The story or legend behind the design of the Wild Wadi is that of Juha and Sinbad, the known seafarers. In Arabian folklore, it talks about these two, the last Knights of Errant, returning from their journey into the far east, at the end of which a terrible storm developing in the Arabian Sea caught them. The storm lasted three days, and at the end of the third day, Sinbad and Juha found their dhow taking them to a tropical paradise, something that took their breath away. Their magical place was an oasis with freshwater streams falling from outcrops of rock, lush groves, and coconut palms. The oasis was surrounded by mountains, having a small wadi leading to a lagoon, which flooded easily. Mountains surrounding the paradise, with a small wadi leading to a lagoon, an area that was easily flooded. Inspired, the crewman started making slides and tunnels along the streams to enjoy waterfalls and fast-flowing rides. They created a new life for everyone to enjoy in the water haven. This story inspired the Wild Wadi design, a paradise for everyone looking for water activities.
Read More: Wild Wadi Rules
The inspiration for the design of the Wild Wadi is from Arabic folklore. The children’s story of ocean-bound sailors, Sinbad and Juha discovering a paradise due to a storm. The mesmerizing oasis encouraged them to create water-themed rides. Based on this, the architects of Wild Wadi decided to create multiple interlinked rides in themed wadis that are thrilling in nature. The design strongly features a dramatic waterfall flood event to honor the oasis in the story. The inspired theme and its execution made the waterpark the winner of the 1999 World Waterpark Association Design and theme award.
Know More About Wild Wadi Waterpark
The story of Sinbad and Juha is the inspiration behind the marvelous design of the Wild Wadi, which inspired the design and architecture of the waterpark. It took two years to complete this waterpark, which is a blend of architecture and storytelling. An architect team went to the UAE’s Hajar Mountains to study rock formations and assist with the design of 11,000 square meters of imitation rock world at the waterpark. Rocks, cobbles, and pebbles with the correct color and size were brought in from the Hajar region to create authentic waterfalls and wadi streams. They also brought African teak with cut marks resembling driftwood, which you will see in the entire park. A team of Indian fishermen was hired to create bridges and nets around the park's timber structures to keep them safe. The design incorporates the storytelling of a paradise by planting over 40,000 plants and grass. The best example of design in Wild Wadi inspired by folklore is the Shahbandar’ Souk, which hosts artifacts, money chests, picture frames, and more all on display to blend the Arabian folklore.
Click Here to Know Wild Wadi Facts
Tantrum Alley is a visual and architectural delight with its three thrilling interconnected tornadoes and two waterslides. Every thrill seeker in a pair of four sits in the ring, and it zooms into the very first tornado. Here they slide back and forth, only to circle the eye of the storm. Finally, they hit the last tornado to splash in the pool with a loud noise and too much fun. To enjoy this slide, guests need to be taller than 1.1 meters, with a minimum of two and a maximum of two people entering the ride at one time. Or, if counting the weight, it shouldn’t exceed 650 pounds.
Check Out: Things to Do at Wild Wadi Waterpark
One of the iconic, fastest, and tallest rides, Jumeirah Sceirah has two tandem slides. The thrill seekers climb a 32-meter-high tower initially, enjoying the spectacular view of the waterpark. From here, guests enter the capsules, awaiting the two guests to enjoy riding the Jumeirah simultaneously. The best part is the mystery as you lie in the capsule with your legs and arms crossed, awaiting an adventure. The capsules slide down on a slide that is 120 meters long at an alarming rate of 80 km/h. Within seconds, the tourists are on the slide, and this ride can accommodate only 300 pounds.
Check Out: Hotel Near Wild Wadi Waterpark
Beakers Bay is the largest wave pool in the entire Middle East, a ride that is closer to nature and perfect for all ages. It makes crossing and parallel 1.5-meter waves in five configurations, all different from one another. With long palm trees and other flora surrounding the water, it feels like you are at the beach. Anyone can swim here, no age restrictions, but children do need supervision. Soak up the beautiful views, bob up and down in the water, and swim against the massive waves here.
Click Here for Attraction Near Wild Wadi Waterpark
Master Blaster provides a thrilling experience with its high-powered water jets, taking you on a roller-coaster ride. The master blaster has more than eight gravity-defying rides that plummet the guests from the ground to 15 meters high. The master blaster ride has the White Water Wadi, the starting point from where you go through the other rides. These are Flying Falls, Jebel Lookout, Wadi Leap, Hos’N hurler, Thunder Rapids, Rushing Rapids, Tunnel of Doom, Wadi Basher, and more. To enjoy the master blaster rides, the maximum weight limit for the single ring is 264 lbs, while for the double ring, it is 386 lbs. For children with 110 lb weight and heights taller than 1.1 meter, an adult companion is required for the double ring.
Check Out: Wild Wadi Waterpark Rides
An adventurous ride, Wipeout FlowRider in Wild Wadi is one of the only four such rides found globally. It was designed by American lawyer and self-proclaimed surf fanatic, Thomas Lochtefeld. The flow rider works intricately by shooting over seven tonnes of water/second in a lean sheet across a foam structure. It produces a realistic wave effect, perfect for kneeboarding, proper surfing, bodyboarding, and more. Near the wipeout flow rider is the riptide flow rider, ideal for warming up. It uses the same principle as wipeout, but with a flatter wave, it's easier for surfing.
Jumeirah St - opp. Burj Al Arab - Umm Suqeim - Umm Suqeim 3 - Dubai - United Arab Emirates
By Bus: There are three bus stops near Wild Wadi, Sheikh Zayed Service road (3 min away), Business Bay Seaside Metro Bus Stop (3 min away) and Business Bay Metro Bus Layside (14 min away). Bus line 98E, F20, F14, 9 and 29 runs through these stations towards Wild Wadi.
By Train: Emirates Tower Metro Station is the closest station to Wild Wadi, which is 17-minute away from here.
By Car: From city center, get to Sheikh Zayed Road, continue straight and take the 39th exit onto Umm Suqeim street. From there, head to Jumeirah street and continue towards Wild Wadi Service road. Make a U-turn to reach the entrance of the waterpark.
Here are some Important Tips of Wild Wadi Waterpark
Juha and Sinbad, the wise fools of Arabic folklore, are the inspiration behind the design of this beautiful water theme park. It is known for providing an escape from reality while teaching societal values too.
It took two long years to complete the construction of Wild Wadi Dubai, with the construction beginning in June, 1997 and ended in 1999.
Around 30 rides and attractions, along with 8 master blasters, are offered by Wild Wadi Dubai, a water park themed around popular Arabian folklore, the Tale of Juha.
Also Checkout: Dubai Dolphinarium
The Arabic-themed heritage landscape has multiple rides and attractions over a land area of 3.1 hectares. The total maximum capacity of the park is 2500 people, and there is also concealed parking on site for around 450 vehicles.
No age restrictions are there for kids, other than having a height of 1.1 meters to enjoy the attractions. Also, all kids under the age of 13 should have an adult (16 years of age or older) accompany them.
Outside food is not allowed inside Wild Wadi Dubai, but you can carry a one-liter water bottle inside. However, there are various eateries inside the park where you can eat with your family and friends.