Thrill-seekers have enjoyed a sneak preview of what Yas Waterworld Abu Dhabi has to offer.
Winners of a Facebook competition got the chance to slide, loop and whirl down some of the rides at the eagerly anticipated attraction on Friday.
Fifty people took part in the day of excitement, which came ahead of the park's opening to the public on January 24.
They were given access to Liwa Loop, described as the first-of-its-kind looping waterslide in the Middle East and Dawwama, which is said to be the world's first and largest hydromagnetic Tornado waterslide. Another, Slither's Slide, features a maze of twisty tunnels.
Twenty-five winners of the Challenge Accepted contest, which was on Yas Waterworld Abu Dhabi's Facebook page, each got to bring a friend to the new attraction.
The Dh900 million theme park has 43 rides and slides and pays tribute to the country's pearl-diving heritage. It features a theme park called The Lost Pearl, which follows a young Emirati girl on a quest for a legendary pearl.
The site, which can accommodate about 6,000 people, is expected to attract between 700,000 and 800,000 visitors a year.
A grand opening, which members of the Royal family are expected to attend, will be held ahead of the public opening.
Tickets will cost Dh225 for adults, Dh185 for children below 1.1 metres in height and children three and younger go free.
Visit www.yaswaterworld.com for more information.
ecleland@thenational.ae
