$50m project to be ready by year-end
The $50million major project at Al Areen called The "Lost Paradise of Dilmun" Water Park will be ready by the end of the year with 75 to 80 per cent construction already completed, a top official said yesterday.
Waleed Saffy, General Manager of Al Areen Holding Company informed Bahrain Tribune that the work would be finished as per the schedule announced earlier.
He said: "The "Lost Paradise of Dilmun" Water Park and The Banyan Tree Desert Spa & Resort are included in Al Areen's first phase. The Al Areen development overall is being built over two million square metres in the southern region of the Kingdom, close to the wildlife sanctuary. This $1 billion luxury, mixed-use health, residential and family tourism development nestles in an elevated desert setting and will embrace a world-class spa resort, a state-of-the-art water park and a range of residential, commercial, recreational and entertainment facilities.
"The theme of this exciting water park is based on Bahrain's rich history and the civilisation of Dilmun that incluces a total of 13 rides."
He added: "At any one time, up to 4,000 visitors can enjoy its state-of-the-art facilities supplied by Canadian-based White Water West, the world's leading water park equipment supplier. Its design and operation are by by Sim Leisure Consultants, a well-known Malaysian theme park operator."
Saffy said: "The "Lost Paradise of Dilmun" will incorporate a vision of historic and aesthetic beauty.
Hopefully, this entertainment facility will create at least 150 jobs opportunities. With the completion of the construction work the park will be on eight weeks trial period and will be operational during the peak time."
Paul Blunt,General Manager-Lost Paradise of Dilmun Water Park said that the Water Park will be fully operational before the formula one in Bahrain in March 2007. "After completion of the construction work, there will be a two months training period between January and February for the staff at the park.
Thereafter will be the commissioning of the park equipment, leading to declaring it fully operational in March."
Blunt said: "During the first year the park will be operating between March to November, until we get the water cooling and heating system for the second year when we will extend the operations season up to 10 months."
The water park covers an overall area of around 77,000 square meters, with a water park built-up area of 45,000 square meters and about 20,000 square meters for future expansion and car parking.
In addition to providing a modern, hi-tech, family recreation facility, the park will recapture the ancient history of Bahrain by integrating it into its theme. It will evoke the spirit of ancient times by drawing attention to the beauty of the Dilmun ruins, furthering the enjoyment of this facility by creating an escape into the past.
Bahrain's first world-class water park will feature some of the latest water based amusement technology, providing fun for all ages with special facilities and play areas designed to keep children amused for hours on end.
The water park will have many exceptional features, such as an area for families to relax in, with shaded seating around the pool edges. All these special features will be encircled by a large swimming area.
By Naila Barakat Business Reporter
© Bahrain Tribune 2006
