Bahrain Confidential talks to the Bahrain World Trade Center on urban development in Bahrain, their corporate social responsibility, achievements amid the COVID-19 pandemic, and goals for 2030.
Built to global standards in sustainable architecture, the Bahrain World Trade Center (BWTC), designed by architectural firm Atkins and Architect Shaun Killa, was inspired by traditional Arabian wind towers. Known as Bahrain’s first “Intelligent Building”, it has set a technological precedent since its inception and is recognized as the first skyscraper in the world to have integrated wind turbines to help reduce overall power consumption in the building. The BWTC can generate up to 15% of the tower’s electricity needs. It remains an iconic landmark in the Kingdom.
The Bahrain World Trade Centre is one of the most, if not the most notable landmarks in Bahrain. How has it contributed to the evolution of urban development of the Kingdom?
Bahrain World Trade Center (BWTC), inspired by traditional Arabian wind towers, is considered an iconic landmark in the Kingdom of Bahrain. With the introduction of wind turbine technology to its infrastructure, BWTC has become a global establishment for sustainable architecture and has set a new precedent for future developments.
The BWTC, considered to be Bahrain’s first ‘Intelligent Building, stands as a symbolic regional icon; its SMART design offers a sophisticated atmosphere with astonishing views, high-speed panoramic elevators, and stunning interiors, making it extremely popular amongst prominent local and international businesses.
“Bahrain,Manama,the Trade World Center towers”
What has been BWTC’s most significant achievement over the past year?
The past year has been challenging for everyone globally, with COVID-19 impacting the business landscape. Businesses had to smartly adapt to the market demands and changing climate while addressing the wellbeing, health, and safety of their employees and customers.
Through this challenging phase, BWTC succeeded in managing existing tenants, acquiring new tenants, and managed to grow and build formidable relationships with their customers by responding to their needs and delivering world-class service while adhering to COVID-19 safety measures.
What mark would you like for your organisation to establish by 2030?
Being an iconic landmark in Bahrain, BWTC aims to contribute strategically to the economic framework of the Kingdom by providing potential businesses with an opportunity to invest in the region by offering a world-class location with a diverse set of international and regional companies in the heart of the business district located in Manama. Businesses will enjoy being part of the BWTC’s, Grade-A prestigious mixed-use development while enjoying the added benefit of sharing the building with other blue-chip tenants.
How are you giving back to Bahrain? What are your corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives?
BWTC is a socially conscious development and continues to support various initiatives contributing to the local community as part of its active corporate social responsibility program. Bespoke lighting of the building is done at intervals to show support to causes like Movember, World Diabetes Day, Alzheimer’s Support, Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome, Violence against Women, Autism, and Epilepsy Awareness.
Recently, BWTC and MODA Mall partnered with Think Pink and Bahrain Cancer Society in an effort to raise awareness and funds for Breast Cancer. In addition, a selected Breast Cancer Warrior received a well-deserved day of pampering sponsored by Aston Martin, Master Heads Up Beauty and Mana Café.
The BWTC has been the recipient of several prestigious awards, such as the Green Building Award by Leaf Awards in 2006, for its excellence in the international architecture, design, and build professions. The Edie Award for Environmental Excellence in 2007, and the Tower Project of the Year Award at the Construction Week Awards in 2008.
BWTC also received the ‘Sustainability Award’ by BEX International Awards in 2008 for sustainability, innovation, efficiency, and collaboration in the built environment. Among its accolades are also the ‘Best Tall Building Awards’ in the MENA region, the ‘Innovation Nova Award’ by the Construction Innovation Forum (CIF) in 2009 and ‘Best Use of Exterior Lighting’ at the Palme Middle East Awards 2010.
For more information, visit the BWTC website.