Extravagant Depths
A place known for breaking records, Dubai in the U.A.E now boasts the world’s deepest pool. Deep Dive Dubai recently opened its doors providing adventure seekers with an aquatic experience that is unlike any other, one that includes an underwater city and a host of innovative features and amenities.
The United Arab Emirates holds an amazing 425 Guinness World Records, most of which are located in the city/state of Dubai. The many superlatives include the world’s tallest hotel, the largest man-made island, biggest fountain and largest sculpture made of chocolate, among many others.
The list now also includes the world’s deepest pool, a record recently certified by GWR. Known as Deep Dive Dubai, the state-of-the-art scuba and free-dive facility opened for business featuring a pool with a whopping depth of 60.02 meters and a volume of 14 million litres of water, just under 3.7 million gallons, roughly the equivalent of six Olympic-sized pools.
It is not just size that makes Deep Dive Dubai so notable. It is also arguably the most elaborate diving facility ever built. Deep Dive Dubai’s pool contains a post-apocalyptic “sunken city” that features various urban landscapes. The deeper one dives, the greater the impression of nature taking over.
As divers descend the central shaft, a series of surprising scenes and settings unfold: At 0-25 meters, divers encounter a cityscape with storefronts, streetlights, ATMs, benches and a large tree with roots stretching to 25m; at 28m they come upon a full apartment in a circular 62-meter “donut swim” featuring a bedroom, kitchen, music room, art room, dining room, and living room; at 38 meters they enter a garage featuring cars, motorcycles, arcade games, pinball machines, pool table, a full-size Star Wars storm trooper, a full-size Lego man, among other entertaining features; and, at 40-60m, divers find a deep shaft with brick walls and graffiti.
The massive pool has a six-hour turnover rate, filtering water through siliceous volcanic rock, a NASA-developed filtration technology, and UV sanitation. It is one of the largest and fastest filter systems in the region. The water temperature is maintained at a comfortable 30 degrees Celsius.
Outside, the 1,500-square-meter facility is shaped like a giant oyster — encircled by multi-level reflecting pools — a tribute to UAE’s fabled pearl-diving tradition. It is also home to a dive shop, gift shop, an 80-seat restaurant, as well as a variety of meeting, event, and conference spaces. Large viewing areas on the lower floors of the building allow diners at the restaurant and other rooms to watch divers as they move through the underwater environments.
In-pool surveillance cameras cover all angles and are monitored in the pool’s control center. In-pool sound systems are used to relay messages to divers in the pool.
Deep Dive Dubai’s spokesperson Abdulla Bin Habtoor, said in a prepared statement: “Deep Dive Dubai allows thrill-seekers to dive inwards and discover a new underwater dimension filled with adventure and wonder. We offer an unparalleled experience with year-round diving, in a safe environment, with outstanding instructors and services. This facility is an investment in Dubai’s growing sports culture and will add another world-class destination to Dubai’s thriving tourist attraction and adventure tourism sector.”
“In developing the concept and facility, we took inspiration from the bravery and fortitude of the UAE’s pearl diving heritage. We also hope to embody the determination of Emirati explorers and innovators, both past and present, as well as provide a platform for future achievements and discoveries,” added Bin Habtoor.
Deep Dive Dubai’s guided experiences and courses are offered across three categories, Discover, Dive and Develop, and are open to both residents and visitors aged 10 and up, ranging in skill levels from complete beginners to professional divers and aquatic athletes.
The Discover category of scuba diving and free-diving experiences caters for those who want to try a single dive or take their first steps towards scuba certification. The Dive category allows everyone from newbies to experienced individuals to dive within their certification limits. The Develop category is for training to both develop skills and gain scuba diving and free-diving certifications.
The facility’s programs have a low guide-to-guest ratio, and all experiences and courses include high-end equipment rentals. A range of underwater gear, and photo and video equipment is also available for rent, with experience videos and photos included with “Discovery Dives.”
For Deep Dive Dubai’s Director Jarrod Jablonski, a world record-holding cave diver, and a leading figure in the worldwide development of scuba diving, Deep Dive Dubai offers best-in-class diving safety practices, procedures, and equipment.
“By design, Deep Dive Dubai offers something truly unique for everyone and our team is committed to ensuring a memorable experience, with outstanding service, for everyone, every time,” said Jablonski. “For those seeking a unique experience, Deep Dive Dubai provides an exceptional, safe and controlled environment to learn all about diving. It’s a facility and experience like no other.”
Images courtesy of Deep Dive Dubai.
The above story is based on information provided in Deep Dive Dubai’s digital press kit. It was edited and expanded by Eric Herman.