The Indian Hotels Company Limited (IHCL), the group behind the iconic Taj brand,Era of Luxury has unveiled an exciting new chapter in its international growth story with the announcement of two upcoming hotels in the Kingdom of Bahrain. These properties will mark IHCL’s first presence in the country, reinforcing its commitment to becoming a global leader in luxury hospitality and deepening its footprint in the Middle East.
With this expansion, IHCL has set a new benchmark for Indian hospitality companies by being the first of its kind to bring a premium Indian brand to Bahrain. The move is part of the company’s larger vision to extend its luxury offerings across key international destinations that align with its brand ethos and growth ambitions.
A Major Step in Global Strategy
This bold expansion is aligned with IHCL’s carefully mapped-out strategy to position its Taj brand in major gateway cities across the world. The decision to enter Bahrain is both timely and strategic, especially considering the rising importance of the Middle East in global travel and tourism. Bahrain, with its vibrant cultural heritage, thriving economy, and growing tourism infrastructure, offers a fertile ground for high-end hospitality.
Puneet Chhatwal, IHCL’s Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, emphasized that the company’s entry into Bahrain reflects a commitment to identifying and investing in high-growth markets. With these two properties, IHCL’s portfolio in the Middle East will now include seven hotels, four of which are currently under development. This positions the company as a serious contender in the region’s competitive luxury hotel segment.
Taj Resort in Hamala: Tranquility Meets Sophistication
The first of the two properties will be a luxury resort in Hamala, an area known for its peaceful surroundings and scenic beauty. Designed to offer a serene island escape, the resort will feature 251 well-appointed rooms and suites. Each space is expected to blend the Taj brand’s legendary service with the calm elegance of its surroundings, creating an atmosphere ideal for both leisure and experiential travelers.
The Hamala resort is set to become a destination in its own right. It will feature multiple dining options, including an all-day dining restaurant and two specialty restaurants that showcase a mix of global cuisines. For those seeking a beachside retreat, the resort will include a beach club and poolside bar. To promote relaxation and well-being, the resort will also house an advanced fitness center, wellness spa, and other curated experiences designed to rejuvenate the mind and body.
The property will also cater to celebrations and corporate events, with 1,200 square meters of banquet space that can accommodate everything from grand weddings to business conferences. This blend of leisure and function positions the resort as a multipurpose luxury hub in Bahrain’s hospitality scene.
Downtown Seef Hotel: Urban Elegance in the Capital
The second property will be located in the bustling district of Downtown Seef in Manama, the capital city of Bahrain. This hotel will cater primarily to business travelers and tourists looking for comfort, connectivity, and convenience in an urban setting. The 200-room hotel will offer a dynamic mix of modern amenities and cultural richness that defines the Taj brand.
Guests can expect a variety of dining experiences, from refined all-day dining to chef-driven specialty outlets. A rooftop pool bar is planned to provide sweeping views of the city’s skyline, making it an ideal spot for after-hours relaxation. Wellness amenities will include a full-service spa, a state-of-the-art gym, and a temperature-controlled pool to meet the needs of modern, health-conscious travelers.
In terms of business functionality, the hotel will offer high-end meeting and event spaces equipped with the latest technology and tailored services, making it ideal for conferences, exhibitions, and private events.
A Strong Local Partnership for Sustainable Development
IHCL’s expansion into Bahrain is being made possible through a strategic collaboration with Kingdom Projects W.L.L., a respected player in the Bahraini real estate landscape. The partnership reflects a shared vision of elevating Bahrain’s hospitality sector by introducing global standards of luxury, service, and innovation.
Jalal Al Wazzan, Managing Director of Kingdom Projects W.L.L., expressed enthusiasm about the collaboration. He highlighted how the entry of a globally recognized brand like Taj will serve as a magnet for high-end travelers and play a key role in shaping Bahrain’s position on the global tourism map. He also underscored that this development aligns seamlessly with Bahrain’s Economic Vision 2030, which aims to diversify the economy and drive sustainable growth through tourism, infrastructure, and international collaboration.
Boosting Bahrain’s Tourism Potential
With these two new hotels, Bahrain is poised to benefit from a significant boost in both international and regional tourist traffic. The Taj brand’s reputation for excellence in hospitality will likely attract discerning travelers who value bespoke service, cultural authenticity, and exceptional comfort. This not only supports the country’s goals of increasing tourism revenues but also raises the profile of Bahrain as a high-end travel destination.
The properties are expected to create new employment opportunities, generate business for local suppliers, and contribute to community engagement initiatives. Beyond economics, the project also offers cultural dividends, serving as a bridge between Indian and Middle Eastern hospitality traditions.
Strengthening the Taj Legacy Abroad
The Taj brand has long been synonymous with luxury, heritage, and service excellence. From its flagship hotel in Mumbai to international properties in cities like London, Dubai, and Cape Town, Taj has continuously pushed the boundaries of premium hospitality. The brand’s entry into Bahrain marks another proud milestone in this journey.
As IHCL continues to expand globally, it remains focused on delivering the same standard of excellence that has earned it accolades worldwide. The company is carefully selecting markets where the Taj brand can not only survive but thrive — Bahrain, with its mix of modernity and tradition, fits perfectly into that narrative.
Conclusion: A Transformational Move
IHCL’s twin announcement in Bahrain signals much more than just a business expansion — it is a transformational move that cements the group’s status as a global luxury powerhouse. By offering the distinctive Taj experience in both a beachside resort and a vibrant urban hotel, IHCL is ensuring that every type of traveler has a reason to choose Bahrain.
These developments will redefine what luxury means in the region, while also creating new benchmarks for quality, service, and sustainability in hospitality. As the doors to these properties open in the near future, Bahrain will not just welcome new hotels — it will welcome a new era in refined, Indian-born global hospitality.
