Divers plunge into the world’s deepest pool in Dubai

Category: Human Interest

Listening

Unlocking Word Meanings

Read the following words/expressions found in today’s article.

  1. sunken / ˈsʌŋ kən / (adj.) – having fallen to the bottom of the sea, river, etc.
    Example:

    A sunken airplane was found in the depths of the ocean during a marine expedition.


  2. record-breaking / ˈrɛk ərdˌbreɪ kɪŋ / (adj.) – achieving a better result or surpassing a previous record
    Example:

    The company celebrated a record-breaking year with the highest sales figures in its history.


  3. pump / pʌmp / (v.) – to make gas or liquid to move somewhere, typically with the use of a machine or device
    Example:

    He pumped fuel into the boat’s tank before setting out on the lake.


  4. somewhat / ˈsʌmˌʰwʌt / (adv.) – to some degree or extent
    Example:

    The singer’s latest album is somewhat popular in Europe, but it hasn’t reached the top of the charts.


  5. unconventional / ˌʌn kənˈvɛn ʃə nl / (adj.) – very different from what most people traditionally use or accept
    Example:

    The artist’s work is unconventional, blending sculpture with interactive digital elements.


Article

Read the text below.

Up until recently, Dubai city might not have been on top of scuba divers’ list of places to visit to discover the wonders of the underwater world.


But that all changed when a number of divers got together and created the world’s deepest swimming pool, furnished like a city and fitted with sunken cars, motorbikes and even arcade games.


The world’s deepest swimming pool is located in Dubai in the United Arab Emirates. It has been verified by Guinness World Records as the deepest swimming pool for diving.


“It’s the world’s deepest facility; 60 meters/200 feet, and it’s the world’s largest deep facility at 15 million liters, nearly four million gallons (of water),” says Jarrod Jablonski, director of Deep Dive Dubai, who is also a record-breaking cave diver.


The amount of water pumped into the pool is the equivalent of six Olympic-sized swimming pools.


The technology used means people could listen to whale sounds or even their favorite songs while diving. The pool has become a popular attraction with advanced divers and non-divers wanting to experience going underwater. It’s also a place for diving courses.


“Something this grand doesn’t really happen very much in my industry of scuba diving. And it was such a neat way for somebody that was so passionate about the underwater world to create an environment that allows people of all types to explore and feel safe and comfortable while they share in the passion of the environment that I love so deeply,” says Jablonski.


Scuba diving is increasing in popularity in the UAE, with a large dive community actively teaching and running trips in different emirates. The country’s location by the Persian Gulf and Gulf of Oman has created many diving spots.


Deep Dive Dubai has also become somewhat of a social media attraction, with influencers posting videos of their dives, and newly engaged couples taking their engagement photos underwater in the pool.


Dubai has in the past attracted attention for its many unconventional Guinness World Records, and is adding this to the list.


This article was provided by The Associated Press.


Viewpoint Discussion

Enjoy a discussion with your tutor.

Discussion A

  • Would you be interested in visiting the world’s deepest swimming pool in Dubai? Why or why not? Do you think such a facility is more appealing to scuba divers or non-divers? Discuss.
  • How important do you think it is for cities to set unconventional world records like this? What benefits do you think it might bring (ex. a lot of public attention, a sense of achievement to the city/country)? Discuss.

Discussion B

  • Do you think your country is a good place to visit for people wanting to experience or discover unconventional places? Why or why not? Discuss.
  • What type of unconventional attraction would you like your country to build (ex. a zero gravity amusement park, a floating city)? Discuss.