The Region's Largest Water Theme Park Is Opening in Saudi

The region's largest water theme park, Aquarabia Qiddiya City, is opening in Saudi Arabia on Thursday, April 23rd 2026, and frankly, it looks like the sort of place where your inner child immediately runs off without asking permission. Spanning an enormous 250,000 square metres, the park is divided into eight distinct themed zones, each one inspired by the Kingdom's own landscapes and native wildlife.  There are 22 rides and experiences in total, including four world-record-breaking attractions for those who think a normal waterslide lacks a little existential jeopardy. For visitors who prefer their thrills on dry land, there are seven dry rides as well, which is handy if you want to keep your hair intact for at least part of the day. And because not everyone is chasing an adrenaline hangover, the park has plenty of gentler, family-friendly zones where small children and tired parents can coexist peacefully. For those who like their park experience with a side of luxury, there are 91 cabanas available as an in-park upgrade. And if queuing isn’t your idea of a good time, the AquaFast Pass lets you skip the lines and maximise your splash-to-waiting ratio. You’ll also find 24 food and beverage outlets scattered around the park, plus seven retail stores selling everything from emergency sunscreen to overpriced but utterly necessary souvenirs. Finally, if you book at least five days in advance, you’ll automatically receive a 15% discount, which is basically the park rewarding you for being organised. However, do bear in mind that your ticket covers entry and all rides except surfing, as that particular thrill requires an additional purchase on the day. So plan accordingly if you’ve always fancied pretending to be in a music video.