Manama – January 4, 2024 – Under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Khalid bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Supreme Council for Youth and Sports, Chairman of the General Authority for Sports, and Chairman of the Bahrain Olympic Committee, World Aquatics and Bahrain Olympic Committee, In partnership with GFH Financial Group (GFH) and the Bahrain Swimming Federation, we today broke ground on the construction of the new World Aquatics Center at the University of Technology Bahrain (UTB).
This first facility in the Middle East joins the existing network of World Aquatics Centers in Antibes (France), Budapest (Hungary), Toronto (Canada), Davie (Florida, USA) and Phuket (Thailand). Gold Coast (Australia). We combine state-of-the-art facilities, world-class coaching, and cutting-edge sports science to empower high-performance athletes.
The highlight of the project is a 50 meter swimming pool and a 5 meter diving pool, both built to Olympic specifications and equipped with 1,000 spectator seats to host future competitive events. The pool is complemented by comprehensive training and sports science facilities. The addition of convenient lodging, dining, and retail elements will also foster a sense of community for those lucky enough to live and train at the facility.
His Highness Sheikh Khalid bin Hamad Al Khalifa said: “I am delighted to witness this important milestone that brings us one step closer to opening a world-class aquatics center in the Kingdom of Bahrain. This project will expand water sports in the region. It will strengthen and add an important new dimension to Bahrain’s position as the world’s leading sports center. , we look forward to welcoming elite athletes to the Kingdom to train, compete and achieve their sporting dreams.”
Hussain Al Musallam, Chairman of World Aquatics, said: “With today’s groundbreaking, we and our partners are laying a strong foundation 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 athletes around the world, while building the next generation of aquatic stars. “This state-of-the-art facility will not only empower young athletes, but also position Bahrain as a leading host country for international swimming events.”
Hisham Al-Rayes, Group CEO of GFH and Chairman of UTB, said: “We are excited to support and attract the global swimming community to the Kingdom of Bahrain, and with this pioneering project that addresses the needs of local athletes. I am proud to be able to begin work on the project.” , students, and the surrounding community through its various unique components. GFH and UTB are dedicated to improving the Kingdom’s position as the region’s leading center for human resource development, including in the field of sports, and this facility will aid in this pursuit. He is grateful to UTB for choosing him as a partner in this exciting project and providing him with the site of what will soon be one of the most advanced underwater facilities in the world. ”
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About World Swimming:
World Aquatics is the international governing body for aquatic sports, promoting a vision of uniting the world through water for health, life and sport. Founded in 1908, World Aquatics is an independent organization comprising 210 national member federations and five continental associations.
World Aquatics oversees six aquatic sports: swimming, water polo, diving, artistic swimming, open water swimming and high diving, and is recognized by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) as the world authority on these sports. Masu.
About GFH Financial Group BSC:
GFH Financial Group is one of the most well-known financial groups in the Gulf region. The company’s businesses include investment management, commercial banking, treasury and proprietary investments, and has more than $19 billion in assets and funds under management. The Group’s operations are primarily concentrated across the GCC, North Africa and India, with strategic investments in the US, Europe and the UK. GFH is listed on the Bahrain Stock Exchange, Abu Dhabi Stock Exchange, Bursa Kuwait and Dubai Financial Market. For more information, please visit www.gfh.com.
Media contact:
world swimming
Trinh Koos
communication manager
Phone number: +41 21 310 47 10
Email: torin.koos@worldaquatics.com
Website: www.worldaquatics.com
GFH Financial Group
nawal al naji
Senior Manager – Corporate Communications
Phone: +973 17538538
Email: nalnaji@gfh.com
Website: www.gfh.com
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