Atlantis Aquaventure is getting a whole lot bigger

The Middle East’s biggest water theme park is adding a lot of water - and thrills – to the visitor experience.

Atlantis Aquaventure, a Mega destination on Palm Jumeirah is setting sights on 2m visitors a year and much more.

Currently, the biggest water-based theme parks pull in around 2.5 million visitors a year.

Aquaventure has gone through the “biggest waterpark expansion in history”. The numbers would suggest so – to an already massive 17 hectare, a further 5.5 hectares has been tagged on.

All of that space has come in handy for a combined 79 rides - including the longest slide in the world at 450 metres plus - and attractions, 26 ‘marine experiences’ water sports activities, and 26 F&B outlets.

“What we have now is more than a waterpark – when we looked at the expansion plans, there were three things on the horizon,” said Tim Kelly, Executive Vice-President and Managing Director, Atlantis Dubai.

“On the Palm itself, there will be more than 10,000 hotel rooms by end of next year, plus the additional residences. And Dubai by end of 2022 will have over 150,000 hotel rooms”, he added.

“That’s a lot of inventory and a lot happening continually to raise Dubai’s position as a tourist destination. First, opening of Atlantis The Royal in the fourth quarter this year, which will add more critical mass at the destination”. (Atlantis The Royal features 795 hotel rooms and 231 residences, which include some of the priciest units in Dubai currently. Starting prices are from Dh6.99 million.)