In an attempt to attract divers from around the world, the Persian Gulf country of Bahrain is to open the world’s largest underwater theme park.
The vast and unique diving site will be eco-friendly, made from sustainable materials that will provide a safe environment for marine life and encourage the development of coral reefs.
Corals off the coast of Bahrain have been subjected to significant damage in recent years. The project will include the installation of 12-metre wind towers on the seabed in order to promote the growth of new, healthy coral reefs.
The standout feature of the huge 100,000 square-metre diving site will be a sunken Boeing 747. The settled jumbo jet is 70-metres-long and has been specially prepared to evade corrosion prior to being placed at the bottom sea. The Boeing 747 is believed to be the largest airliner ever to have been submerged into the ocean.
Another key feature of this ambitious diving site is a replica of a traditional pearl merchant’s house, playing homage to Bahrain’s abundant oyster population, which has seen the country remain at the heart of the global pearl diving industry for over a millennium.
Alongside the sunken Boeing 747 and the pearl merchant’s house, divers will be able to explore artificial coral reefs and other fascinating features.
Construction of the “underwater theme park” is a collaborative effort between the Bahrain government and a number of dive companies and clubs.
The underwater theme park in Bahrain is expected to open to visitors this summer.
