Underwater ‘Lost Cities’ to boost Qatar tourism

Los Angeles-based Dynamic Reef developer, Reef Worlds, is creating unique and spectacular underwater theme parks for waterfront resorts in Qatar, putting the state on the world stage for dive and snorkel tourism.

The next generation artificial reef sites are being designed by a team of Hollywood designers to look like ancient Lost Cities, rebuilding regional reef habitat, and allowing select waterfront resort development partners the ability to capture a global $3bn dive and snorkel market. 

Reef Worlds development team is in discussion with two resort developers to bring these sites to the region.

According to a report, “coral content in Arabian Gulf reefs has declined by up to 50 percent, posing a threat to fish stocks and marine habitats”.

“Qatar has a unique tourism problem we address,” says Dave Taylor, Director of Development for Reef Worlds.

“When one considers the 350 miles of coastline surrounding Qatar, scuba diving and underwater exploration is not on the Top Ten list, and yet it is almost everywhere else in the world. We want Qatar to be on the global tourism stage.”

The company has plans to expand with waterfront resort developers from Qatar to Southeast Asia in places where tourism and regional habitat could use an immediate boost with the addition of bespoke next generation artificial reefs.

“The Reef Worlds brand is all about sustainability and the creation of new habitat while adding instant tourism revenue and excitement to waterfront resorts,” said Taylor.

“We will work with carefully selected resort partners on unique underwater habitat projects that directly support our clients’ sustainability and revenue goals,” he said.

For the past 40 years, resorts have considered little beyond the high tide mark. With the help of Reef Worlds design teams, they are rediscovering acres of property, client engagement, and new sources of revenue. 

The Peninsula