Luxury meets the sea at Sofitel Bahrain’s water villas

Strategically positioned for uninterrupted Arabian Sea views, these villas offer a level of privacy rarely found in the region. (Supplied)
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Updated 14 July 2025
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Luxury meets the sea at Sofitel Bahrain’s water villas

  • “These overwater villas represent a new era of luxury in Bahrain, offering an experience that was once only found in remote island destinations,” said Mehdi Hanayan, cluster general manager of Sofitel Bahrain Zallaq Thalassa Sea and Spa

Sofitel Bahrain Zallaq Thalassa Sea and Spa has introduced a new pinnacle of luxury hospitality with its exclusive overwater villas — an experience that seamlessly blends French refinement with Bahraini heritage. Nestled above the tranquil waters of the Arabian Gulf, these four private retreats — Emerald, Ruby, Pearl and Topaz — offer an extraordinary escape, redefining seclusion and indulgence in the region.
Each villa spans an expansive 360 square meters, featuring a master suite, two additional bedrooms, an elegant living area with panoramic sea views, and a private deck with a temperature-controlled infinity pool. With space to accommodate up to nine guests, these villas provide an intimate yet ultra-luxurious retreat designed for those who seek privacy without compromise.

HIGHLIGHT

With space to accommodate up to nine guests, these villasprovide an intimate yet ultra-luxurious retreat designed for those who seek privacy without compromise.

Strategically positioned for uninterrupted Arabian Sea views, these villas offer a level of privacy rarely found in the region. Whether waking up to the sound of gentle waves or unwinding in a private infinity pool against a backdrop of breathtaking sunsets, guests are immersed in pure serenity.
Inside, every detail has been thoughtfully curated to enhance the guest experience. From Balmain Paris bathroom amenities to an integrated Bose audio system and a 65-inch Smart LED HDTV, each villa offers world-class comforts in an intimate setting. Guests can also enjoy a Nespresso coffee machine, complimentary Wi-Fi, and a fully equipped dining area with a kitchenette for bespoke in-villa dining.
While the villas offer complete seclusion, guests have full access to Sofitel Bahrain’s award-winning facilities, including the renowned Thalassa Sea and Spa, pristine private beaches, and an array of fine dining options. Whether indulging in a rejuvenating spa treatment, enjoying a sunset stroll along the beach, or savoring exquisite French-Arabic fusion cuisine, every aspect of the Sofitel experience is designed to cater to the most refined tastes.
“These overwater villas represent a new era of luxury in Bahrain, offering an experience that was once only found in remote island destinations,” said Mehdi Hanayan, cluster general manager of Sofitel Bahrain Zallaq Thalassa Sea and Spa. “We are proud to bring this level of exclusivity to the Arabian Gulf, seamlessly blending French sophistication with Bahraini warmth to create an extraordinary retreat for our guests.”
With their exquisite design, unparalleled privacy and breathtaking setting, these villas are an experience. Whether for an intimate honeymoon, a last minute getaway, or a private family holiday — Sofitel Bahrain’s overwater villas set a new benchmark for luxury hospitality in the region.
Exclusive and rare, these overwater villas are available for reservations now. Escape to the Arabian Gulf’s most extraordinary retreat — where luxury meets the sea.

 


Schneider Electric to advance energy technology to power intelligence at Innovation Summit Middle East & Africa

Updated 01 March 2026
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Schneider Electric to advance energy technology to power intelligence at Innovation Summit Middle East & Africa

Schneider Electric, a global energy technology leader, has announced that the second edition of the Innovation Summit Middle East & Africa will be held in Abu Dhabi on April 28–29. 

The summit will bring together global energy and technology leaders as well as government officials to advance the regional shift toward energy intelligence, as data center growth, AI adoption, and national visions place unprecedented demands on energy systems.

Schneider Electric is advancing its energy technology ambitions with the integration of electrification, automation and digital intelligence, deployed across buildings, data centers, industrial applications and power grids to unlock the full value of energy, and ensure efficiency and sustainability for all.

This year’s summit arrives at a pivotal moment for the Middle East and Africa, as the region experiences exponential growth driven by national visions, giga-projects, and rapid expansion in AI, data centers, and digital infrastructure. 

Saudi Arabia stands out within this landscape as one of the most dynamic markets in terms of investment in digital infrastructure and sustainable energy. 

With global electricity demand projected to grow at a strong compound annual growth rate of 3.6% over the 2026–2030 period and global AI workloads projected to lead a 160% increase in data center power demand, the imperative for intelligent, sustainable energy solutions has never been more critical.

“Energy today is the foundation of national resilience and competitiveness. With electricity consumption in the Middle East and North Africa having tripled since 2000 and on course to grow at an incremental 3-4% every year to register a whopping 50% by 2035 – driven by surging cooling, desalination, and urbanization demands, the region is at an inflection point,” said Walid Sheta, Zone president, Middle East and Africa, Schneider Electric. 

“Innovation Summit Middle East & Africa underscores our dedication to accelerating energy technology innovation and powering energy intelligence throughout the region. This edition will emphasize our emergence as the trusted energy technology partner guiding the region’s next phase of transformation. " 

This year’s summit will highlight regional benchmarks from 80+ countries, from the 100% elimination of SF6 and Carbon footprint reduction for fruit producers in South Africa to the savings that EcoStruxure Power & Grid is enabling for the National Electricity Company, Senegal – ensuring recovery times of 3 minutes versus 3 hours earlier.

Blending high-impact programming and latest product launches that position Schneider Electric at the center of MEA's energy transition story, key agenda items include:

CEO Forum in partnership with Forbes Middle East: An exclusive C-suite initiative bringing together 100 business leaders to address strategic imperatives in energy intelligence.

Keynote and Thought Leadership sessions: Featuring executive speakers from industry-leading companies and insights from strategic partners, including Bain & Company.

Innovation Hub experience: Guided tours and live demonstrations, as well as tailored customer experiences of Schneider Electric’s most innovative and integrated energy technology solutions addressing critical challenges in energy efficiency, grid modernization, and digital infrastructure across a 3,000 square feet immersive space.

Stakeholder recognition: Schneider Electric’s dedicated partners will be honored with 20 Cluster awards and five Middle East and Africa awards across four categories – Growth Award, Efficiency Award, Innovation Award, and Sustainability Award, on Day 2 of the Summit. 

"Across the Gulf, energy intelligence is becoming the operational reality as public and private sector enterprises race to align with national visions for a decarbonized and sustainable future,” said Amel Chadli, president, Gulf Cluster at Schneider Electric.

“As one of the most local of global companies, Schneider Electric is empowering customers to move beyond electrification and implement AI‑driven, software‑defined energy systems that deliver efficiency, resilience, and sustainability at a national scale. This summit offers a roadmap of what’s next as we continue to redefine the relationship between energy and digital capability.”

With AI, cloud, and high-performance computing becoming foundational to national competitiveness, energy technologies today must evolve and become resilient, sustainable and scalable to meet modern intelligence demands. 

Schneider Electric's refreshed positioning as an energy technology partner reflects the company's approach to supporting the region's transformation. 

Schneider Electric’s Innovation Summit Middle East & Africa highlights real-world applications across key sectors, including utilities, data centers, commercial buildings, industrial facilities, and critical infrastructure — demonstrating how intelligent energy management enables operational excellence, resilience, and sustainability across the region's most vital projects.