Bahrain’s First Regional Aquatic Excellence Centre Takes Shape: A New Chapter for Water Sports

TDT | Manama

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His Highness Shaikh Khalid bin Hamad Al Khalifa, First Deputy Chairman of the Supreme Council for Youth and Sports, President of the General Sports Authority, and President of the Bahrain Olympic Committee, affirmed that Bahrain is taking a major leap in aquatic sports with the upcoming International Centre of Excellence and Regional Office for Aquatic Sports.

During a visit to the project site at the University of Technology Bahrain (UTB), His Highness said the center — a joint effort between World Aquatics and GFH Group — is the first of its kind in the region. The facility aims to elevate aquatic sports and nurture future champions through its state-of-the-art infrastructure designed to support sustainable athletic development.

Accompanied by several top sports officials including HH Shaikh Salman bin Mohammed Al Khalifa and HH Shaikh Isa bin Ali Al Khalifa, His Highness toured the site, which is currently about 60% complete. He inspected the Olympic-sized swimming pool, player facilities, and other key areas dedicated to various aquatic sports. The delegation also received a briefing on the final stages of construction and the university’s readiness to host the first group of international aquatic students in the upcoming academic year.

Shaikh Khalid emphasized that the center is not just a significant addition to Bahrain’s sports infrastructure but also strengthens the Kingdom’s role as a regional hub for aquatic disciplines. He highlighted how the project showcases a successful partnership between the private sector and national sports institutions, promoting investment in athletic facilities that support talent development and open doors for growth and achievement.

He called for the acceleration of the project to ensure it provides an ideal training environment for water sport athletes both from Bahrain and abroad.