Aquaventure - Atlantis
Brace yourself for record-breaking rides and slides. Get underwater and embark on a Shark Safari and explore the world of sharks, rays and schools of colourful fish. Clip on to the Atlantean Flyer that will take you on one of the longest zip lines in the Middle East giving you an unparalleled view of the Atlantis from above. And those with strong hearts, don’t miss the Poseidon’s Revenge ride which sees riders fastened into a capsule standing on a clear piece of acrylic which disappears under your feet sending you barelling down a disconcertingly narrow tube.
XPRESS Pick:
The Tower of Poseidon.
Packed with a raft of heart-stopping rides and slides, this 40ft tower also features the world’s first vertical family ride and the first double slides which allows you to watch fellow tube riders in action.
Tickets: Dh260
Contact: 04–426 0000
Wild Wadi - Jumeirah
Treat yourself to an exciting and thrilling journey in water channels that bear a spitting resemblance to mountain valleys. Located next to the picturesque Burj Al Arab hotel, Wild Wadi offers 30 fun-filled rides and attractions themed around Juha, a popular character from Arabian folklore.
XPRESS Pick:
Jumeirah Sceirah. At 120-metre, it is arguably one of the tallest and fastest free-fall water slide outside of North America with riders reaching speeds up to 80km/h.
Tickets: Dh250–Dh295
Contact: 04–348 4444
Yas Waterworld – Abu Dhabi
The Arabesque Yas Waterworld on Yas Island offers 43 exciting rides and attractions telling a pearl-themed story through a dozen odd colourful characters. Experience the power and thrill of Dawwama as you ride the walls of 20 metre high funnel, the world’s first and largest hydromagnetic-powered six-person tornado water slide. Hugely recommended for adventure buffs.
XPRESS Pick:
Liwa Loop. If you ever wanted to drop straight into a high-intensity, looping water-slide then, Liwa Loop is certainly your best bet.
Tickets: Dh210–Dh250
Contact: 02–414 2000
Wadi Adventure – Al Ain
It’s the Middle East’s first hi-tech watersports facility which allows thrill-seekers to surf 3.3 metre waves, man a raft down a torrential river or navigate twisting rapids in a kayak. Alternatively, you can check out the Airpark where you can test your balance on suspended balance beams, rope webs and spinning platforms before zip-lining 200 metres over the lakes at a staggering 10 metres per second.
XPRESS Pick:
Wake Board. Jump, grind, flip and ski your way with the cable wake park speeding up to 45km/h in a safe and controlled environment.
Tickets: Dh195
Contact: 03–781 8422
Iceland Water Park – Ras Al Khaimah
Get a feel of the Arctic right here, complete with snow-peaked mountains, igloos and penguins. Their most popular rides are Mount Iceberg and and Mount Attack. Give them a try if you are good at swimming. The waterpark has a huge play area for kids and an acquatic football field. Another must-see attraction at the park is the manmade coral reef where guests can snorkel with real fish.
XPRESS Pick:
Mount Attack. Make sure you don’t have any health problems before you take on the challenge.
Tickets: Dh115–Dh200
Contact: 800 969725
Dreamland Aqua Park – Umm Al Quwain
Located on the scenic coastline of Umm Al Quwain, Dreamland Aqua Park is one of the oldest water parks in the UAE. It consists of 17 slides and 10 attractions with enough space to accommodate 7,000 visitors per day.
Slip into the high adrenaline Black Hole, lose yourself in total darkness or race your way down on twin giant body slides in the Mighty GoRound. The park also features a Dead Sea swimming pool for easy floating and an interactive kids’ pool but it’s biggest attraction is the wooden cabanas where you can stay overnight. The place also has a camping ground for bonfire and barbecues. Hugely recommended for couples.
XPRESS Pick:
Twister. Slide inside a 40 metre long tunnel, spin yourself on the bowl’s inner walls and then take a two-metre nosedive. The best thing about Dreamland Aqua Park is that the complete camping gear (airbed mattress, pillows, sleeping bags, BBQ stove and cooler) is provided to those who choose to stay overnight.
Tickets: Dh100–Dh160
Contact: 06–768 1888
Al Montazah Amusement and Water Park – Sharjah
Sharjah’s first waterpark boasts gallons of aquatic fun, excitement and relaxation in equal measure. It has eight pulsating rides all from a height of 15 metres. Sit in a tube and float calmly along the 314 metre long Fun Falaj or go on to the Toofan Tower that features four slides and is suitable for kids and adults.
XPRESS Pick:
Barq Tower. A ride filled with energy, speed and adventure.
Tickets: Dh75–Dh120
Contact: 06–511 0555
