Riffa - Media Office of His Highness Sheikh Khalid bin Hamad Al Khalifa:
Under the esteemed patronage of His Highness Shaikh Khalid bin Hamad Al Khalifa, First Deputy President of the Supreme Council for Youth and Sports, President of the General Sports Authority, and President of the Bahrain Olympic Committee, a momentous occasion occurred on Thursday, January 4, 2024. The International Federation of Aquatics (World Aquatics), in collaboration with GFH Financial Group (GFH) and the Bahrain Swimming Association, laid the foundation stone for a new Center of Excellence for the World Aquatics Federation at Bahrain University of Technology in the Kingdom of Bahrain. The event was attended by a number of Highnesses, Excellencies, senior officials, and members of the men's and women's swimming teams.
His Highness Shaikh Khalid bin Hamad Al Khalifa expressed his pleasure at witnessing this momentous achievement, bringing the Kingdom a step closer to establishing a global center for water sports. He remarked that this project would undoubtedly elevate water sports in the region and further enhance Bahrain’s standing as a premier global sports hub. His Highness extended congratulations to all partners for their dedicated efforts in swiftly and seamlessly developing this project, looking forward to welcoming the Kingdom’s elite athletes to pursue their training, competition, and sports dreams.
Mr. Hisham Alrayes, CEO of GFH Group and Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Bahrain University of Technology, expressed pride in commencing work on this pioneering project. He emphasized its role in supporting and attracting the global water sports community to Bahrain, meeting the needs of local athletes, students, and the community through its unique components. Alrayes underscored the commitment of GFH and Bahrain University of Technology to strengthen the Kingdom’s position as a leading regional center for talent development, particularly in the sports field. He expressed gratitude for choosing Bahrain University of Technology as a partner and location for this exceptional project, destined to become one of the world's most advanced water sports facilities.
This center, the first of its kind for the World Aquatics Federation in the Middle East, joins a network of existing centers in Antibes (France), Budapest (Hungary), Toronto (Canada), Davie (Florida, United States), Phuket (Thailand), and Gold Coast (Australia). The facility will provide high-performance athletes with state-of-the-art facilities, world-class training, and modern sports science.
Among the key elements of the project are two swimming pools, one measuring 50 meters and the other dedicated to diving with a depth of 5 meters, both constructed to Olympic specifications, accommodating 1,000 seats for the public to host future competitive events. Additionally, integrated facilities for training and sports science, comfortable accommodations, restaurants, and retail units will be established, fostering a sense of community for the fortunate individuals residing and training in the facility.
His Highess emphasized the significance of the International Center of Excellence in embracing swimmers from both within and outside Bahrain, intertwining science with sports in one of the most successful sports projects held in partnership with the private sector. His Highness reaffirmed the Olympic Committee’s commitment to strengthen the partnership with the International Federation of Water Sports in collaboration with the GF Group, aiming to position the Kingdom of Bahrain as a hub for developing various water sports.
Dr. Hussein Al Musallam, President of the World Aquatics, stated, “By laying the foundation stone today, we, along with our partners, are laying the solid foundations for the future of water sports in the Middle East. By establishing a regional presence in Bahrain and launching this center of excellence, we will significantly improve the way we serve competitors around the world, while we are also preparing the new generation of water sports stars and elite coaches. This modern and advanced center will not only enhance the capabilities of competitors but will also consolidate Bahrain's position as an ideal and distinguished destination for hosting international water sports events."
