Scandinavian retail giant IKEA is set to open in Bahrain after officials announced that one of the country's most anticipated stores is in its final stages of construction.
IKEA Bahrain in Salmabad will be the biggest in the region with a retail area of 37,000 sq m spread over two floors, said IKEA Bahrain properties and expansion manager Saleh Khalaf.
“IKEA Bahrain is well on its way to being open to the public. The support of various government bodies has been monumental for the progress we have made with the facility,” he said in a statement.
Following the store’s groundbreaking in October 2016 construction for the project was carried out by the Bahrain-based company Kooheji Contractors.
IKEA Bahrain will consist of a showroom, market hall and self-serve section as well as a bistro and Swedish food market plus the biggest restaurant in the kingdom with a capacity of up to 650 seats and 1,200 parking spaces and a free play facility, called Smaland.
IKEA, which is the world’s largest retailer for furniture and is known around the world for its ready-to-assemble furniture and other home accessories, is being opened in Bahrain in partnership with Saudi Arabia’s Ghassan Ahmed Al Sulaiman Furniture Trading Co Ltd, IKEA Saudi Arabia and Bahrain.
Upon completion, over 1.2 million people are expected to visit IKEA Bahrain every year.
