Yas Waterworld is Abu Dhabi’s great outdoor waterpark and the one Yas park that is not under a roof. It opened in 2013 with a story inspired by the legend of a lost pearl and the pearl-diving traditions of the Gulf, which runs through the theming, the names of the rides and the architecture. The park mixes extreme slides with family rafting rides, wave pools, lazy rivers and splash zones for small children, so it works for a wide range of ages and nerves. In April 2026 it opened a major expansion with 11 new slides and attractions, making it larger and giving regular visitors plenty of new reasons to return. Single-day, two-park and multi-park tickets are sold through the official site, and a Quick Pass reduces queues on the busiest days. The cooler months from October to April are the most comfortable time to visit, but shaded areas and the water make it popular all year.
How it works: buy tickets online for the best price, and consider a Quick Pass on weekends and in school holidays. Lockers, towels and cabanas can be rented on site. The park is a short drive from the other Yas attractions, and taxis, hotel shuttles and the Yas Express buses connect it to the island’s hotels. Some rides close in high winds or lightning, and the park may run reduced hours on certain days, so check the website before you go.
What to expect: proper swimwear is required, and the sun is strong even in winter, so bring high-factor sunscreen, a hat and water shoes. Height restrictions apply on the bigger slides. Queues are shortest in the first hour after opening and late in the afternoon. Food is available throughout, and cabanas are worth it for families who want a shaded base.
Making the most of it: arrive at opening and head for the most popular slides, including the new ones from the 2026 expansion, before the queues build. Spend the hot middle of the day in the lazy river and wave pool, then go back for the big slides as the light softens. Combine it with SeaWorld or Warner Bros. World on a multi-park ticket for a full Yas Island break.
What to expect
The experience
An outdoor waterpark with extreme slides, family raft rides, wave pools, a lazy river and children’s splash zones, plus the 2026 expansion.
Best time
October to April for comfortable temperatures; arrive at opening on any day.
How long
A full day, or five hours if you focus on the headline slides.
Tips
Book online, add a Quick Pass on busy days, bring high-factor sunscreen and water shoes, and rent a cabana for shade with children.
Quick picks
- Best for
- Families and groups who want a sunny, splashy day out.
- Families
- Good for all ages, with toddler splash areas and plenty of family raft rides.
- Couples
- A fun, active day with lazy-river breaks; pair it with dinner at Yas Bay.
- Pair with
- SeaWorld or Warner Bros. World on a multi-park ticket.
- Time needed
- A full day.
Good questions
What is new at Yas Waterworld?+
An expansion with 11 new slides and attractions opened in April 2026. It is the park’s biggest change since it opened.
When is the best time of year to visit?+
October to April is the most comfortable. Summer is very hot, so arrive early and use the shade.
Is there a Quick Pass?+
Yes, Yas Waterworld sells a Quick Pass to reduce waiting. It is most worthwhile at weekends and in holidays.
Is it suitable for young children?+
Yes, there are dedicated splash zones and gentle family rides. Height restrictions apply to the bigger slides.
Can I combine it with other Yas parks?+
Yes, two-park and multi-park tickets include Ferrari World, Warner Bros. World and SeaWorld. They save money on a longer stay.
