As the temperature rises, the urge to slap on sunblock and cool off in chlorinated water is a compelling one if you’re staying in town. A spike in adrenaline and the taste of burgers at UAE waterparks might compose a day that feels like a week-long vacation.
So, here’s a new sub-section to your summer to-do list – 5 slides in UAE waterparks you need to try:
1. Dawamma at Yas Waterworld
A 6-person raft charts a rough course through several water funnels, so you can see your friends’ faces at their most vulnerable.
There are moments you’ll be suspended in the air and you won’t be able to scream.
Adrenaline rush: Medium to High
When: 10pm to 6pm, daily. These may vary – Full timings here.
Tickets: AED 240 per adult
Eat at: Chubby’s Kitchen serves good pizza, but if you’re looking for variety, Yas Mall has a huge Food Court [and a Cinnabon!].
2. Jumeirah Sceirah at Wild Wadi
The floor beneath your feet disappears, but what makes your heart thump faster is the countdown from 3 to 1. Once the shutters open though, it’s an ordinarily- fun slide.
Adrenaline rush: High
When: 10pm to 6pm, daily. These may vary – Full timings here.
Tickets: AED 275 per adult
Eat at: Julshan’s Burgers & Dogs, with Madinat Jumeirah’s Tortuga, Noodle House [and Frioul] a stone’s throw away. JBR’s The Counter is 7-10 minutes away.
3. The Leap of Faith at Aquaventure Waterpark
Slip down a vertical slide for one with nowhere to go but down to the sharks. While this slide, by comparison, doesn’t have too many ups and downs, the speed and view at the end make it a thriller.
Adrenaline rush: Medium to High
When: 10pm to sunset, daily.
Tickets: Day Visitors AED 260 per adult, with AED 195 per adult for UAE Residents
Eat at: Upscale restuarants like Gordon Ramsy’s Bread Street Kitchen & Bar, Nobu or Ossiano. If you’re in the mood for something more casual, 800 Pizza, Russo’s and Per Te are reasonably close by.
4. Black Hole at Dreamland, UAQ
Those stairs to climb with rafts in hand become worth it when the rush is this good. Fashioned when dark slides were the height of scariness, this oldie but goodie is not to be forgotten.
Especially once you’ve visited the pool bar at Dreamland.
Adrenaline rush: Medium to high
When: 10pm to sunset, daily. These may vary – Full timings here.
Tickets: AED 160 per adult
Eat at: Dreamland has a ton of value dining options inside the waterpark with Barracuda’s Aquarius Restaurant nearby.
5. Mount Cyclone at Iceland Waterpark, RAK
In a 3-person raft, this is one of those rides you’ll visit over and over. With waves and funnels, the surprise element is everything here.
They’ve also got watersports at the Iceland beach, like jet skiing and fly fishing. We recommend if you’re going towards RAK, make it a long stay.
Adrenaline rush: Medium to high
When: 10pm to 7pm, daily. These may vary – Full timings here.
Tickets: AED 200 for height over 1.2 metres, AED 230 for stags
Eat at: From Indian chaat to Fish & Chips, there’s an entire Food Village dedicated to feeding you what you want.
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