Forrest Mallard - July 13, 2021
Dubai opens 200-foot-deep pool with underwater “Sunken City”
Deep Dive Dubai
Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Address: Nad El Sheba 1, Dubai, UAE
GPS: 25.130806, 55.297889
Email: info@deepdivedubai.com
Website: deepdivedubai.com
In a country with a long history of superfluous achievements that sometimes has you asking “Why?”, The United Arab Emirates has created something that has not only set another world-record, but has jaded folks like me saying “Wow!”.
Deep Dive Dubai opened on July 7, just 10 days after being named the world’s deepest dive pool by the Guinness World Records. The new indoor pool is a 196-foot vertical pool and holds about 3.7 million gallons of water. It is also home to vast underwater attractions that resemble a “sunken city” that divers can explore on their own or with a guide.
Actor Will Smith wrote about his visit in an Instagram post that has been viewed more thanDeep 3 million times in four days.
Deep Dive Dubai is open to divers over the age of 10. At the time of this posting, reservations are still by invitation only, but reservations will open on the company’s website in late July ’21.
Prices start at 800 United Arab Emirates Dirham ($ 218).
Sunken City
With graffiti, a crumbling facade and a large portrait of Marilyn Monroe hanging on the wall, Dubai’s new vertical dive pool contains the remains of a lost submerged city. There is an apartment building and a library. There is also an arcade with vintage Pac-Man machines, a foozeball and a pool table.
Beginners will be allowed to dive to a depth of 40 feet, but certified individuals can explore the entire pool alone or with a guide. Certified divers can also “freedive” (dive using breathing only, without tanks) while connected to a fixed ascent line. Courses are also available to teach divers new skills.
What Makes Pool Diving So Great?
Diving in a deep pool has several advantages over diving in the ocean. For starters, weather and water conditions are controlled. There are no tides or rough waves, and there are no diving cancellations due to bad weather.
Deep Dive Dubai new pool has 156 lights throughout the pool, keeping all areas well-illuminated and keeping the water temperature comfortable at 86 degrees Fahrenheit.
The Downside of Pool Diving
There is no living marine life, such as corals, which usually make up the majority of recreational diving experiences. But that’s not a big deal for Dubai-based Kyle Maggie, who has 15 years of diving experience in Egypt, Madagascar, the Galapagos Islands, and more. In fact, he is excited to try it.
“When we are diving, we often focus on marine life, and it would be great to try some unusual activities in the water without worrying about finding fish.” He said. “I think it’s especially great for practicing to maintain buoyancy while playing fun games and exploring.”
Another Record in Dubai
This is yet another record for Dubai. While I was living there, I was able to participate in several record-breaking activities while working at Global Village Dubai, including drinking from the World’s Largest Cup of Karak Tea, but I feel like the accomplishment of Deep Dive Dubai is different. This world-record doesn’t feel like just another ego-driven race to get their name in the books, they have actually built something unique and something I would actually pay money to go back to the UAE to see.
More World-Record Attractions in the UAE
Deep Dive Dubai is yet another record-breaking architectural feat for Dubai and the United Arab Emirates, which is also the home the these other world-record attractions:
Tallest building — Burj Khalifa
Tallest hotel — the 75-story Gevora Hotel
Highest outdoor infinity pool — Address Beach Resort
First 3D-printed commercial building — Dubai Future Foundation
Largest shopping center — The Dubai Mall
Record-breaking Adventure in the UAE:
Longest Zipline – Jebal Jais
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Meet the Head Tramp
Forrest Mallard is a travel writer, filmmaker, and adventure guide who has dedicated his life to exploring the world and sharing its stories. With over 50 countries deeply explored, his blog, Tramposaurus Treks, has become a trusted resource for adventurers, even earning recommendations from national tourism boards.
Forrest’s storytelling spans multiple mediums, from documentary filmmaking to in-depth travel writing, often weaving history, culture, and personal experiences into compelling narratives. His acclaimed documentaries on the Walt Disney Company have even earned the rare praise of former Disney CEO Michael Eisner—a testament to his ability to uncover and present compelling stories. His professional background is as varied as his passport stamps—ranging from adventure guiding in Ecuador, Thailand, and Alaska to producing large-scale entertainment in Dubai, managing concert tours in South Africa, and even working aboard National Geographic Expedition ships. This eclectic career path has armed him with a unique perspective: one that blends logistical expertise with an insatiable curiosity for the unknown. Whether leading travelers through rugged landscapes, crafting historical documentaries, or sharing insights on long-distance trekking, Forrest remains dedicated to inspiring others to explore, connect, and embrace adventure—preferably with a well-worn backpack and a good story in tow.
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