A must-see diving destination
The Kingdom of Bahrain - located in the Persian Gulf, between Saudi Arabia and Qatar - will open the largest underwater park (100?000 m2) in the summer of 2019. If the destination is already renowned for its abundant underwater fauna, the kingdom hopes to position itself as a must-see diving destination. Several spots already allow you to admire about thirty species of corals and 200 fish, but also rare species such as the hammerhead shark, the dugong or the apterous porpoise.
But the highlight of the show will be a 70-metre-long Boeing 747 immersed in the depths of the Persian Gulf. The aircraft will be used as an artificial reef to promote the growth of marine life, particularly coral. If the project is presented as an "ecological attraction", the question of the immersion of such a device in the sea can be raised.
"The Boeing 747 will be prepared and cleaned to remain compatible with the ecological aspect of the project." says the tourist office. The authorities have provided for high-pressure washing with environmentally friendly detergents on all surfaces of the device, "to ensure the elimination of any harmful substances such as hydraulic systems, adhesives, insulation, plastics, rubbers, chemicals or other potentially toxic substances."
The plane will not be the only "object" immersed, as explained by the President of the Supreme Environmental Council, His Highness Sheikh Abdullah bin Hamad Al Khalifa" there are plans to install other ornaments such as a replica of a traditional pearl merchant's house, artificial coral reefs and other sculptures made from environmentally friendly materials."
If the park opens in summer 2019, the aircraft will only be accessible from 2020.
A place of research in marine biology
While Bahrain plans to offer an international tourist attraction for diving enthusiasts, the kingdom hopes to advance research in underwater biology.
"The park will strengthen ecotourism initiatives in Bahrain, but it will also provide researchers with information on marine ecology and biology, explains the President of the Supreme Environmental Council.
