MANAMA, Bahrain, September 3 /PRNewswire/ --

- Spectacular Ceremony Opens Bahrain's US$ 50 Million Water Park

MANAMA, Bahrain, September 3 /PRNewswire/ --

- Marks Commencement of Operations for the Middle East's New Leisure 
Destination

Signalling the start of operations for the Middle East's newest, largest
water park, H.E Shaikh Khalid bin Ahmed Al Khalifa, Minister of the Royal
Court of the Kingdom of Bahrain, today officially opened the US$ 50 million
Lost Paradise of Dilmun (Lost Paradise) at a special ceremony at Al Areen,
Bahrain.

Lost Paradise is the most recent high tech water park in the Middle East,
covering 77,000 square metres and featuring the very latest water park
technology designed by Malaysia-based Sim Leisure Consultants, a leading
water park designer. Constructed and installed by Canada's Whitewater West,
the water slides, wave pool and interactive structures are the newest in the
Gulf.

Lost Paradise of Dilmun was launched at a press conference followed by a
very high-profile evening function culminating in a dazzling firework finale.
It was attended by more than 200 VIPs and guests including ambassadors and
members of the Royal Court. The Middle East's first fully-themed water park
opens to the public on 3 September.

Shaikh Ahmed bin Ali Al Khalifa, Chairman of Al Areen Holding
Company, said: "We're very excited and proud to announce that Bahrain's
newest leisure destination is now open. Along with Banyan Tree Desert Resort
& Spa and Al Areen development, we are optimistic Lost Paradise will soon
become one of the region's leading tourist and leisure destinations."

The Lost Paradise of Dilmun is the second component in the
unique US$ 1.3 billion plus Al Areen development and is located near to the
high-end luxury Banyan Tree Desert Spa & Resort. Spread over an area of 2
million square meters, Al Areen strengthens Bahrain's reputation as a leading
luxurious family-oriented tourist destination.

The park is extensively themed around the Kingdom of Bahrain's rich
cultural history, from a time 4,000 years ago when Bahrain was the center of
the Dilmun civilization; a place with an abundance of water, springs and
shallow wells; the legendary source of eternal life.

"Lost Paradise will not only act as the ideal leisure &
entertainment destination for families in Bahrain but also those visiting
from neighbouring GCC countries and from around the world," added Shaikh
Ahmed bin Ali Al Khalifa.

Divided into six zones, the park features 14 slides, pools and
fountains, as well as themed food and drink outlets serving freshly-made Arab
and Western fast food specialties and ice creams.

Visitors are greeted by the park mascots, Delmo & Delma and an
array of slides, including the Falcons' Dive, the giant Superbowl, Boomerango
and the Family Raft Ride, the park's tallest water slide seating four people.
'The Souq', another unique feature of the park, is a 1,000 square meter
retail area selling branded merchandise and souvenirs, resort wear and
swimwear.

Commenting on the uniqueness of the Lost Paradise of Dilmun,
Mr. Paul Blunt, General Manager of Sim Leisure said: "What makes the Lost
Paradise of Dilmun unique is that in addition to the unrivalled attraction of
"Dilmun Artesian Spring", recreating the idea of Bahrain's ancient springs,
Lost Paradise has the largest wave pool in the Middle East and the only one
with a sandy beach, an attraction for visitors of all ages."

The pool is enclosed by replicas of Dilmun ruins designed with
thatched, shaded lounge areas and extensive landscaping. For children there
is a large interactive wet play area, with an extensive range of theme-based
play equipment offering a dozen slides, water sprays, water curtains, mini
tip buckets and a host of knobs, swivels and levers to adjust and direct a
series of jets and sprays.

Around the wave pool, acting as a natural navigation path
through the whole water park, is a lazy river which meanders through a series
of themed tunnels, each with wall paintings, replicated ancient artefacts and
treasures and accompanied by sounds and visual effects.

Another unique feature shortly to be installed at the park is
its use of 'cashless technology'. Each visitor is provided with a wristband
carrying credit that can be topped-up at the park's Reload Station. Credit is
then deducted from the wristband for any transaction made in the park - food,
drink, merchandise and electronic lockers.

While discovering the magic of Lost Paradise, the park's designers have
installed the most modern water park technology on the market to protect
visitors' health and safety, and reduce the park's environmental footprint.
"Every one of the park's 10.5 million litres of fresh water is recycled to
World Health Organisation standards and we have up to 70 lifeguards on duty
at any one time," said Mr. Blunt.

Inspired by Bahrain's long and distinguished heritage, in
addition to the Lost Paradise of Dilmun and Banyan Tree Desert Spa & Resort,
Al Areen is transforming its distinctive desert location into a diverse
collection of themed luxury hotels, residential and commercial villages,
entertainment and recreational facilities.

Starting September 3, families will be able to enjoy the
Middle East's largest water park seven days a week, including Ramadan. For
further information, please contact +973-1784-5100.

For further information, please contact:
    Nicholas Wilson
    PR Account Executive
    GCI Qatar
    Telephone: +974-428-3128
    Email: Nicholas.wilson@gciqatar.com