An “Atlantis-style” underwater city is proposed for Bahrain’s Hawar Islands. Inspired by the Lost City of Atlantis, the project has been unanimously approved by councillors, Gulf Daily News reports.
The new aquatic attraction would include a ‘memory lane’, as well as a museum, sunken ships and submarines, and an underwater aquarium.
“Hawar Islands is without a shadow of doubt ‘heaven on earth’ which will fascinate anyone the moment they visit,” said Hawar Islands councillor Hizam Al Dossary.
“The few people who admire ‘natural beauty’ love the place even though transportation and free movement is hindered by a current lack of proper infrastructure,” he added.
The Lost City of Atlantis
“However, there is so much more to Hawar Islands than just cycling, rafting and snorkelling and that’s getting people even more invested in its natural surroundings.”
The main sources for the fictional island of Atlantis are two of Plato’s dialogues, Timaeus and Critias. The Greek philosopher created the legend of Atlantis around 360 B.C.
“The government is working to push tourism post Covid-19 and this suggestion could prove to be a wise investment,” Al Dossary said.
Dive Bahrain, an eco-friendly diving experience, is reportedly reopening next year after a renovation project. The centrepiece of the attraction is a submerged 70-metre Boeing 747.
Additional sunken items include a traditional Bahraini pearl merchant’s house, as well as sculptures made from eco-friendly materials and artificial coral reefs.
Aquatic attractions
Billed as the world’s largest underwater theme park, Dive Bahrain covers an area of 10,000 square metres and is located off the coast of Bahrain, close to Bahrain International Airport.
“Our proposal for Hawar Islands is completely different and would complement plans for Dive Bahrain,” Al Dossary added.
“The Atlantis-style project could attract thousands of visitors to what we describe as our natural heaven.”
Underwater attractions can be found in seas across the globe. These include Cannes’ underwater eco-museum, the Underwater Museum of Art (UMA) in Florida, and the Museum of Underwater Art (MOUA) in Australia.
Image: Dive Bahrain
