A new project is set to transform Bahrain into a home for global family offices.
LAYAN is a project filled with innovative fintech, high-end health and wellness facilities, cutting-edge biotech which are all packaged into a ‘luxury lifestyle’. HARLEY of LONDON director and chief visionary officer, Sanjeev Kumar, is spearheading the transformative project in Bahrain that combines health, wellness, luxury, and innovation. With his background in the healthcare and wellness sectors, Mr Kumar is not just focused on offering world-class services but on creating an integrated lifestyle experience that caters to both the body and mind. His firm belief in the potential of Bahrain is a key factor driving his decision to launch this ambitious venture in The Middle East.
Harley Street Healthcare Group (HSHG) is a global healthcare group with a mission to create a health and wellness centred community.
Mr Kumar shared his views on why Bahrain has become the ideal location for HARLEY of LONDON’s latest venture: “I think Bahrain is undersold. I’ve been to most of the Gulf countries, and I don’t want to compare any of them, but Bahrain has huge potential that isn’t being highlighted enough. The economy is robust, with $37 billion in gross domestic product (GDP), and real estate contributes 18 per cent. But there’s more to Bahrain, especially when it comes to innovation and strategic advantages.”
GDP is the monetary value of all finished goods and services made within a country during a specific period.
He was particularly impressed by the regulatory environment, which he views as crucial to the project's success. “When I looked at the regulation from the Central Bank of Bahrain (CBB) regarding family offices, I was surprised. Other regulators in the region haven’t even thought about it. There is vision and pragmatism here, which is very rare.”
The upcoming HARLEY of LONDON facility in Bahrain promises to be a game-changer, designed to offer a 360-degree approach to health, wellness, and luxury living. “We are building something that integrates healthcare, wellness, and lifestyle all under one roof. This is not just about treating illness but about managing and preventing it with a personalised approach to wellness,” Mr Kumar explained.
This multi-faceted approach is reflected in their planned developments, like LAYAN; a luxurious, wellness-oriented community in a prime seafront location outside Manama. He describes LAYAN as a project where everything ‘falls into place’. The idea is not only to create an exquisite living environment but to offer ultra-high-net-worth individuals an ecosystem of services and experiences that include longevity centres, cutting-edge biotechnologies like immune cell biobanking, and more.
The facility will offer personalised health management through shared yet individualised resources. “You will have shared facilities like clinics and spas, but the health and wellness experience is highly personalised,” said Mr Kumar. “We are bringing in health tech and sensory technology to make sure that each individual has a tailored experience.”
Mr Kumar also emphasised the importance of making top-tier health services more accessible: “Health is a lifestyle. 70pc of illnesses come from our lifestyle. If we can help people change their habits through prevention and rewards, we are going to make a big impact.
“That’s why we introduced the ‘Harley Wellness Dollar’, a utility token and loyalty system that rewards people for maintaining a healthy lifestyle. If you work out, follow your wellness plan, or make purchases within our ecosystem, you earn Harley Wellness Dollars.”
The Harley Wellness Dollar isn’t just a reward system; it has the potential to become a tradeable asset, making it a significant financial incentive. “People want to make money by working out, and we’ve created a system where they can do just that. If you invest in your health and wellness, you can earn rewards that can increase in value and be traded,” Mr Kumar elaborated.
As for the overarching goal, Mr Kumar is looking at Bahrain not just as a hub for this innovative venture but as a springboard for global recognition. “We are building something made in Bahrain, but for the world. HARLEY of LONDON is proud to say it’s made by Londoners for the world, but now we want to bring this global product to Bahrain and use it to showcase the country's capabilities. We are already seeing interest from the UAE, the subcontinent, and even America. This is a Bahraini innovation, not just a London one.”
The project is more than just a business opportunity; it’s part of a broader strategy to elevate Bahrain’s standing as a centre for high-end, innovative healthcare and lifestyle solutions. “We want to attract long-term residents who are looking for stability, not just a quick return on investment. This is not for people who come for short-term gains. Bahrain offers something different. If you’re looking for a place to grow your wealth, health, and lifestyle over the next 10, 15, or 20 years, then Bahrain is where you need to be,” said Mr Kumar.
In his view, LAYAN is the perfect location for this vision. “The asset itself is unique, and when you add the health and wellness features, it becomes even more attractive. For example, you can slide from your living room into the swimming pool. The boardroom and private office areas have been designed with personal touches that make them stand out. We want people to feel that this is where they want to be.”
A key element of the project will be its innovative fractional ownership model, which offers wealthy investors a new way to participate in the luxury real estate market. “We’ve introduced fractional ownership, which allows people to pool resources and purchase assets together. They can then trade their share, creating a more flexible, profitable investment option,” Mr Kumar explained.
He also pointed to the support HARLEY of LONDON is receiving from local partners like Bin Faqeeh, a key player in the project’s development. “The biggest achievement for me is the people I work with. When I met Bin Faqeeh chairman Faisal Faqeeh, I knew we could build something special together. This is a global initiative, and we are committed to making sure Bin Faqeeh is fully supported as we move forward,” said Mr Kumar.
Bin Faqeeh Real Estate Investment Company chairman Faisal Faqeeh reiterated the importance of this partnership, stating “LAYAN is a unique project that adds value to Bahrain. It is a 360 degree approach that will be integrated into our properties in the future, and we are hopeful to extend this concept outside of Bahrain to the wider GCC.”
With the first phase of LAYAN projected for completion by the first quarter of 2026, Mr Kumar is optimistic about the project's long-term success. “We’re not just building a luxury property; we’re creating a destination that will put Bahrain on the global map for health, wellness, and lifestyle innovation,” he said.
This ambitious project in Bahrain is set to ‘redefine the concept of luxury living by seamlessly integrating state-of-the-art healthcare, wellness, and personalised services’. With the backing of forward-thinking regulators, local partners, and a clear focus on sustainability and innovation, this project is hopeful to be a global model for future developments in the region.
