Over 2,000 years ago, King Nebuchadnezzar II built the Hanging Gardens of Babylon, now one of the seven wonders of the ancient world, so the legends go. It was an ascending series of terraced gardens, featuring trees, shrubs and climbing vines, believed to be a remarkable feat of engineering, which continues to influence architects to this day.

It’s this notable landmark, in fact, that has inspired one of the country’s leading real estate companies, Ahmed AlQaed Group, to launch its multi-use Hanging Gardens of Dilmunia project, designed by the same people who worked on the world-renowned Burj Al Arab in Dubai.

This new project will boast high-end residences, plenty of retail and commercial space, and a DoubleTree Suites by Hilton Hotel, which will feature 237 serviced apartments, three dining outlets, a spa, health club and meeting facilities. The same group are also working on the more established Essence of Dilmunia, another stunning development that will offer luxury, contemporary living with sea-views, incredible balconies and rooftop terraces, as well as a wide range of amenities to its residents. And both of these exciting projects are set on Dilmunia Island, a 125-hectare, man-made island off the coast of Muharraq, which aims to be the centre of plush yet sustainable island living, with a focus on family and wellbeing.

The world might be struggling financially, but in Bahrain the economic outlook isn’t as dire as it seems. In fact, the appetite for investment, particularly in residential, retail and hospitality is growing, according to a report recently released by CBRE, a real estate services firm.

As more projects such as these keep popping up, as well as leisure and entertainment facilities, and luxury five-star hotels, it looks as though the foundations of a new era are being built for Bahrain right now.