Dive Bahrain, the world's largest underwater theme park, has officially opened, said a report.

The new theme park was inaugurated by the Minister of Industry, Commerce and Tourism Zayed bin Rashid Al Zayani on September 6, said a report in BNA.

The initial phase of the project was completed recently by submerging a 70-m long Boeing 747, 20-22 m below the water north of Bahrain, to become the first attraction of the 100,000-sq-m theme park area.

Prior to the official opening, the dive park was also inspected by a group of diving professionals from registered dive centres, who were able to ensure all safety requirements are fully met to guarantee a safe diving experience and environment necessary for the public.

The Industry, Commerce and Tourism Minister said the underwater theme park aims to further boost tourism to the kingdom.

Those who wish to book their underwater dive experience can do so with any of the registered dive centres listed on the website www.divebahrain.com.

The listed centres on the website are the only registered centres, and have all participated in an orientation dive and are familiarised with key rules and regulations in preparation to organise trips to the park and offer a safe and enjoyable experience to the public, the report said.

The dive park will include several structures in addition to the aircraft, such as a replica of a traditional Bahraini pearl merchant’s house, which is being overseen and sponsored by Diyar Al Muharraq, an artificial coral reef and other sculptures that will be fabricated and submerged to provide a safe haven for coral reef growth and a habitat for sustainable marine life.

The eco-friendly park will also provide researchers with rich information and data on marine ecology and biology, and will enhance environmental awareness on the importance of preserving marine life, it said.