemented by indoor
and outdoor infinity swimming pools
and separate health clubs for men
and women, the development will also
include five food and beverage outlets
catering to a variety of tastes.
Ahmed AlQaed is earnest as he
explains. “The Concept is different
because we had a different strategy
and agenda. We didn’t want anything
ordinary, in terms of its structure,
interior and appearance, it was
challenging. At the same time, we had
to respect what the people using the
building would experience. Because
of the high expectations we have set,
when you look at the building from
outside, you know there is something
extraordinary happening inside. So
that by itself is a challenge. Not to
disappoint people once they enter the
building!
“We wanted a story behind it. It had
to reflect what the objective was and
that was something about Bahrain, a
story about Bahrain. It was important
to give a memory to someone visiting
the hotel so he would leave it and
remember it not only as an interesting
tower, and a nice hotel, but he would
remember the experience because it
communicated the story of Bahrain.”
The concept that evolved was
around the theme of Dilmun. Taking a
simple Dilmun seal with its swirling
cylindrical pattern, the twisted design
for the Tower evolved. The same theme
was implemented all through the
building in the interiors, the lobbies.
We tried to create an ambience that is
hushed, muted and tranquil drawing
the visitor back into an era gone by.
In 2015, AQG began work on a new
project, once again ambitious and
visionary. Inspired by the ancient and
iconic Babylonian garden, The Hanging
Gardens of Dilmunia are a state of the
art dream development that combines
history with modern convenience and
luxury. Situated in the North East of
Muharraq the project is envioned as
lush green paradise with stunning
apartments and penthouses, and
retail stores and restaurants making a
vibrant new destination.
The name Dilmunia is inspired
by the ancient civilization of Dilmun,
which is believed to be the original
Garden of Eden. The 'Hanging Gardens
Of Dilmunia', celebrate the ancient
civilisation of Dilmun by incorporating
gardens. The terraced gardens
provided around the podium structure
of the building are inspired by the
Garden of Eden and offer residents and
visitors not only a tranquil place to live,
but also a unique visual experience of
lush greenery to enjoy while they are at
the development.
One overriding
theme or idea in
the design that
we worked with
was that it had
to be timeless so
that it will stay
with Bahrain
forever.
The overall composition of the
Hanging Gardens Of Dilmunia is kept
very mature, simple and elegant,
integrating indoor and outdoor areas
seamlessly with great views of the
Grand Canal, tranquil landscaped
gardens and the Sea. The Apartment
buildings are minimal, like sails filled
with wind and the subtle curve reflects
movement to these still buildings.
The light detailing of the Apartment
buildings, which stand as a backdrop
to the lush terraced gardens around the
podium area, when viewed from the
Grand Canal side, adds to the serenity,
functionality, flexibility and efficiency
achieved in the design.
“We wanted to come up with a new
concept and a different dimension
of a lifestyle. We approached our
international architects, WKK, and
gave them the idea of the hanging
gardens. We wanted to reflect the
civilizations of Dilmun and Babylon or
Mesopotamia, working together. In our
discussions we talked about historical
facts and myths associated with it.
We had heard about the story about
Babylon in those times and the search
for the gardens of Eden, which they say
was in reality Dilmun.”
“In terms of pricing, we price from
a financial responsibility point of view.
It has to be a good investment so that if
anyone wants to invest it, sell it, or stay
in it- it is all possible. Our properties
are for everyone in the sense that
the pricing is responsible, the value
is protected, there is reliable quality
and good location. We make sure that
whatever we make, there is a demand
and financial sense behind it. That
is our responsibility to our customer.
We build relationships with brands
and they go through a very intensive
vetting process before we select them.
Once we are happy with them, we stay
with them. We use only the best and
you will find the products we use in
upscale 5 star hotels around the world.“
Ultimately, for the ALQaed family
it’s all about legacy, about relationships
and about giving back. Confidence in
yourself and your work has to translate
to a larger and broader responsibility.
As Ahmed AlQaed succinctly says it,
“We always go the full distance.”
May 2016
17