Yas Waterworld is back in the conversation, and this time it comes with a new chapter to its story. The Abu Dhabi waterpark is expanding with the Lost City zone that continues The Legend of The Lost Pearl — introducing new spaces, new rides, and a deeper look into the narrative that has defined the park for over a decade.
The Story Behind the Lost City
Yas Waterworld has always been anchored by The Legend of The Lost Pearl, a story inspired by Emirati pearl diving culture. It centres on Dana, a young girl searching for a pearl that once sustained her village.
The Lost City expansion builds directly on that storyline, introducing a new setting tied to Dana's ongoing journey. The themed environment, layout, and visual details all follow the same narrative direction that returning guests already know.
It keeps the original story at its core while opening up an entirely new part of that world.
What's New Inside the Yas Waterworld Lost City Expansion
The expansion adds 11 new rides and attractions to Yas Waterworld, raising the park's total to more than 70 experiences.
The standout addition is Matamir's Drop — the UAE's tallest waterslide, launching riders from over 40 metres in a freefall followed by a 233-metre run. Other new highlights include Sahel Matamir, a freefall tube racer with zero-gravity moments; Matamir Splash, the park's first duelling mat racer; and Matamir Twist – Matamir Lights, a slide that combines sharp drops with immersive lighting effects.
A new leisure pool called Sarab rounds out the zone, offering a relaxed retreat within the themed area.
The additions include slides, jumping platforms, interactive areas, and themed environments designed around the Lost City concept — giving visitors new paths and more to explore throughout the park.
A Bigger Play for Yas Island
Yas Waterworld remains a key part of Yas Island, one of the UAE's primary entertainment destinations developed by Miral. The expansion officially opened to guests on April 4, 2026, as part of the park's 2026 season launch.
The new zone supports continued growth across the island, which keeps adding large-scale attractions and experiences. Yas Island continues to evolve, and Yas Waterworld plays a major role in that direction.
Why People Are Talking About It
Yas Waterworld has always had a clear narrative running through the entire experience, and that storytelling has set it apart for years. This expansion adds a new layer to that story — giving returning visitors something genuinely fresh while keeping the original theme intact.
For first-time guests, the park now offers a larger area, more to do, and a narrative that rewards exploration from the moment you walk in.
The Lost City expansion adds a significant new chapter to Yas Waterworld, continuing The Legend of The Lost Pearl with 11 new attractions, the UAE's tallest waterslide, and a fully themed zone that raises the bar for Abu Dhabi waterparks.
