Thing to do
Abu Dhabi Corniche
An 8-kilometre waterfront promenade along the Abu Dhabi island waterfront, with separate walking and cycling paths, parks, cafés and a public beach.
Yas Waterworld Abu Dhabi
An Emirati-themed water park on Yas Island, opened in 2013, with more than 40 rides and slides set around the story of a girl's search for a lost pearl.
At a glance
- Type
- Water park
- Area
- Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
Good to know
- More than 40 rides and slides
- Family areas
- Emirati-themed storyline
Why we recommend it
Yas Waterworld opened on Yas Island in 2013 and quickly became one of the best-known water parks in the region. It was developed by Aldar Properties and is operated by Miral, the company behind Ferrari World, Warner Bros. World and SeaWorld on the same island. The park covers about 15 hectares and has more than 40 rides, slides and attractions.
Unlike many water parks, it has a story. The park is themed around The Legend of the Lost Pearl, which follows Dana, a young Emirati girl searching for a legendary pearl that once brought prosperity to her village. The theme runs through the architecture, ride names and decoration, and it gives the park a local character that sets it apart from more generic resorts. There is even a Yas Pearl Diving Experience, which introduces visitors to the pearling tradition that shaped life on this coast before oil.
For thrill-seekers, Bandit Bomber was described as the first roller coaster built into a water park. Jebel Drop and Hamlool's Humps are the tallest rides, and Liwa Loop is the fastest. Dawwama and Cinesplash are among six rides that were unique to the park when it opened. Not every ride is extreme, so families with younger children and visitors who prefer a gentler pace can still fill a day here.
The park has won recognition from the industry, including a Leading Edge Award from the World Waterpark Association in 2012, and it set a Guinness World Record in April 2019 for the most nationalities in a swimming pool.
It suits families, groups of friends and teenagers looking for a day of thrills. Plan to spend most of a day and arrive close to opening time, as queues for the big slides build through the afternoon. Opening days and hours vary through the year, so check the official schedule before you go and book tickets online. Bring swimwear that follows the park's dress rules, high-factor sunscreen and a hat for time between rides.
Yas Waterworld is close to Ferrari World and Warner Bros. World, and Yas Island has a good choice of hotels, so it is easy to combine several parks over a long weekend. Taxis from central Abu Dhabi are the simplest way to get there.
Yas Waterworld Abu Dhabi FAQs
When did Yas Waterworld open?
In 2013.
How many rides are there?
More than 40 rides, slides and attractions.
What is the park's theme?
The Legend of the Lost Pearl, the story of an Emirati girl called Dana searching for a pearl that brought prosperity to her village.
What are the biggest rides?
Jebel Drop and Hamlool's Humps are the tallest, and Liwa Loop is the fastest.
What is Bandit Bomber?
A ride described as the first roller coaster built into a water park.
Who runs the park?
Miral, which also operates Ferrari World, Warner Bros. World and SeaWorld on Yas Island.
How long should you allow?
Most of a day, arriving close to opening time.