ABU DHABI // The capital's first water park will be a "truly immersive experience" with a theme that honours the UAE's culture and heritage.
Mike Oswald, manager of the under-construction facility on Yas Island, said yesterday that the park's 40 rides and attractions will be completely unique.
Video: cooling off in RAK
October 1, 2010 UAE
The waterpark, located in Ras al Khaimah, is an oasis of cool in the Emirate's desert.
The theme of the Dh604 million attraction is based on an original story called "The Lost Pearl".
It details the adventures of a young Emirati girl named Dana who searches "for an exquisite pearl that brought prosperity to the pearl-diving people of her village".
"From the storyline, everything was developed in the park," Mr Oswald said. "The storyline will dictate the experience of the park."
Guests will follow Dana as she heads into the desert, over mountains, across dunes and to an oasis.
One of the most recognisable features of the attraction will be a giant pearl that will sit atop an outcropping in the centre of the park.
The water park, which is being developed by Aldar and will be managed and operated by Farah Leisure, will feature four rides unique to the park and a pearl diving show.
The 15-hectare attraction - roughly the size of 14 football pitches - is expected to be completed in the last quarter of 2012.
"What will attract people to the water park will be the overall experience we're going to be able to give," Mr Oswald said.
"It's not going to be any particular ride or attraction but the full immersive experience."
The water park will be adjacent to the Ferrari World theme park and will feature restaurants, shops and games in addition to rides and slides.
A progress report released by Aldar in May stated that the project is expected to open in the first quarter of 2013.
The report said that all permits had been received from the municipality.
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Earlier this year, the water park received a one-pearl sustainability rating from the Urban Planning Council for its efforts to reduce water consumption on the site.
