From Dubai to Abu Dhabi, Concierge discovers some of the best-loved water parks in the emirates
Whether an adrenaline enthusiast or wildlife lover, the UAE is home to some high-octane water parks with much to offer. In addition to rides and slides set to some jaw-dropping backdrops from Burj Al Arab Jumeirah to Jebel Hafeet, many host a broad range of activities from surfing to climbing and even interacting with friendly marine creatures. And while the summer heat still lingers, we couldn’t think of a better time to splash, dip and dive right into the region’s biggest aqua attractions.
/ Yas Waterworld
Tot or adrenaline junkie, Yas Waterworld in the UAE capital has over 40 rides, slides and attractions for every age. The emirate’s largest water park, found on Yas Island in Abu Dhabi, is fun for every member of the family. With rides categorised into four levels of fun and fear factor, visitors have ‘Adrenaline Rush’ for extreme thrills, ‘Exciting Adventure’ for slightly less of a rush, ‘Moving and Grooving’ for medium-level yet heart-stopping fun and ‘Young Fun’ for junior visitors who are not yet ready for adrenaline adventures.
/ Wild Wadi
With the backdrop of Burj Al Arab Jumeirah, Wild Wadi is in one of the most iconic locations in Dubai. Offering rides for all ages and sizes, guests can enjoy winding gently down the lazy river or zipping along thrilling rides. Those brave enough for the Jumeirah Sceirah will be dropped through a trap door along the 120-metre slide at a whopping 80 kilometres per hour. And with surfing experiences on Wipeout and Riptide Flowriders, visitors can experience the thrill of the surf right here in Dubai.
/ Aquaventure
Based in one of the city’s most photographed locations, Aquaventure at Atlantis, The Palm, Dubai hosts not only thrilling rides but the emirate’s largest aquarium with over 65,000 marine animals – including dolphins at Dolphin Bay. Spread over 17 hectares, the park offers special two day passes for those who feel one day just isn’t enough to explore the rides, rivers, beach and entertainment. From shark safari to ray feeding, there is much more to explore. Splashers is for the little ones (under 1.2 metres) and their parents with huge tipping buckets and climbing frames as well as seven new waterslides.
/ Legoland
Water Park Make a splash at Legoland® Water Park to cool off after a day of adventure and exploration. With over 20 slides designed for visitors of all ages, entertaining attractions and the chance to build your very own Lego raft, the fun never ends. But that’s not all there is to this exciting destination at Dubai Parks™ and Resorts. The amusement park is also home to Legoland® Dubai, which houses the largest collection of Lego bricks in the Middle East. It’s the ideal spot for Lego-loving visitors, offering activities that include treasure hunts, Lego factory tours, fire-breathing dragon rides and more.
/ Laguna Waterpark
Surf, splash and slide at Dubai’s newest water park in La Mer. Relax in the infinity pool, lazy river or cabanas, take on one of the thrilling slides from Mad Racer to family-friendly Manta or let the little ones loose in Splash Pad or the family zone, Aqua Play. Whether beginner or pro, thrill seekers can take on WaveOz 180 FlowRider for a surfing experience unlike any other. One of only three in the world, this star attraction at Laguna Waterpark sees you bracing the waves against the backdrop of the Arabian Sea. The relaxed surroundings are perfect for family days out with dining and tanning also order of the day.
/ Wadi Adventure
From zip lining to climbing, surfing to kayaking, Wadi Adventure in Al Ain brings adventure sports on land and sea together with the stunning backdrop of the Hajar Mountains and Jebel Hafeet. For adrenaline seekers, the park also has 1.1 kilometres of white water rafting and wakeboarding channels. Whether swimming in the pool or enjoying the beach, it is the perfect spot for the whole family to cool off in the heat.