In pictures: Take a look around Yas Waterworld Abu Dhabi

Yas Waterworld Abu Dhabi will open on Thursday, 24 January 2013. Sammy Dallal / The National

Construction on the eagerly anticipated attraction began in November 2010 and had been expected to launch in the fourth quarter of 2012. Sammy Dallal / The National

The Yas Waterworld Abu Dhabi covers 15 hectares and has 43 rides, slides and attractions. Sammy Dallal / The National

Attractions include the longest suspended rollercoaster and the longest waterslide in the Middle East. Sammy Dallal / The National

Another attraction will be the Dawwama ride, a 20-metre high funnel that uses hydromagnetic power to propel six riders at a time uphill. Sammy Dallal / The National

The theme of the park, based on the story of Dana, an Emirati girl who is searching for a pearl, pays tribute to the UAE's pearl-diving heritage. Sammy Dallal / The National