The Minister of Industry, Commerce and Tourism (MOICT), HE Zayed R. Al Zayani, officially inaugurated the world’s largest underwater theme park, Dive Bahrain, as announced by HH Shaikh Abdullah bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Personal Representative of His Majesty the King and President of the Supreme Council for Environment.
The opening follows the completion of the initial phase of the project, comprising of submerging a 70-meter long Boeing 747, 20-22 meters below the water North of Bahrain to become the first attraction of the 100,000 m2 theme park area, was completed. Also, after the inspection 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.
HE the Minister highlighted that the Dive Bahrain project is expected to bring significant economic returns, in line with the strategy of the Bahrain Tourism and Exhibitions Authority to further develop and make use of the Kingdom’s seas, beaches and surrounding islands. HE the Minister added that the project was done in consultation with specialized diving centres to ensure the highest standards of safety for public use.
The official ceremony included a dive by HE the Minister, accompanied by Dr. Mohamed Mubarak Bin Daina, Chief Executive of the Supreme Council for Environment, and a number of professional divers.
Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Mohammed Mubarak Bin Dinah noted that following the directives of HH Shaikh Abdullah bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the park is now open for the enjoyment of enthusiasts and environmentalists. Dr. Bin Daina also highlighted that the eco-friendly theme park was constructed based on the partnership between the Supreme Council for Environment, the Bahrain Tourism and Exhibitions Authority, and the private sector.
Dr. Bin Daina went on to explain that the diving park will become a global tourist attraction by which the Kingdom will gain a stellar position in the field of
ecotourism and marine wildlife preservation, adhering to strict environmental standards and promoting research.
Dr. Bin Daina expressed his thanks and appreciation to the Ministry of Industry, Commerce and Tourism, the Bahrain Tourism and Exhibitions Authority, and the concerned authorities and institutions that contributed to the success of this distinctive project.
Dr. Bin Daina added that the theme park’s artificial structures constitute a safe environment in which coral reef and a wide range of marine life can thrive, making Dive Bahrain a fantastic conservation area ideal for research, eco-tourism and the raising of environmental awareness.
HE the Minister announced that the park will be open for diving and water sports enthusiasts starting from Saturday. The Ministry added that those wishing to enjoy this fantastic experience should book by choosing one of the registered dive centres listed on the park’s website: www.divebahrain.com
HE the Minister noted that the listed centers on the website are the only registered centers to organize trips to the park.
The theme park will include a number of attractions, including additional structures such as a replica of a traditional Bahraini pearl merchant’s house, artificial coral reefs, and other sculptures that will provide a safe haven for coral reef growth and marine life; and guarantee the enjoyment for tourist and researches.