Manama, Bahrain, November 2, 2025: World Aquatics celebrated the opening of the World Aquatics Centre of Excellence at the University of Technology Bahrain on Thursday, October 30.
It marked a defining moment in the global development of aquatic sports and World Aquatics’ growing presence in the Middle East. It underscored the organisation’s commitment to expanding developmental, training, and educational opportunities for aspiring elite aquatic athletes worldwide.
World Aquatics President Husain Al Musallam said: “The World Aquatics Centre of Excellence – Bahrain embodies our vision of providing athletes with the opportunity to reach their full potential, regardless of where they come from. Through this partnership with the Kingdom of Bahrain, we are building more than a training facility – we are building a community that unites sports, education and innovation.
“This centre will serve as a beacon for aspiring athletes from around the world and a powerful symbol of World Aquatics’ commitment to excellence,” Al Musallam added.
The opening ceremony took place on the sidelines of the 3rd Asian Youth Games and under the auspices of HH Shaikh Khalid bin Hamad, First Deputy Chairman of the Supreme Council of Youth and Sports, President of the General Sports Authority, and President of the Bahrain Olympic Committee.
The centre will provide athletes with the opportunity to pursue academic studies at the University of Technology Bahrain (UTB) while receiving professional training in a venue that includes an Olympic-standard 50m pool, an Olympic diving pool, athlete accommodation, and educational facilities integrated into the UTB campus.
Currently, five international athletes reside and train in Bahrain under the guidance of the World Aquatics coaching team while pursuing their academic studies at UTB. By the first quarter of 2026, the centre is expected to host an increasing number of scholarship holders from around the world, with over 50 athletes participating in the Bahrain programme within the year.
Hisham Alrayes, Group CEO of GFH Financial Group and Chairman of UTB said: “We are honoured to partner with World Aquatics on a project that reflects Bahrain’s strategic ambition to develop as a global destination for education, innovation, and sports excellence. The Centre of Excellence is a model of collaboration and vision – one that will create an opportunity for athletes and contribute to the Kingdom’s reputation as a leader in sports development.”
Faris Mustafa Al Kooheji, Secretary General of the Bahrain Olympic Committee, highlighted the Kingdom’s leadership in sport: “This grand opening reflects Bahrain’s enduring commitment to the values of sport and the vision of HH Shaikh Khalid bin Hamad Al Khalifa. The World Aquatics Centre of Excellence represents an investment in the next generation – an enduring symbol of Bahrain’s role as a global sports hub and its support for youth, development, and international cooperation.”
