Temperatures across the UAE are firmly in beat-the-heat territory, and there's no better antidote than an afternoon at a water park. Whether you're chasing the country's biggest slides or a splash pad gentle enough for toddlers, here's a rundown of nine spots worth the drive this summer — along with what they'll cost you.
For thrill-seekers
Yas Waterworld in Abu Dhabi remains the benchmark, with more than 40 rides inspired by Emirati heritage, including Dawwama, one of the world's largest six-person tornado water slides. Tickets start from around Dh295. Over in Dubai, Aquaventure World at Atlantis The Palm counters with some of the biggest slides on the planet, plus private beaches and river rapids, from roughly Dh330 per person.
Families chasing LEGO-branded fun should head to LEGOLAND Water Park at Dubai Parks and Resorts, built for children aged two to 12 and home to the popular Build A Raft River, where kids assemble their own floating rafts from LEGO bricks. Entry starts around Dh295.
For a calmer family day
Jungle Bay Waterpark at Le Méridien Mina Seyahi brings a Mediterranean-style setting with gentler slides and splash zones, ideal for younger visitors, from about Dh200. In Sharjah, Al Montazah Parks pairs amusement rides with the Pearls Kingdom water park, with tickets from Dh147 for children and Dh184 for adults. Meanwhile, Splash 'n' Party in Jumeirah's Al Safa 2 is built specifically for younger kids, with colourful splash pads and a café for parents to relax in — tickets from Dh50 for adults and Dh99 for children.
Something different
Circuit X Splash Park on Hudayriyat Island brings inflatable obstacle courses with Abu Dhabi coastline views, from roughly Dh95 — one of the more affordable options on this list. For sea-view thrills, AquaFun Dubai floats more than 100 obstacles and climbing structures off Jumeirah Beach Residence, from about Dh225. And in Umm Al Quwain, Dreamland Aqua Park, one of the UAE's oldest water parks, still draws crowds with its slides, pools and overnight camping options, from around Dh160.
Whatever your budget or thrill threshold, there's a water park somewhere on this list worth the drive before summer winds down.