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WhiteWater has been named as the supplier to Qiddiya’s Aquarabia, with the company set to deliver a range of groundbreaking and record-breaking products to the under-construction attraction
Tom Anstey | Planet Attractions | 14 May 2024
The park will feature record-breaking attractions and a number of firsts for the Middle East Credit: WhiteWater
Following the announcement of the record-breaking Aquarabia in Saudi Arabia's Qiddiya City, waterpark supplier WhiteWater has revealed its part in the project, with the company set to design and deliver all 22 rides and attractions for the project.
Covering 250,000sq m (2.7 million sq ft) the park is being built around a mountain-like structure dubbed Camel Rock, with themed zones inspired by the native animals of the region.
Among its family offerings, the park will include a FusionFortress 18 structure, which features ground-level interactives so children with limited mobility can explore and engage with numerous water-based interactives. The first play structure of this scale in the world, the FusionFortress 18 will have 181 interactive play features, 11 water slides, two tipping buckets, and a water geyser spraying nearly 30m (100ft) into the air. The tower is also themed with hand-carved desert animals and vibrant geometric patterns.
Aquarabia will also be home to a number of attractions not yet seen in the Middle East. Among these regional firsts will be a Mat Blaster water slide and an AquaLoop + Flatline Loop Fusion - an offering which merges two drop slides together into one slidepath. Both of these attractions will sit at the heart of the park, emerging from Camel Rock.
The park will feature some dry options with a chance of soaking, with Hyper Viper and Wadi Tahaddi. Hyper Viper is a boat ride that sees riders drop 15m (49ft) for a giant splash enhanced by WhiteWater with enhanced lighting and spray features. Wadi Tahaddi is a spinning rapids ride that fits six people into circular rafts as they ride along a 600m (2,000ft) river featuring multiple elements and fast-flowing water.
A major feature of Aquarabia is another first in the form of the first inland surf pool in Saudi Arabia. Powered by WhiteWater’s Endless Surf, the pool will deliver an authentic surf experience with wave customisation and surf zones to accommodate surfers of all skill levels at the same time.
The park’s design also includes sustainability elements, with advanced environmental systems to minimise water use 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.
“We are deeply honoured to be a partner of the groundbreaking Aquarabia Qiddiya City and eager to bring our innovative water slides, attractions, and experiences to this remarkable destination in Saudi Arabia,” said Mike Rigby, GM & RVP, Middle East at WhiteWater.
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 increase 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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