Bahrain makes history with a ‘high-flying’ achievement

The highest glass skydiving tube in the world will be opened in Bahrain within a few days, it was confirmed yesterday.

The 12-metre tempered glass tunnel was launched yesterday as part of the Gravity project, which will give public a unique experiment to defy gravity here in Bahrain, by flying wingless in a state-of-the-art facility, while being monitored by professional instructors.

The centre is located in Al Wasmiya area, few hundred metres to the south-west of Bahrain International Circuit (BIC).

It’s set to open for the public on December 16, coinciding with the Kingdom’s celebrations of the 44th National Day and the sixteenth Anniversary of His Majesty the King’s Accession to the Throne.

Speaking in a press conference yesterday, Samhaan Holding Company General Manager Mitchell Lawson expressed his appreciation to the Prime Minister HRH Prince Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa for the support and backing of this national project that he said “is an initiative by the Samhaan Holding Company Chairman Shaikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Khalifa to achieve this first of its kind project in Bahrain, which aims at providing more entertainment and thrill.”

“This comes to highlight the civilized, tourism and sports aspects of Bahrain through a new sport,” he commented.

“Our services are for new and professional flyers and those who are seeking entertainment and fun leaving a lasting impression in their minds.  The sport has been acknowledged internationally, late last year the sport of ‘bodyflight’ or ‘Indoor Skydiving.’ The first Indoor Skydiving World Cup was held in Austin, USA,” Lawson said.

He explained that the project kicked off as an idea in 2012, which was translated into a reality in September 2014.

He hinted that the location of the project might create an opportunity to partner with the neighbouring projects, such as BIC to complete a full family entertainment experiment in Bahrain.

He clarified that the 19.7-metre tube is one of the highest in the world and one of the few that allows skydivers to experience indoor skydiving from both bottom and top entry points.

“The demand by all age groups for indoor skydiving tunnels has increased worldwide, as there are currently only around 80 tunnels and 38 are under construction,” he said, highlighting that “Gravity” will host local and international flying leagues and competitions and will enter teams in international competitions under the name ‘Gravity’.

However, Lawson didn’t enclose what is the actual cost or income expected from the project. He, however, confirmed “the prices of the different skydiving experiments at Gravity are very reasonable in comparison to similar services in the region.”

Wider Aspects

Lawson hinted that the facility could be utilised to train military personnel from Bahrain Defence Force, regional and international military bodies.

Yet, he didn’t confirm if there’s an existing coordination with the BDF in regards to training Bahraini soldiers at the facility.

How to book

Lawson explained, “The easiest and most effective way to book is online by visiting www.gravitybah.com. However, we do insist that all flyers arrive at least 1 hour and 15 minutes before their scheduled flight time to avoid disappointment and allow for plenty of time to kit up and receive instruction.”

He added, “From the December 16 – 19, we will operate a walk in service, first come first serve basis. Both cash and card payments will be accepted. In the future if the demand is high, we will provide ‘ladies only’ hours and days so all can enjoy our facility in the most appropriate environment.”

During the press conference, Commercial and Marketing Manager Zoe Edwards also spoke about the marketing strategies that the company would follow to promote the project, including local, regional and international publications and news agencies, in addition to social media.