We finally got around to visiting Yas Waterworld in Abu Dhabi last weekend! We love water parks but this latest one in the UAE is far from us. It’s in another emirate and about two hours drive from where we live.

With 43 rides and experiences, it’s hard to get round them all. Others will probably opt to try the most extreme first, while we first dipped our feet to the cool waters of the artificial beach, the most tame among the attractions there.

Most of the rides are for those with height of 110cm and above so Benjamin wasn’t able to join in. But he had so much fun anyway, just hanging around Amwaj – a cool place that looks like a beach, without the sand but with waves!

The water play section for kids won’t fail to entertain the water bugs!

The ride with the huge funnel called the Dawwama was closed for maintenance so we were not able to try it out. To be honest, I was happy it was not available otherwise, I would have lost excuses with my thrill-seeking daughter.

My favorite ride was Sebag as it is a combination of fear and delight. It’s only a few seconds of your life which could either be your best or your worst. LOL! It’s unique because you lie belly down on a special rubber mat with handles to hold on to and then slide down with super speed. You can race with your friends who gets to the finish line at the bottom. Super fun!

We also got into that suspended roller coaster called Bandit Bomber – a one of a kind ride that  will keep you hanging on the Middle East’s longest suspended roller coaster for 550 metres!

Another one we experienced was the Slither Alley. The name says it all, it has sharp snake-like turns (some in pitch dark – my absolute fear!) that’s very exciting. You either go on your own floaters or a team of two.  Pristine and I went together and she almost lost her voice when we landed in the pool below!

We survived one day in Yas Waterworld in August (when some people highly discourage it as it is still so hot). It was pretty manageable we just needed to be in the water always and in the shade as much as we can.

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When you get there, don’t miss this big bucket challenge at the children’s area!

TIPS {a few hopefully helpful tips based on our experience}

1. From now until maybe the end of October (or when you decide midday is still hot), it may be better to arrive at the park at around 4 pm when the breeze is cooler and the sun’s rays are tamer. The park closes at 8pm so even if you arrive at 4 in the afternoon, you still have time to enjoy. Otherwise, prepare to get really tanned and with the humidity still high, it is tough especially for younger kids.

It might even be wiser to wear sun protective swim wear than regular swim wear, at least for the younger kids (although I wore my UV Skinz too!).

2. Lockers and towels are to be rented so either prepare cash for it or bring your own towels.

3. Buy the Premium tickets (can also be called “fast track” tickets) if you can. Premium ticket holders have a separate queue and it’s generally quicker as there’s virtually no one in the queue (at least when we were there). Otherwise, be prepared to wait for up to an hour on popular rides especially on the weekends!

4. You may already know this but bringing outside food is not allowed inside the park. Security at the entrance strictly checks all the bags. There are food outlets inside if you get hungry of course.

5. Be prepared to climb to several flights of stairs for most rides. It is exhausting but that’s what makes the rides so thrilling as the drop is from so high!

We recommend this part as a great day out for families! If you’re in the living in the UAE, do not miss it!

Tickets cost Dhs240 (regular), Dhs440 (premium), Dhs195 for children under 1.1m tall. Kids under the age of three go free. For more information about other ticket options, visit www.yaswaterworld.com.