Dive Bahrain, the world’s largest underwater theme park spanning an area of 100,000 sq m, complete with a sunken Boeing 747, is now open to diving enthusiasts.
The site, close to Bahrain International Airport, has a 70m-long decommissioned Boeing 747 as its centerpiece, the largest aircraft ever to be intentionally submerged. The project was developed by the Bahrain Tourism and Exhibitions Authority (BTEA) and the Supreme Council for Environment (SCE).
In addition to the Boeing 747, the underwater theme park features a replica of a traditional Bahraini pearl merchant’s house, which is being overseen by Diyar Al Muharraq, artificial coral reefs and other sculptures that will be fabricated and submerged to provide a safe haven for coral reef growth and to ensure a sustainable habitat for marine life.
The eco-friendly park will also provide researchers a rich source of information on marine ecologies, and will enhance environmental awareness on the importance of preserving marine life.
The theme park forms part of the BTEA’s strategy of boosting tourism by making greater use of the kingdom’s natural assets.
Backers expect the park to attract global recognition and become an international tourist attraction.
Since its successful submersion, professional divers from registered dive centers have conducted intermittent inspections of the aircraft to ensure the park’s safety to both professional and leisure divers.
A website – www.divebahrain.com – includes a list of registered dive centres, and has been developed to provide visitors with a guide to the underwater theme park.
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