Surfing – CONSTRUCTION work has officially begun in Bahrain on the first-of-its-kind surf park in the Middle East and North Africa (Mena) region.
Edamah, the real estate arm of Bahrain Mumtalakat Holding Company, and GFH Financial Group, held a groundbreaking ceremony yesterday for the Bahrain Surf Park - Club Hawaii Experience at Bilaj Al Jazayer on the southwest coast.
The attraction will incorporate cutting-edge Wavegarden Cove technology from Spain, a revolutionary wave-generating system that produces up to 1,000 waves per hour.
The project will include a world-class wave pool and the Club Hawaii Experience Academy, which will provide comprehensive training programmes for surfers of all levels.
The surf park will also feature food and beverage outlets, a spacious terrace, a retail store, cabanas, event space, and a large private entertainment area for corporate or school groups.
The Wavegarden Cove lagoon can accommodate up to 90 surfers per hour, catering to all skill levels from beginners to elite surfers.
The wave-making technology is the least energy-intensive of its kind, and the facilities will deliver a range of social and economic benefits to the local community.
The ceremony was attended by Mumtalakat chief executive and Edamah chairman Shaikh Abdulla bin Khalifa Al Khalifa, GFH Financial Group chief executive Hisham Al Rayes, Edamah chief executive Khalid Al Majed, Poullaides Contracting founder and general manager Christos A Poullaides and Bahrain Surf Park – Club Hawaii Experience general manager Victoria Williams.
“Bahrain Surf Park – Club Hawaii Experience is a landmark initiative that reflects Bahrain’s vision to invest in innovative developments aimed at enhancing the tourism and entertainment sectors,” said Shaikh Abdulla.
“It also aligns with Edamah’s mission to deliver integrated and sustainable communities that enhance the quality of life in the kingdom.”
Mr Al Rayes said that the project represents a milestone addition to Bahrain’s tourism landscape.
Mr Al Majed said that the surf park will span over 52,000 square metres within the broader 1.3 million sq m Bilaj Al Jazayer masterplan and will provide a range of activities, including training programmes for beginners and professionals.
“The project will create new opportunities for economic growth and the employment of national talent, supporting Bahrain’s vision to lead through innovation.”