Summer, the scorching hot season, is in full swing! So, how do you cool off? In the desert, this season can be so notorious that you might want to lock yourself in the room, turn the AC in full blast and lounge in the sofa with a scoop of ice cream. No sweat but poooff... there goes all your summer weekends to waste!
In the UAE, summer means surprises (sale in shopping malls) and splashes (fun in water parks). And I'd choose the latter at any given day. As they say, collect moments not things! :) This country has the finest water parks. In fact, two of which are among the world's top 10 according to TripAdvisor!
Here are my five favorite water parks in this sunny side of the globe:
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| ultimate summer destinations in the UAE |
Atlantis Aquaventure
Dubai
Aquaventure water park is superbly located in the crown jewel of Palm Jumeirah - Atlantis. Whether you're in for a day of adventure or a moment of tranquility, you got a spot in this excellent property. It has 700 meters of private beach, record breaking water slides, a shark safari, and a lagoon for cownose ray feeding! No wonder why Aquaventure landed on the eighth spot in TripAdvisor's World's Best Water Parks on last year's Travelers' Choice awards.
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| world-class attractions and stunning views at Atlantis Aquaventure |
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| summer of 2011 in Atlantis |
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| one fine sunny day at Aquaventure's pristine beach |
Dreamland Aqua Park
Umm Al Quwain
Lies in the quiet Emirate of Umm Al Quwain is a water park that could easily bring out the kid in you. Dreamland Aqua Park transports you to a dreamy yet crazy wonderland of dragons and hippos, of relaxing streams and thrilling slides. It also has a camping ground for bonfire and barbecues. It is nearly two decades old, inaugurated on June 1997, yet still remains to be a well-loved family destination in the country.
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| Twisting Dragons at Dreamland Aqua Park |
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| the friendly battle between Ed and a dragon |
Iceland Water Park
Ras Al Khaimah
Iceland Water Park is a unique Arctic-themed water park in the up and rising Emirate of Ras Al Khaimah. With the one-of-a-kind concept and a catchy tagline Let's Freeze the Desert, Iceland captured a lot of attention when it opened a few years ago. There ain't no real penguins and ice, but it has the largest man-made waterfalls in the world, adrenaline rushing slides for the adults and kid-friendly attractions.
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| Summer 2012 in Iceland RAK |
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| Mount Attack - three kinds of heart pounding water slide in Iceland water park |
Wild Wadi Water Park
Dubai
Wild Wadi is a prime leisure destination located in the heart of Dubai, right across the majestic Burj Al Arab. It is an Arabian-themed water park based on an Arabic folklore. Here, you'll be treated to a fun and thrilling journey in water channels that resemble wadis in the desert mountains. It has 30 rides at different thrill levels; most popular is the Jumeirah Sceirah - one the longest and fastest water slide in the region. Wild Wadi is on the 6th spot in TripAdvisor's list of Best Water Parks of 2014.
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| Ed's first surfing experience at the Riptide |
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| amazing view from the old Jumeirah Sceirah - photo taken 2009 |
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| Master Blasters - a series of high speed water coasters in Wild Wadi |
Yas Waterworld
Abu Dhabi
Yas Waterworld is Abu Dhabi's answer to Dubai's Wild Wadi. The newest water park in the country also possess the great Arabian adventure concept; attractions are based on the legend of The Lost Pearl. But what makes Yas Waterworld unique are the heart-pumping rides like a 360-degree looping water slide, a hydromagnetic-powered slide and a suspended rollercoaster - the longest in the UAE.
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| impressive Arabian-themed water park in Yas Island |
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| fun in the sun at Yas Waterworld |
So, where are you heading this summer? Whichever you choose from my top five, I'm pretty sure you'll have a summer to remember! :) Have a blast, but don't forget the sunscreen! ;)
More of my favorites in these posts:
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