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Aquarabia is the latest major addition to Saudi Arabia’s Qiddya, with the under-construction waterpark project set to be the largest in the Middle East when it opens in 2025
Tom Anstey | Planet Attractions | 10 May 2024
Aquarabia will be split up into nine themed zones, all of which have been inspired by the native animals that inhabit the area around Qiddiya Credit: Aquarabia
The Middle East’s largest waterpark is coming to Saudi Arabia’s Qiddya, with the SAR2.8bn (US$750m, €672.8m, £562.2m) development promising to be a first-of-its-kind attraction as the region continues to heavily invest in attractions and tourism ventures.
Called Aquarabia, the 250,000sq m (2.7 million sq ft) water theme park will be themed on ancient desert wellsprings, with the attraction set to feature twenty-two rides and family-friendly water-based experiences.
Designed to complement the also under-construction Six Flags park - the first to be built outside the US - the waterpark will be built around a mountain-like structure, with themed zones inspired by the native animals of the region.
Among the attractions will be four record-breaking additions, including the world's tallest water coaster, the tallest drop body slide, the tallest water slide, and the longest mat racer.
Aquarabia will also feature an underwater adventure ride featuring fully submersible cars, while an extreme watersports zone will be dedicated to sports such as rafting, kayaking, canyoneering, free solo climbing and cliff jumping. The waterpark will also debut Saudi Arabia’s first surf pool.
Complementing the water attractions and sporting activities will be a collection of 17 food and beverage outlets, and retail stores.
The park’s design will also feature sustainability elements, with advanced environmental systems to minimise the use of water through recycling and smart usage. According to QIC, some rides will use 75% less water compared to their traditional counterparts, while any rainwater that falls on the site will also be captured, treated and reused for irrigation purposes.
“This announcement marks a significant milestone for Qiddiya City and for the entertainment, tourism and sports sector,” said Qiddiya Investment Company managing director Abdullah Aldawood.
“As we keep expanding our entertainment offering, Aquarabia and Six Flags Qiddiya City will fulfil the diverse entertainment needs of our community, contribute to the diversification of our economy and create job opportunities in the tourism sector.”
Aquarabia and Six Flags Qiddiya City will both be located within Qiddiya City in an entirely walkable neighbourhood where visitors can find a selection of activities, dining outlets and accommodation options. Both parks are being built to be “seamlessly integrated”, so visitors can travel from one park to the other with ease.
Both parks are expected to open in 2025 and are being created to support Saudi Arabia’s 2030 Vision plan, which aims to achieve the goal of increased diversification economically, socially and culturally.
The unveiling of Aquarabia follows the announcement of a plethora of entertainment, sports, and cultural attractions in Qiddiya City, including the world's first multi-use Gaming and Esports District, the multi-sports Prince Mohammed bin Salman Stadium, the Speed Park track and the highly-anticipated Dragon Ball theme park.
Waterparks
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