Abu Dhabi’s Yas Waterworld to open Jan 24

Yas Waterworld, which will contain 43 rides, slides and attractions including the world’s first ‘hydromagnetic six-person waterslide’ and the largest ever ‘sheet wave surf ride’, is set to open to the public on January 24, it was announced on Monday.

“The countdown’s begun and we are sure visitors will be wowed by what’s in store,” said Mike Oswald, the park’s general manager, adding that the venue will include “a number of world firsts”.

Yas Waterworld Abu Dhabi is themed around the UAE’s pearl-diving heritage and tells the fictional story of Dana, a young Emirati girl on a quest to find a legendary pearl.

Developed by Aldar Properties, the park will also contain themed restaurants, shops and activities spread over 15 hectares.

The list of attractions includes a wood-raftered souq, the Middle East’s longest suspended roller coaster and the world’s first interactive coaster to incorporate on-board water and laser special effects.

Other family-orientated rides include Slither’s Slides – a maze of six slides and tunnels, including sculptures that spray water, LED light effects which exit through the fanged mouth of a giant snake’s head.

For children, PearlMasters is a treasure-hunt style interactive adventure game, consisting of fire water cannons, puzzles and clues.

“Our temperature-controlled system keeps all the rides comfortable through the winter and summer months,” added Oswald.

Yas Island, Abu Dhabi’s entertainment focal point, already includes a Formula 1 Grand Prix circuit and the Ferrari World indoor theme park. Yas Mall, which will have over 450 retail units, is set to open in the fourth quarter of 2013.

Last month, developer Aldar Properties said third quarter net profit was AED205m, up from AED143.9m in the year-ago period.