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Bahrain Opens World’s Largest Underwater Theme Park

Bahrain inaugurates the world’s largest underwater theme park. (BNA)
Bahrain inaugurates the world’s largest underwater theme park. (BNA)
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Bahrain Opens World’s Largest Underwater Theme Park

Bahrain inaugurates the world’s largest underwater theme park. (BNA)
Bahrain inaugurates the world’s largest underwater theme park. (BNA)

Bahrain’s Minister of Industry, Commerce and Tourism Zayed bin Rashid Al Zayani officially inaugurated Friday the world’s largest underwater theme park, Dive Bahrain.

The initial phase of the project was completed recently by submerging a 70-meter long Boeing 747, 20-22 meters below waters north of Bahrain, to become the first attraction of the 100,000 m2 theme park, said the Bahrain news agency (BNA).

Prior to the opening, the park was inspected by a group of diving professionals, who ensured all safety requirements are fully met to guarantee a safe experience for the public.

The minister said the theme park aims to further boost tourism within the strategy of Bahrain Tourism Authority (BTA) to promote the sector. He added that the park’s location was chosen according to the highest marine environment safety standards in consultation with registered dive centers.

During the official opening, the minister, Chief Executive of the Supreme Council for Environment, Dr. Mohammed Mubarak bin Daina, along with a number of professional divers carried out an inaugural dive to experience the magnificent underwater aircraft structure.

Dive Bahrain will be open to the public on Saturday.

In addition to the aircraft, the park will include several structures, such as a replica of a traditional Bahraini pearl merchant’s house, an artificial coral reef and other sculptures that will be submerged to provide a safe haven for coral reef growth and a habitat for sustainable marine life.

The eco-friendly park will also provide researchers with rich information and data on marine ecology and biology and will improve environmental awareness on the importance of preserving marine life.

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Matcha: The Japanese Tea Taking over the World

A staff member at Tokyo's Milia Matcha prepares a matcha drink for a customer. Philip FONG / AFP
A staff member at Tokyo's Milia Matcha prepares a matcha drink for a customer. Philip FONG / AFP
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Matcha: The Japanese Tea Taking over the World

A staff member at Tokyo's Milia Matcha prepares a matcha drink for a customer. Philip FONG / AFP
A staff member at Tokyo's Milia Matcha prepares a matcha drink for a customer. Philip FONG / AFP

Matcha is the new drink of choice at hip cafes worldwide, but Japanese producers are struggling to keep up with soaring demand for the powdered green tea.

Here's what you need to know about the drink beloved of weekend treat-seekers and "wellness" influencers:

What is matcha?

The word matcha means "ground tea" in Japanese and comes in the form of a vivid green powder that is whisked with hot water and can be added to milk to make a matcha latte.

Green tea was introduced to Japan from China in the early ninth century, and was first used for medicinal purposes.

Matcha came much later, in 16th century Kyoto -- part of the tea ceremony tradition developed by tea master Sen no Rikyu.

Today, there are different grades of matcha quality, from "ceremonial" to "culinary" types used in baking.

How is it produced?

Matcha is made from leaves called "tencha", which are grown in the shade in the final weeks before their harvest to concentrate the flavor, color and nutrients.

This "requires the construction of a complex structure with poles and a roof to filter the light", explained Masahiro Okutomi, a tea producer in Sayama, northwest of Tokyo.

Tencha leaves, rich in chlorophyll and L-theanine, a compound known for its relaxing effects, are hand-picked and deveined, then steamed, dried and ground between two stone mills to produce an ultra-fine powder.

It can take up to an hour to produce just 40 grams (1.4 ounces) of matcha -- making the powder on average twice as expensive to produce as standard green tea leaves.

What are its benefits?

Many drink matcha for its rich grass-like taste, but others are drawn to the drink's nutritional properties.

It is rich in antioxidants, and can aid concentration because of its caffeine content: one cup contains on average 48 milligrams, slightly less than a drip coffee but nearly twice as much as a standardly brewed green tea.

"Matcha is often seen as being good for your health," said Shigehito Nishikida, manager of Tokyo tea shop Jugetsudo.

"But people are also attracted to the Japanese culture around tea: the ritual, the time taken, the aesthetics," he said.

Why is it so popular?

Japan produced 4,176 tons of matcha in 2023 -- a huge increase from the 1,430 tons in 2012.

More than half of the powder is exported, according to the agriculture ministry, mostly to the United States, Southeast Asia, Europe, Australia and the Middle East.

Millions of videos on TikTok, Instagram and YouTube demonstrate how to make photogenic matcha drinks or choose a traditional "chasen" bamboo whisk.

"I feel like Gen Z really drove this enthusiasm for matcha, and they heavily relied on social media to do so," Stevie Youssef, a 31-year-old marketing professional, told AFP at a matcha bar in Los Angeles.

Matcha can also be used in cooking, extending its appeal to others aside from tea lovers.

"Some customers simply enjoy drinking it, others like preparing it themselves. And of course, many buy it as a gift -- Japanese matcha is always appreciated," said Jugetsudo's Nishikida.