A BD6 million ($15.9 million) water recreational park is set to open in Bahrain this summer.
Durrat Al Bahrain's Aqua Park, which has been designed by Canadian-based White Water, is being built by Bahrain-based Fast Contracting Company. The 100,000-sq-m facility is the first of many attractions being planned for the 20-sq-km mega resort being built on the southern tip of the island, about 35km south of the Askar Roundabout. Park manager Sim Chookheng says he is aiming for a late June opening. "We have more than 350 builders and labourers working around the clock to meet our target," he added. "Most of the foundation work has been completed. We are putting the finishing touches on all 13 rides and will begin our landscaping project later this week." The park will employ more than 100 people full-time, most of whom will be Bahrainis. The park's operating hours and entrance fees have not yet been determined. "But we are planning to be open daily, with a one-time admission fee for all rides and attractions," said Sim. The park has already received an initial Class A rating from the US-based World Water Park Association (WWPA), he said. "What this means is that the facility meets all world-class standards as a first-class tourist attraction," said Sim. "It will be an important designation when Durrat Al Bahrain, and Bahrain itself, is being promoted in the global arena as a tourist destination." The park will accommodate around 5,000 people at a time. "We will have ample parking facilities and for those visitors who do not wish to drive the 50-km distance from Manama, we will offer a free daily shuttle service from several key locations around the island," he said. All of the park's computerised rides will be state-of-the-art design.