World’s largest underwater theme park opens in Bahrain

Diver next to the Boeing 747, located 20-22 meters below the water

By Habib Toumi

Manama: The world’s largest underwater theme park, Dive Bahrain, was officially opened on Friday.

The initial phase of the project has been completed recently by submerging a 70-meter long decommissioned and specially prepared Boeing 747, 20-22 meters below the water North of Bahrain, to become the first attraction of the 100,000 m2 theme park area.

Prior to the official opening, the dive park was also inspected by a group of diving professionals from registered dive centers, who were able to ensure all safety requirements are fully met to guarantee a safe diving experience and environment necessary for the public.

The dive park will include several structures in addition to the aircraft, such as a replica of a traditional Bahraini pearl merchant’s house, an artificial coral reef and other sculptures that will be fabricated and submerged to provide a safe haven for coral reef growth and a habitat for sustainable marine life.

The eco-friendly park will also provide researchers with rich information and data on marine ecology and biology and will enhance environmental awareness on the importance of preserving marine life.

The plane prior to being submerged

According to Industry, Commerce and Tourism Minister Zayed Al Zayani, the park’s location was chosen according to the highest marine environment safety standards in consultation with the registered dive centers that were able to ensure all safety requirements are fully met to guarantee a safe diving experience and environment necessary for the public.

The minister said the underwater theme park aims to boost tourism within the strategy of Bahrain Tourism Authority (BTA) to promote the sector by availing of beaches and islands in Bahrain.

In January, Shaikh Abdullah bin Hamad Al Khalifa, President of the Supreme Council for Environment, announced that Bahrain would launch the world’s largest underwater theme park.

Diver inside the plane

The subaquatic project is based on a partnership between the Supreme Council for Environment, Bahrain Tourism and Exhibitions Authority (BTEA), and the private sector.