Miral has announced that construction of the 16,900sqm expansion of Yas Waterworld Yas Island, Abu Dhabi is now more than 55 per cent complete, and is set to open in 2025.

The expansion of the region’s leading water park will increase guest capacity by 20 per cent with the introduction of 18 new rides and attractions and 3.3km of slide sections, taking the park's total to more than 70 rides and experiences. Among the upcoming attractions will be the UAE’s highest slide and the first water-based amusement ride integrated into a waterslide complex, featuring a 15-metre drop and capable of accommodating 20 guests at a time.

Key construction milestones include the pouring of more than 10,662 cubic meters of concrete, more than 67 per cent of the concrete required in the expansion, and the installation of 25 per cent of the steel columns.

Jonathan Brown, Miral’s Chief Portfolio Officer, said: “This expansion, building on Yas Waterworld’s popularity with both local and international visitors over the past decade, reaffirms our commitment to constantly elevating Yas Island’s position as a leading global destination for entertainment and leisure. We are thrilled to be providing our guests from around the world an enriched and exciting new experience.”

The expansion will include several slides and water rides, including The Legend of the Lost Village, a continuation of The Legend of the Lost Pearl, which reflects the UAE’s rich pearl-diving heritage, as well as eight additional pools, and new food and beverage outlets. Younger visitors will also be able to experience Dawwama Junior and Sebag, scaled-down versions of Yas Waterworld’s most iconic rides.

Since its opening in 2013, the park has received more than 65 industry awards and accolades, including the Guiness World Records title for World’s Largest Swimming Lesson. In 2023, Yas Waterworld was presented with the Gold Award for Innovation in Entertainment Events from MENA Stevie Awards, the Best of the Best Things to Do award from TripAdvisor, and the Middle East’s Leading Water Park award from World Travel Awards 2024.

Yas Waterworld is part of the wider offering of Yas Island that includes world-class attractions such as Ferrari World Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, Warner Bros. World Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, CLYMB Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, Yas Bay Waterfront, home to the UAE’s largest indoor multi-purpose venue Etihad Arena, the world’s first-ever Warner Bros. themed hotel, and the world’s largest indoor marine-life park, SeaWorld Yas Island, Abu Dhabi.