Wild Wadi Water Park

Wild Wadi is a state-of-the-art water park that sits in the shadow of the sail-shaped Burj Al Arab hotel. There are 30 rides and attractions for all ages, ranging from relaxing floats to high-speed thrill slides. A lot of the rides are interconnected so you don’t have to get out of the water to get in line. The theme running through the park is the Legend of Juha, a character who traveled the world with Sinbad the Sailor.

Jumeirah Sceirah is the park’s most popular and thrilling ride, standing at 105 feet (32 metres) tall. Climb to the top of the tower, step inside the see-through chamber and wait as the automated countdown begins. At “zero” a trap door opens, sending riders rushing down nearly 400 feet (120 metres) of water slide at up to 50 miles (80 kilometres) per hour. Twin slides sit side by side so two riders can race each other.

Test out your body-boarding skills at The Wipeout and Riptide Flow Riders where wave machines shoot out 7 tons (6 tonnes) of water per second to create powerful fast-flowing waves.   

There are plenty of gentler rides for younger children and those not attracted to speed. Sit on an inflatable tube for a peaceful cruise along Juha’s Journey, a 1,200-foot (360-metre) lazy river. Venture into Juha’s Dhow and Lagoon, a family play area with more than a hundred activities including slides, dumping buckets and water guns.

Step out of the water and join the excited crowds who gather to watch Wadi Washed. This is a choreographed sound, light and water show near the park’s entrance. It recreates a flash flood and takes place throughout the day. More than 60,000 tons (53,571 tonnes) of water are sent crashing down a cliff face as lightning flashes and thunder cracks during the seven-minute display.

Wild Wadi is open every day. Closing times vary throughout the year so check the park’s website before your visit. Ticket prices are reduced during the last two hours prior to the park closing.  

Situated on the Jumeirah Beach Road, Wild Wadi is approximately a 30-minute drive from Dubai International Airport. Free parking is available.