A new name has started coming up in travel conversations this week, and it is coming out of Saudi Arabia.
Aquarabia Qiddiya City, a large-scale water park near Riyadh, has begun its soft launch phase, with early access already underway for a select group of guests. The preview period has given visitors their first look at what is being described as the largest water park in the Middle East — and interest from Dubai residents is already building.
Aquarabia Qiddiya City: A New Vision 2030 Landmark
Aquarabia is part of Qiddiya City, one of Saudi Arabia's flagship entertainment developments under Vision 2030. The destination brings together theme parks, sports venues, and large-scale attractions in one location just outside Riyadh.
Aquarabia follows the December 2025 opening of Six Flags Qiddiya City, adding another headline experience to the area. Located about 40 minutes west of Riyadh, Qiddiya continues to grow as a destination for regional visitors, and Aquarabia is now its newest drawcard.
The Largest Water Park in the Middle East
Aquarabia spans around 250,000 square metres — significantly larger than Dubai's Aquaventure at Atlantis The Palm, which covers roughly 170,000 square metres. That scale places it among the biggest water parks in the world, with a layout built for high visitor capacity and full-day experiences.
It is also Saudi Arabia's first homegrown water theme park, marking a milestone for the Kingdom's entertainment sector.
Four World-Record Rides and Standout Attractions
Aquarabia features 22 rides and attractions, with four confirmed world-record holders drawing particular attention:
- Junoon Drop — the world's tallest and longest water coaster, rising over 42 metres - Speedy Jamezales — the tallest drop body slide - Slithereel — the longest water slide - Jamal Joom — the longest mat racer
Beyond the record breakers, the park includes Saudi Arabia's first surf pool, designed to replicate ocean waves, alongside rafting, kayaking, canyoneering, cliff jumping, and free solo climbing experiences. A lazy river and shimmering pools round out the lineup for visitors seeking a more relaxed day.
What the Soft Launch Means Right Now
The soft launch phase is currently limited to select guests, offering a controlled preview before a wider public opening. Early access allows the park to run initial operations while welcoming visitors in smaller numbers — and it gives a clearer sense of what the full experience will deliver once access expands.
With more people talking about Aquarabia this week, the park is beginning to appear on regional travel shortlists. For Dubai residents, a Riyadh weekend trip to Qiddiya City is shaping up as one of the more compelling options in the region right now.
Aquarabia is now in its early access phase, and interest is growing fast. With its record-breaking rides, surf pool, and position inside Qiddiya City's expanding entertainment district, the park is set to become one of the Middle East's most-visited attractions. Early previews are already giving people a strong sense of what to expect — and travel plans are starting to reflect that.
