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'The UAE's largest theme park'
What its developers are billing as the largest theme park in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) will open within two years in Ras Al Khaimah.
The Wow RAK development includes two adjacent theme parks alongside a non-ticketed shopping and entertainment plaza and a kabana resort.
The AED850 million (€174/$232m) venue will be developed by India’s Polo Amusement Park alongside RAK Investment Authority and RAK Properties, subsidiaries of the Ras Al Khaimah Government. Together they have formed a local company, Polo RAK Amusements LLC.
“Wow RAK is the reflection of the vision of HH Sheikh Saud Bin Saqr Al Qasimi, crown Prince and deputy ruler of Ras Al Khaimah, to turn the emirate into a hub of tourism by increasing hotel infrastructure and offering world class facilities,” reveals Dr Khater Massaad, CEO of the RAK Investment Authority.
The Ice Land waterpark, spread over 30 acres, is designed to blend with the scenic beauty of the Al Hajar Mountains that will surround it – a unique back drop for a waterpark. A 35-metre-tall, 160 metre-wide waterfall will provides a spectacular entrance to the park.
As the name suggests, Ice Park will feature a winter theme. Emerging from snow-capped rocky mountains will be five towers hosting 26 water slides. There will also be a kiddie waterpark, a coral reef and the world’s largest rain dance pool.
Covering 24 acres, the Planet Earth theme park, will feature five themed zones, each representing an Earth element and comprised of one anchor attraction and three to four family/thrill rides. All the zones and the attractions within them are designed to offer relief from Ras Al Khaimah’s inherent heat, via the use of water, snow, ice and greenery.
The Mountains will offer a rafting experience and additional attractions like ice slides and a snow play area. Themed around the seas, The Oceanic will be anchored by a water chute ride through an aquarium. The Dessert would add a little local flavour to the park with its sand finishes and dessert flora. The main ride here will be a 700-metre-long wooden rollercoaster, the first of its kind in the region. As well as the amusement rides there will also be dessert karting, camel rides and Arabic cuisine. Inside The Jungle, guests will be able to an interactive safari ride featuring rare animal species, as well as a hedge maze. Completing Planet Earth, paradoxically, will be The Space, creating an astronomical experience featuring an intergalactic indoor rollercoaster and a 3D theatre.
Wow RAK’s retail offering will be anchored by the Mall of Ras Al Khaimah, a 12,000 square metre shopping and entertainment plaza themed around a rail journey. The mall will also serve as a gateway to the both the waterpark and theme park.
Polo RAK Amusements are aiming for a 2008 opening and estimate the Wow RAK development will cater for up to 15,000 guests daily.
