Abu Dhabi: A fish spa, which involves thousands of tiny fish nibbling away at dead skin on the feet, was launched at the Yas Waterworld in the capital, park authorities announced today.
The spa, named Pedi Pond, was welcomed by visitors, many of whom queued up to try the unique pedicure.
The treatment takes place when feet are introduced into a tank of water that is filled with hundreds of freshwater fish, called Garra Rufa, or popularly known as doctor fish. The fish, which normally live in river basins of Turkey, Syria, Iraq and Iran, nibble on the dead skin to remove it.
“Few people know that the Garra Rufa treatment is native to this part of the world. It is a fun experience — and could be quite funny as the nibbling fish can leave you with a tickling sensation. The first few park visitors to try it this weekend absolutely loved it!” said Mike Oswald, Park General Manager.
According to the park’s statement, the Pedi Pond uses more than 13,000 Garra Rufa fish in its tank at all times. They were specially bred on a farm in Germany and are the first ones to be available for commercial foot spa treatments in Abu Dhabi.
The park also offers to take pictures of the moment when fish spa clients first experience the fish and the tickling sensation brought about by the nibbling.
