YasWaterworld rides installed ahead of Q4 launch

Developer Aldar Properties has said that all 43 rides at its US $165 million Yas Waterworld Aqua Park project have now been installed ahead of the attraction's opening in the fourth quarter of this year.

The attraction, which is next to Ferrari world on Abu Dhabi's Yas Island, spreads across 15 hectares of land and will be operated by Farah Leisure.

The company, which is in the midst of a $15bn merger process with competitor Sorouh Real Estate, said that many of the rides being built at the park will be the first of their kind in the region.

"On site, construction has progressed rapidly. All ride installation is now complete with good progress being made on themed rockworks and external facades," Aldar said in a construction progress report .

"Work on the internal finishes, fitout and landscaping is in full swing. Mechanical and electrical installation is progressing well and preparations have commenced for energisation and testing and commissioning."

With a theme which pays tribute to Emirati culture and the country's pearl diving heritage, the waterpark will include 43 rides, slides and attractions.

The rides follow the adventures of the waterpark's main character Dana, a young Emirati girl in search of a legendary pearl which brought prosperity to the people of her village.

"Soaring 45 metres above ground, Jebel Dana will be the newest tourism beacon drawing regional and international crowds heading to the island when YasWaterworld Aqua Park opens later this year," Mike Oswald, park manager, said in February.