Bahrain-based private holding company Maalem Holding B.S.C has today announced the launch of Bahrain’s most exciting dining and retail destination experience ‘The Courtyard’, which is set to open by the third quarter of 2015, in the Al Seef District.

‘The Courtyard’, which is Maalem Holding’s first development scheme in the Kingdom of Bahrain, will boast retail and dining spaces, spread across three levels, benefitting from numerous terraces, outdoor seating areas and rooftop spaces, and has secured Carlo’s Bakery as its first tenant.

The internationally renowned bakery, revered for its delicious pastries, desserts and cakes and featured on the TLC hit show ‘Cake Boss, will open its first location in the Gulf at ‘The Courtyard’ and is sure to excite Bahrain’s residents and visitors alike. Carlo’s Bakery’s Bahrain will be its flagship store in the region.

According to Mr. Ahmed Taleb, Vice President – Real Estate Development of Maalem Holding: “We believe that our development will attract visitors from across the GCC and securing Carlo’s Bakery is a major success for us. We are working with leading firms in Bahrain and abroad to deliver a development of the highest international standards. Once completed, ‘The Courtyard’ will be a focal point in Bahrain’s dining scene.”

According to Buddy Valastro owner of Carlo’s Bakery, also known as the Cake Boss: This is a very exciting expansion for Carlo's Bakery and for my family. After personally visiting the area, and hearing about The Courtyard project, I knew it would be the perfect fit for the bakery not only as our first location in the Middle East, but as the first international Carlo's Bakery location. Bahrain is a lively destination and I am thrilled to be able to reach my fans here and begin building our Middle East presence.

International real estate consultancy, Cluttons has been appointed as the sole marketing and leasing agent for the 18 retail and food and beverage units, which will range from 100 sqm to 280 sqm. Strategically located within Al Seef District, ‘The Courtyard’ is in close proximity to most major hotels, serviced residences and office buildings. The development is positioned to complement the community shopping centres and destination malls in Al Seef District, through the creation of a highly sought after, dining and retail destination in Bahrain.

Commenting on the announcement, Tom Carter, Head of Agency at Cluttons Bahrain said: “For a retail development like ‘The Courtyard, it is essential to bring new concepts such as Carlo’s Bakery, to provide a unique experience for visitors. We have been working closely with Maalem Holding since the inception of the project on achieving the optimum tenant mix that will position ‘The Courtyard’ as a prime destination for cafes, restaurants, specialty retailers and service providers. The development will offer the residents of Al Seef and surrounding areas a new and exciting retail and dining destination.”

For more information, please contact Cluttons at Almoayyad Tower in Seef District on +973 1756 2860 and via email on info@cluttons.com

For Further Information, please contact:
Mr. Ahmed Y. Taleb
Vice President, Strategic Business Development & Real Estate
T. +973 17 107000
E. a.taleb@maalem.com

About Carlo’s Bakery
Opened in 1910, Carlo’s Bakery is renowned for its delicious creations, hardworking staff, and family atmosphere. Carlo’s has spearheaded the recent custom cake craze and has garnered attention from a variety of media outlets including Brides, Rachael Ray Show, Huffington Post and Good Morning America. Most recently, Carlo’s has been showcased as the setting for TLC’s hit shows Cake Boss and Next Great Baker.

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