Immersive destinations and experiences creator, Miral, has announced a 16,900m² expansion to Yas Island’s Yas Waterworld in Abu Dhabi.
Set for construction completion in 2025, the expansion will see the addition of slide sections and an expected 20 per cent growth in guest capacity through the addition of 18 new rides and attractions, taking the park total to more than 60 rides and experiences.
Once open, the park will include the UAE’s highest slide, as well as the Gulf Cooperation Council’s first amusement ride in a water park, that is integrated within a waterslide complex.
Mohamed Abdalla Al Zaabi, group CEO of Miral, commented: “This expansion marks another addition to our world-class attractions and experiences on Yas Island, and a testament to achieving our vision of positioning it as a top global destination for entertainment and leisure.”
For the last decade, Yas Waterworld has immersed guests in the coolest rides and attractions as well as shopping and dining options – the new expansion will enable guests to embark on a journey to discover hidden treasures and secret passages, intertwined with fun attractions.
Features of the new expansion include a swim up bar, a high-thrill boat ride, racing and tube slides, family raft rides, and a duelling master blaster. Mini thrill seekers can look forward to smaller scaled versions of Yas Waterworld’s most iconic rides, such as a mini-Dawwama, which will be the region’s only kids’ mini blaster fusion ride with two blaster sections and a thrilling rattler end section, as well as a mini-Boomerango to give little guests that big ride sensation minus the fear.
Yas Waterworld is part of the wider offering of Yas Island that includes attractions such as Ferrari World Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, Warner Bros World Abu Dhabi, CLYMB Abu Dhabi, Qasr Al Watan, Yas Bay Waterfront which is home to the UAE’s largest indoor multi-purpose venue Etihad Arena, the world’s first-ever Warner Bros themed hotel, and the newly opened SeaWorld Yas Island, Abu Dhabi.
He previously served as the general manager of Hilton Adelaide for nearly five years.
Having been with the SkyTeam Alliance carrier for 17 years, Chang will move to Phnom Penh for his new role. He was previously based at the airline’s headquarters in Seoul where he was in charge of marketing for Europe and South-east Asia.
In his new role, he will leverage his extensive experience to further enhance guest experiences and elevate the hotel’s reputation.
As for Sangmookda, he will manage a portfolio of over 30 properties where over a third are expected to open over the next three years. With over two decades of experience in Malaysia, Indonesia and Thailand, he brings with him strong operational and commercial expertise from the past management of large hotel portfolios under leading hotel chains such as Marriott International, Minor Hotels and the former Starwood Hotels & Resorts.
Planeterra’s work with the Kao Tep Pitak Community Restaurant has been recognised by the Tourism Authority of Thailand for its community-based tourism efforts.
Planeterra’s highly effective model of local regeneration empowers small communities around the world to take control of their lives and conserve their environment and traditions through sustainable tourism.
It helped Kao Tep Pitak Community Restaurant gain public awareness, which used to be elusive despite the villagers’ enthusiasm for travellers and warm hospitality. The few who came would stay only briefly, snapping a quick photo of the area’s main attraction – its elegant suspension bridge – before leaving..
By working with Planeterra to develop its tourism programme, Kao Tep Pitak Community Restaurant was able to incentivise locals by providing them with a reliable income while promoting local entrepreneurs and inculcating a sense of pride and self-esteem among participants.
Planeterra enabled the restaurant’s project to gain traction by providing food and hygiene training, guidance on how to improve the tourism experience, as well as vital funding to complete the construction of a community centre, which first began in 2016. The completed centre includes a communal area, kitchen, dining room, and guest bathrooms.
With Planeterra’s partner, G Adventures, the project has drawn thousands of visitors to the community to sample the Kao Tep Pitak way of life, discover local arts and crafts, sample the incredible cuisine and explore the local landscape.
“We are thrilled to congratulate our esteemed community partners, Kao Tep Pitak, on their well-deserved recognition at the Responsible Thailand Awards 2023,” said Tricia Schers, director, partnerships and development, Planeterra. “Their dedication to community-based tourism exemplifies the positive impact that responsible travel can have on Thailand’s nature, local communities, wildlife, and heritage.”