Iceland Water Park plans theme park in Abu Dhabi

About  one year after starting a major water theme park in Ras Al Khaimah, India-based water theme operator plans to open its second water theme park in Abu Dhabi. 

Senior officials of Iceland Water Park told 'Emirates24|7' that the management has been encouraged by the number of domestic and international tourists flocking to the largest man-made water parks in the Middle East that attracts holiday seekers, corporate clients and other pleasure seekers. 

Iceland Water Park, located in Al Hamra, RAK, part of Polo Water Park LLC Incorporated in Ras Al Khaimah, is a $100 million recreation facility that was opened for visitors in September 2010. The park has already attracted more than 30,000 visitors last year and it is a much sought after holiday destination.  Spread across 120 acres of land close to the Arabian Sea, it can accommodate 15,000 people a day and some of its facilities are unique and the largest in the world. 

“We are planning the next Water Theme Park in Abu Dhabi. Serious discussions have been going on and we are about to finalise a deal," said sources aware of the future plans of Iceland Water Park LLC. 

The source said the park will have several rides and facilities including the largest man-made water fall in which 100,000 gallons of water per minute will flow from the sea water distillery. This year the firm expects visitors to hit 50,000. 

Sanjeev Aluwalia, Chief Executive Officer of the Park said the group has major expansion plans but the current focus is to complete the Ras Al Khaimah projects, especially the construction of 180 chalet-type resorts, a major hyper market and other facilities adjacent to the existing water and ice park.  “We have our expansion plans and it is too preliminary to make a statement about plans in Abu Dhabhi. Our immediate priority is to complete the hypermarket project in Ras Al Khaimah and we will make further announcements. Plans are being made now and there are some changes in our Ras Al Khaimah project,” he elaborated. 

About Dh50 million is being spend for expanding the RAK facility. The Ras Al Khaimah Park will also add new ice skating rinks, he added. The group runs water parks in India, the UAE and Uzbekistan. 

The water park recreational facility in Ras Al Khaimah is the first phase of the 125-acre WOW RAK Theme Park, which is scheduled for completion in 2012. Some of the unique water and ice ride facilities in the park include Acqua Soccer and Wet Football where football players will enjoy the feel of heavy rains during the matches. At Coral Isles, Knuckling Pool visitors can see and swim with fish. At the world’s largest rain dance pool 6,000 people can dance at a time. 

The second phase in the WOW RAK project consists of a chalet-type seaside resort and shopping mall – including a 4D theatre and ice-skating. The development is run by a joint venture called Polo RAK Amusement, which consists of India’s Polo Amusement Group, RAK Properties and RAK Investment Authority (RAKIA). Investors of the planned Abu Dhabi Park are not yet revealed. 

“The number of visitors to the Park has been encouraging. As the park is located near the Oman UAE boarder, a lot of Omani visitors come to the Ras Al Khaimah facility, but new efforts are being made to attract tourists and pleasure seekers from Saudi Arabia. The company has recently signed a long term strategic alliance with Al Gaith al Moosa Travel Agency, which has extensive network in Saudi Arabia, and other GCC and Middle Eastern countries. Effective December 1, all clients of Alta are given free entrance at the Water Park. 

On December 31, 2011 Iceland Water Park expects at least 10,000 visitors for their special overnight New Year Eve event that will start from 11am on December 31 and last until 1am on January 1, 2012. The main attraction for the event will be a live band, fireworks, belly dancing, African dances, henna and face painting, variety cuisine and various other attractions for children. 

Starting from March 2012, Iceland Water Park is introducing ladies nights every Friday from 7pm to 11pm where women and children below eight years will be allowed to enjoy the facilities at the park for a discounted rate.

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