Introduction
Bahrain, a small yet ambitious island nation in the Arabian Gulf, has long been known for its rich history of pearl diving. Today, it is making headlines for its bold approach to blending cultural heritage with futuristic architecture. Two of its most groundbreaking projects—the world’s largest underwater theme park and a series of uniquely designed ‘filo pastry’ car parks—are redefining urban spaces while preserving the country’s past.
These developments highlight Bahrain’s commitment to innovation and sustainability, transforming historical narratives into modern attractions. While one invites adventurers to explore the depths of the sea, the other turns mundane parking spaces into architectural masterpieces. Together, they showcase Bahrain’s forward-thinking vision for tourism, conservation, and urban design.
Dive Bahrain: An Underwater Wonderland
In 2019, Bahrain unveiled the world’s largest underwater theme park, an ambitious project that spans over 100,000 square meters beneath the sea. The highlight of this park is a fully submerged 70-meter-long Boeing 747, making it the largest aircraft ever placed underwater as part of a diving experience. The park was developed in collaboration between the Bahrain Tourism and Exhibitions Authority (BTEA) and the Supreme Council for Environment (SCE), with the goal of boosting the country’s tourism sector while supporting marine conservation.
The underwater attraction is more than just a sunken aircraft. Divers exploring the site will encounter a replica of a traditional Bahraini pearl merchant’s house, artificial coral reefs, and other eco-friendly structures designed to support marine life. The carefully crafted installations provide an ideal habitat for coral growth and marine biodiversity, making the site not only a thrilling experience for divers but also an important ecological initiative.
The project aligns with Bahrain’s long history of pearl diving, once the backbone of its economy. By creating an underwater world that both tourists and researchers can explore, the kingdom ensures that its maritime heritage remains relevant while contributing to environmental awareness and education.
The Pearling Path: A Journey Through History
Parallel to its underwater marvels, Bahrain is also reshaping its historic city of Muharraq with the development of the Pearling Path. This 3.5-kilometer trail, which was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 2012, weaves through the city, linking 17 buildings, three offshore oyster beds, and an ancient fortress. The path tells the story of Bahrain’s once-thriving pearling industry, which dominated its economy until the 1930s when oil was discovered.
The restoration of the Pearling Path aims to preserve the island’s cultural legacy while adapting it for contemporary use. Buildings along the route, ranging from modest pearl divers’ homes to grand merchant residences, are being meticulously restored with coral stone, a traditional material used in Bahraini architecture. Some of these buildings will be repurposed into cultural centers, art galleries, and community spaces to ensure they remain active parts of the city.
Along the route, shaded public squares, adorned with concrete lamp posts embedded with mother of pearl, create inviting spaces for visitors and residents. The initiative not only honors the past but also revitalizes Muharraq as a vibrant cultural hub.
‘Filo Pastry’ Car Parks: A Bold Architectural Statement
One of the most visually striking additions to the Pearling Path is a series of four multi-story car parks designed by renowned Swiss architect Christian Kerez. Unlike conventional parking structures, these car parks were designed with an artistic and functional approach in mind, making them key architectural features rather than just utilitarian spaces. Covering a total area of 45,000 square meters, they offer much more than just parking—each level seamlessly transitions into the next, creating a flowing, sculptural form that has been compared to layers of filo pastry.
Beyond their aesthetic appeal, these car parks serve as multifunctional spaces that can host public events such as markets, concerts, and religious gatherings. The design prioritizes openness and fluidity, ensuring that visitors experience a dynamic, engaging environment rather than a monotonous parking garage. By integrating public spaces into a structure that is typically overlooked, Bahrain is redefining the role of urban infrastructure in modern city life.
The car parks’ undulating forms are meant to evoke a sense of movement, echoing the fluidity of the ocean that has shaped Bahrain’s identity. Their innovative structure challenges traditional ideas of what a parking facility can be, proving that even the most mundane aspects of urban life can be transformed into something extraordinary.
Balancing Tradition and Modernity
Bahrain’s urban transformation is a testament to its ability to balance tradition with modernity. Both the Dive Bahrain project and the Pearling Path initiative exemplify this philosophy by incorporating elements of Bahrain’s rich history into futuristic designs. The underwater theme park not only boosts tourism but also raises awareness about marine conservation, while the architectural ingenuity of the car parks enhances urban functionality without sacrificing cultural identity.
These projects also reflect Bahrain’s growing emphasis on sustainability. By repurposing a decommissioned Boeing 747 and creating artificial reefs, the underwater park contributes to marine ecosystem restoration. Similarly, the Pearling Path revitalization efforts ensure that historic buildings are preserved and repurposed rather than being demolished or neglected. Such initiatives place Bahrain at the forefront of responsible urban development in the region.
Community and Cultural Impact
Beyond their architectural and environmental significance, these projects have had a profound impact on the local community. The Pearling Path’s restoration has created jobs for artisans, architects, and conservationists, ensuring that traditional craftsmanship is passed down to future generations. The introduction of new public spaces has also provided residents with areas for social gatherings, reinforcing the sense of community within Muharraq.
Meanwhile, the Dive Bahrain project has drawn diving enthusiasts from around the world, boosting local businesses such as dive shops, tour operators, and hotels. The initiative not only strengthens the tourism sector but also inspires young Bahrainis to reconnect with their maritime heritage.
Conclusion
Bahrain’s ability to merge history with innovation is setting it apart in the architectural world. From the depths of the Arabian Gulf, where a submerged Boeing 747 now teems with marine life, to the winding streets of Muharraq, where ‘filo pastry’ car parks challenge conventional urban design, the nation is boldly redefining its identity.
As these projects continue to develop, they serve as symbols of Bahrain’s commitment to cultural preservation, environmental sustainability, and architectural ingenuity. By embracing the past while shaping a forward-thinking future, Bahrain is proving that heritage and progress can coexist harmoniously, creating spaces that inspire both locals and visitors alike.
