15 Best Theme and Water Parks in the Middle East
The Middle East boasts a vibrant array of theme parks and water parks, predominantly situated in Abu Dhabi, Dubai, and various other emirates. The latest addition to this thrilling landscape is SeaWorld Abu Dhabi, located on Yas Island, which is already home to numerous other Middle East theme parks.
In a bid to diversify its economy and lessen its dependence on oil, Saudi Arabia is developing a multitude of attractions. While the existing parks may not match the grandeur of the world-class venues on our list, exciting new projects are underway, including Six Flags Qiddiya, the kingdom’s inaugural water park, and the world’s first Dragon Ball theme park.
In significant news for the region, a new Disneyland is set to open in Abu Dhabi, developed by Miral, the emirate’s creator of immersive destinations.
Given the hot and arid climate, many parks in the Middle East feature aquatic attractions and indoor rides. Continue reading for our selection of the top theme parks and water parks in the region, from Ferrari World Abu Dhabi to Atlantis Aquaventure – presented in no particular order.
Ferrari World Abu Dhabi
First on our list is Ferrari World Abu Dhabi, the Middle East’s leading theme park and the first-ever Ferrari-branded indoor theme park. Home to thrilling rides, incredible attractions, and spectacular shows, Ferrari World Abu Dhabi is located on Yas Island in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Rides include Formula Rossa, the world’s fastest coaster, and Flying Aces, a dynamic coaster featuring one of the tallest loops globally. The immersive new coaster, Mission Ferrari, opened in 2022.
Yas Waterworld Abu Dhabi
Spread across 37 acres on Yas Island, Yas Waterworld Abu Dhabi features over 60 rides, slides, and experiences catering to various thrill levels. Designed to celebrate the UAE’s pearl-diving heritage, the water park boasts the world’s largest surf-able sheet wave and the region’s first and only 5D water adventure. Opened in 2013, Yas Waterworld is also owned and operated by Miral.
Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi
The first Warner Bros.-branded indoor theme park globally, Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi, is also situated on Yas Island. This park features 29 exhilarating rides, family-friendly attractions, and live entertainment, covering 1.65 million square feet with six immersive lands, alongside shopping and dining experiences. Opened in 2018, Warner Bros. World brings to life DC superheroes such as Superman and Batman, as well as beloved animated characters like Bugs Bunny and Scooby-Doo.
Global Village, Dubai
Global Village, a multicultural festival park in Dubai, celebrated its 25th anniversary in 2022. This attraction offers a blend of culture, shopping, dining, and entertainment, featuring over 150 street food outlets and 27 shopping pavilions. It also includes the Carnaval funfair, which boasts games and attractions. Global Village provides guests with the chance to experience the culture and diversity of more than 78 countries in one location.
Motiongate Dubai
Motiongate Dubai is the flagship theme park at Dubai Parks and Resorts, which also includes Legoland Dubai and Legoland Water Park. Opened in October 2016, Motiongate Dubai is the largest Hollywood-inspired theme park in the Middle East, featuring 27 thrilling rides and attractions inspired by popular films such as Shrek, Madagascar, and Ghostbusters.
Legoland Dubai Resort
Legoland Dubai and Legoland Water Park together offer 60 interactive rides, water slides, shows, and Lego building experiences. Opened in 2016, the resort has recently added the region’s first Legoland Hotel, enhancing its appeal as a family-friendly destination.
SeaWorld Abu Dhabi
SeaWorld Abu Dhabi, the region’s first marine life theme park, officially opened to the public on Yas Island in May 2023. Covering five indoor levels and over 183,000 square metres, it offers eight immersive realms with family-friendly experiences, including animal encounters and presentations, alongside more than 15 rides and attractions.
Atlantis Aquaventure, Dubai
Aquaventure at Atlantis the Palm in Dubai opened in 2008 and is renowned as the world’s largest water park, featuring 79 exhilarating slides and water rides. The park has recently expanded, adding new attractions to enhance its status as a premier destination in the region.
Wild Wadi Waterpark, Dubai
Located in Dubai and overlooking the Burj Al Arab, Wild Wadi Waterpark is an outdoor water park with 30 rides and attractions. Opened in 1998, it is operated by Jumeirah and offers a variety of aquatic attractions, including wave pools and thrilling waterslides.
IMG Worlds of Adventure, Dubai
Owned by IMG Group, IMG Worlds of Adventure is a vast indoor theme park that spans four zones, including Cartoon Network and Marvel lands. Launched in 2016, it covers over 1.5 million square feet and features roller coasters, thrill rides, and themed attractions.
Dreamland Aqua Park, UAE
Inaugurated in June 1997, Dreamland Aqua Park is located in Umm Al Quwain and is the largest water park in the region, boasting over 250,000 square metres of land. The venue includes numerous waterslides and attractions, as well as camping facilities and dining options.
Al Montazah Parks, UAE
Al Montazah Parks in Sharjah covers over 126,000 square metres and consists of two parks: the theme park Island of Legends and the water park Pearls Kingdom. The latter features more than 25 thrilling rides and attractions, including a wave pool and slide tower.
Saraya Aqaba Waterpark, Jordan
Opened in July 2021, Saraya Aqaba Waterpark is Jordan’s first world-class water park and the largest in the kingdom, featuring over 25 rides, slides, and experiences across more than 28,500 square metres.
Quest, Qatar
Launched in 2021, Quest is Qatar’s first-ever indoor theme park, covering 32,000 square metres within Doha Oasis. It features over 30 rides and attractions, including the world’s tallest indoor roller coaster and the tallest indoor drop tower ride.
The Lost Paradise of Dilmun Water Park, Bahrain
The Lost Paradise of Dilmun, Bahrain’s largest water park, is set in 77,000 square metres of desert oasis. Opened in 2007, it features over 20 slides and attractions, including a lazy river and wave pool, inspired by Bahrain’s ancient history.
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