Deep Dive Dubai: The deepest diving pool in the world, nearly 200 ft deep (60 m), with 3.7 million gallons of water, equal to six Olympic swimming pools.
Significance: A unique facility that combines dreams, exploration, and engineering feats.
Design Concept: A pearl shell shape, representing Dubai's heritage in pearl diving before the discovery of oil.
Project Background
Historical Context: Pearl diving was a major part of the UAE's economy in the early 1900s.
Goal: To create a facility that honors heritage while providing a safe, controlled diving environment.
Collaborating Entities:
RTA (Roads and Transport Authority) consulted experts for construction advice.
HCRO Engineering and Pascal & Watson (architectural firm) involved in design and execution.
Jared Jablonsky appointed as consultant and director for expertise in marine exploration.
Construction Challenges & Achievements
Initial Design: A tank with changing rooms evolved into a sophisticated diving facility.
Engineering Feats:
Successfully constructed a cylindrical structure with significant depth.
Overcame geological challenges, including hard rock and groundwater issues.
Increased depth from 147 ft to 197 ft to set a new world record, leading to engineering complexities.
Managed structural integrity and safety at unprecedented depths.
Unique Features of the Facility
Underwater Environment:
Simulates a sunken city with apartments, cars, and other everyday objects.
Various themed areas designed to enhance the diving experience.
Safety Measures:
Advanced dive operations to ensure safety, such as constant monitoring with 56 cameras and a decompression chamber.
State-of-the-art filtration and water quality management to maintain a safe diving environment.
Use of bromine instead of chlorine to prevent eye irritation and green hair.
Technical Specifications
Construction Materials: Unique stones sourced globally (e.g., Carrara stone from Italy, granite from Venezuela).
Water Filtration: A robust system that circulates 14.5 million liters of water every 6 hours to ensure clarity and quality.
Sound and Lighting: 160 spotlights and 27 speakers providing ambient soundscapes for divers.
Visitor Experience
Diving Options: Suitable for beginners and seasoned divers, including snorkelers and certified scuba divers.
Attractions: Themed installations within the pool, facilitating interaction and exploration.
Future Visions: Planned expansion into research and exploration initiatives, potentially creating a global concept for similar facilities.
Conclusion
Goals of Deep Dive Dubai: To be not just a record-setting facility but a hub for exploration, research, and entertainment.
Cultural Impact: Reflects Dubai's ambition and vision for unique experiences, combining tradition and innovation.