Gulf Construction Online - UAE’s mega waterpark nearly complete

UAE Focus

The Dawamma Tornado ... celebrates the Emirati theme.

UAE’s mega waterpark nearly complete

01 January 2013

The first large-scale waterpark being built in the UAE capital Abu Dhabi is 96 per cent complete with most of its rides and other attractions already operational.

The waterpark is on track for a planned opening this month (January 24).

Yas Waterworld general manager Mike Oswald said: “The final touches are being put to Yas Waterworld and the park is getting very close to completion. All major features, rides, slides and attractions are already built and operational and the majority of the pools are already filled.”

Located on the Yas Island Abu Dhabi, the project is built on 150,000 sq m of land. The park was built to be completed in one phase; however there are approximately two hectares available for future expansions, he said.

The waterpark has used architectural materials and design elements that celebrate the unique Emirati theme of the attraction. Guests visiting Yas Waterworld will get a real feel for the local architecture at areas in the park such as the traditional suq, the Bandit Towers and the Marah Fortress. The project has used special materials to replicate the look and feel of crumbling old forts in addition to other materials and details such as heavy wooden rafters, mashrabiya work and heavy studded doors.

The Bandit Bomber ... a signature ride at the park.

“In addition to these, stand-out features of the waterpark include the imposing fortress-like entrance, multiple rides and slides spilling out from a giant falcon’s nest and the giant ‘Mother Pearl’ glimmering atop Jebel Dana – the inspiration behind Yas Waterworld’s ‘Legend of the Lost Pearl’ theme.

The design of the waterpark was conceptualised with the aim of paying homage to Emirati culture and the country’s pearl diving heritage. The Legend of The Lost Pearl – the overriding theme of the park – is based around a real story about Dana, a young Emirati girl on a quest for the legendary pearl that had once brought prosperity to her village.
This theme is brought to life through the Middle East’s most technologically advanced interactive shows such as the Pearl Dive Show and PearlMasters.

Yas Waterworld remains true to its theme in other ways too, with restaurants such as Dana’s Diner and Chubby’s Kitchen and story-based menus at many of its eateries.

Yas Waterworld Abu Dhabi’s colloquial ride names like Dawwama, Yehal, Sebag and Amwaj also celebrate the waterpark’s Emirati theme. With 43 exciting rides, slides and attractions – including four one-of-a-kind rides that have never been seen before at any other park in the globe – Yas Waterworld is touted to rival the best international waterparks.

In February 2011, Al Jaber LEGT Engineering and Contracting (ALEC) was appointed as the main contractor for Yas Waterworld Abu Dhabi. Its selection was in line with Aldar Properties’ aim and aspiration to build and create the greatest waterpark experience in the world.

The park was designed utilising the criteria outlined by Estidama and will be assigned a “Pearl One” rating upon completion – the first waterpark in the Middle East to be certified with this “green” sustainability rating.

Rides and slides include Falcon’s Falaj; Hamlool’s Humps and Jebel Drop. Another signature ride is the Bandit Bomber – a 550-m interactive suspended coaster.

Key players of the project include developer Aldar Properties, contractor ALEC, and project management and operations Farah Leisure Parks Management, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Aldar Properties. Architecture, design, and theming was delivered by Atkins Global; the pools and aquatic engineering was designed by Water Technology, and equipment was supplied by Neptune Benson, Herborner Pumpenfabrik, Siemens, Omniticket Network, Agilysys, Water Safety Products, The Lifeguard Store, RaveSports, WaterWars, and Grosfillex.

Yas Waterworld Abu Dhabi has partnered with Whitewater West Industries, Wave Loch, Vekoma Rides Manufacturing and ProSlide Technology, for the rides, slides and attractions at the park.