Looking for a fun way to cool off? With twisting, splashing, plummeting and screaming (and we mean lots and lots of screaming) the UAE’s best waterparks are a great way to beat the heat and get your adrenaline pumping.
From ring rides and sheer drops to shark tanks these waterparks in Dubai and Abu Dhabi house the very best waterslides that the UAE has to offer.
So, if you’re looking to visit the best waterparks in the UAE, this list should be exactly what you need to get your fix of fun.
You can also check out our YouTube series Every Slide Tried to see how they look in action.
Aquaventure Waterpark
It’s little wonder that thrill-seekers come from all corners of the globe to see what the fuss is about with this world-famous Dubai waterpark. Located at Atlantis The Palm, there are an impressive number of rides and slides varying in fear-factor including the arguably the UAE’s best (if not most terrifying) waterslide, The Leap of Faith, a 27.5m vertical plummet that sees you whizz past sharks in a transparent tube. If you want to tick off another Dubai record – and you’ve got the stomach for it – give the world’s largest waterslide, Aquaconda a go. Try not to scream as you catapult through dark and twisty tunnels before being dropped into the largest fibre glass tube in the world. And if you’re still standing after that, Slitherine is another world first. A dual waterslide within another waterslide, prepare to twist and turn at breakneck speed as you take on a mate to see who can get to the end the fastest. Once you’ve pushed your nerves to their limit, bob along the lazy river on a rubber ring to compose yourself before exploring the rest of the park. Got kids? They can make a splash in the dedicated children’s area with a giant pirate ship and a huge bucket that dunks out water every now and then. There’s something for everyone.
From Dhs269, from Dhs225 (kids less than 1.2m). Mon-Sat 10am-5.30pm. Atlantis The Palm, Crescent Road, Dubai, www.atlantis.com (04 426 0000).
Laguna Waterpark
This buzzing La Mer waterpark caters to the daredevils with four zones housing rides such as the Free Fall, the Constrictor and The Loop, but doesn’t overlook the less adventurous with a lazy river and cool cabanas offering relaxing views over the Arabian Gulf. The Manta is the region’s first family raft ride which, with surprises around every corner, will really get pulses racing while this Dubai waterpark is also home to the region’s first 180-degree surf park. In addition, the kids can hang out in Aqua Play, a dedicated water adventure zone with waterslides and a giant soaker bucket or keep cool at the park’s Splash Pad. And if the thought of having to head home at the end of the day doesn’t appeal, you can book an overnight stay (yes, really) at the waterpark that includes fun evening activities and breakfast the next morning to give you the sustenance you need to take on the slides again the next day. Nice.
From Dhs99 (online), from Dhs195 (at the gate). Tue-Sun 10am-6pm. La Mer, Dubai, www.lagunwaterpark.com (04 317 3999).
Wild Wadi Waterpark
If you like waterparks, you’ll love Wild Wadi. The original can actually claim to still be one of the UAE’s best waterparks, after all, backdrops don’t get much better than that of the iconic Burj Al Arab Jumeirah. With around 30 fun slides and experiences there’s something for everyone whether you’re looking for hair-raising, or just hopeing not to get your hair wet at all. Keep it calm by floating around the long lazy river of Juha’s Journey or ramp the adrenaline up (if you dare) by sliding down Tantrum Alley – three ‘tornado’ slides – and Burj Surj – two super-fast slides that cascade down into a bowl. But what everyone is really here for is the park’s main attraction, the infamous Jumeirah Sceirah. The adrenaline-inducing ride has two 32-metre-high tandem slides which will see you plummet at a speed of 80kph, you may manage it once, but can you go a second time? Surfers – or surfer wannabes – can hit the waves at Wipeout and Riptide Flowriders for the ultimate surfing experience this side of California. Kids are well-catered for here too with Juha’s Dhow and Lagoon that offers over 100 water activities including five slides, a pair of racing slides, a huge dumping water bucket and water guns.
From Dhs69. Tue-Sun 10am-6pm. Jumeirah Beach Hotel, Umm Suqeim, Dubai, www.wildwadi.com (04 348 4444).
Yas Waterworld
Just like everything on Yas Island, Yas Waterworld is created with fun in mind. Themed around an old Emirati legend, the park is divided into four thrill levels: Adrenaline Rush, Exciting Adventure, Moving and Grooving and, finally, Young Fun for those who have kids in tow. Each zone caters to different age groups and with 40 slides there literally is something for everyone. Get your confidence by starting with at Sultan’s Young Fun featuring the Yadi Yas crazy river and work your way up to the white-knuckle Shaheen’s Adrenaline Rush with its Dawwama, a 20-metre high giant funnel that shoots you, six at a time, in a tornado-like state through huge dips and turns. Other rides include the incredibly steep free fall ride, the Jebel Drop, that will leave your heart in your mouth and the Liwa Loop – a high-intensity chute that literally pulls the floor away from beneath you. Plus, you can ride the region’s only suspended rollercoaster (and the world’s only suspended rollercoaster in a waterpark), The Bandit Bomber, to enjoy a bird’s eye view of the waterpark, provided you can keep your eyes open of course. The Tot’s Playground is ideal for parents with younger children as they can let them splash around safely in the shade.
From Dhs250. Open daily 10am-5pm. Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, www.yaswaterworld.com (600 511 51).
