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Opened in 1999, the Wild Wadi Waterpark in Dubai welcomes almost one million visitors each year. Located halfway between Burj Al Arab and Jumeirah Beach, it drew its inspiration from an Arabian folk-story based around the world-famous sailor, Sinbad, and the Arabian hero, Juha.
Wild Wadi Dubai boasts 30 heart-stopping attractions, around half of which are interconnected, giving thrill-seekers the chance to scream their way all the way around the park. Among its many achievements, the water park is also home to the Jumeirah Sceirah, the largest free-fall waterslide outside of the United States. Standing over 32 metres high, it (briefly) offers unparalleled views of the park and those daring enough to brave the drop will find themselves hurtling along 120 metres of waterslide at speeds of up to 50mph.
If you’re travelling with the family or a group of friends, Wild Wadi Dubai is a superb and exciting way to spend a day. To help you make the most of your visit, we’ve put together a quick guide to one of Dubai’s most popular attractions.
When should I go?
The water park welcomes around 200,000 visitors each day, so it’s well worth going early to avoid the queues. Doors open at 10am, so prepare to get there as early as possible. It’s also worth knowing that weekends are the busiest so, if you can, make your visit during a weekday when it’s much quieter.
Wild Wadi Dubai closes according to the season but generally, the doors stay open until 6pm. The park also operates Late Night Fridays, when it keeps the excitement up until 10pm.
In addition, there are Ladies Nights on Thursdays. However, neither of these events are regularly scheduled, so it’s worth keeping an eye on the website.
How to get there
If you’re driving, you’ll find Wild Wadi just under 20 minutes’ drive from the Downtown area. Hop on the E11 motorway, turn right onto Al Thanya Street and follow the signs from there. If you’re coming from Dubai Marina, take the D94, which will take you straight there in about 20 minutes.
For those who’d rather catch the bus, numbers 8, 81, 88 and the X28 all drop passengers off and pick them up from the Wild Wadi bus stop. Alternatively, taxis are plentiful in Dubai and will deliver you straight to the waterpark’s doors.
Things to know before you go
Bringing your own food and drink into the park is strictly prohibited, so make use of the waterpark’s three restaurants, one of which has a live cooking station. For snacks and on-the-go refreshments, there are two cafés serving light bites and drinks. For a taste of the high life, book a cabana in advance. These are shaded areas set along the length of the Juha’s Journey Lazy River and come equipped with sun loungers, tables and chairs and a fridge.
In addition, you’ll be able to jump the queues at the White Water Wadi ride and make use of the free towels that come as part of the package.
Tickets
Tickets to Wild Wadi Dubai can be bought in advance online, which is a great way to beat the queues. However, you can also buy tickets on the door, although you might have to wait for a while. Tickets are charged according to height, so it’s worth busting out the tape-measure if you’re booking in advance.
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