With its year-round sunshine, the UAE is the perfect location for the classic waterpark and Dubai has long regined as the UAE's leading emirate for flume-based fun (check out Explorer's list of waterparks in Dubai). But it looks like a new contender is set to rival the rest before the year is out.

It’s already the go-to hub for music lovers in the region thanks to the massive du Arena that hosts several international artists throughout the year. It’s also a Formula One fan’s dream destination with a Ferrari-themed adventure park and the Abu Dhabi F1 Grand Prix at Yas Marina Circuit. But before the end of 2012, Yas Island is set to introduce its latest leisure attraction, the enormous Yas Waterworld Abu Dhabi.

Visitors can slither down the world’s first 'rattling’ waterslide complete with special effects and designed in the shape of a snake.

Or they can defy gravity on the Liwa Loop: the first looping waterslide in the Middle East with a retractable platform that opens up beneath your feet. But only the most daring will queue up to try Dawwama, a six-seater tornado waterslide complete with the world’s longest funnel run-in at 238m!


Finally, bored of being in the water? No problem. Jump on the Bandit Bomber – the longest suspended rollercoaster in the Middle East which incorporates water and laser special effects.


Check out Explorer’s exclusive video for a sneak peek of the park.