We tried Aquarabia before it opens to the public – here's what it's really like
From the rides we tried and what’s open so far, here’s a first look at Saudi Arabia’s new water theme park in Qiddiya City ahead of its official opening
There’s something about walking into a brand-new theme park that makes you feel like a kid again. Not many crowds (yet), rides quietly testing in the background while everyone’s still finding their footing, and that low-key excitement of knowing you’re among the first to try it.
That was exactly the vibe at Aquarabia’s soft opening.
Still in preview mode ahead of its official public launch on Thursday April 23, the park isn’t fully up and running just yet, but there’s already enough to give you a solid taste of what’s coming. And naturally, we headed straight for the rides.
Our first impressions
The moment you enter, it feels massive. Wide walkways, colourful slides stretching across the skyline, and water attractions everywhere.
Even during the soft opening phase, it’s evident that this isn’t merely a splash park for a quick visit – it’s designed as a full-day destination.
There’s also a noticeable mix of thrill rides and more relaxed attractions, meaning you don’t need to be a hardcore adrenaline junkie to enjoy it.
That said… we absolutely went for the adrenaline first.
The rides we tried
We made a beeline straight for the slides, and safe to say, we didn’t stay dry for long.
Viper Canyon zone:
First up was Hyper Viper, which starts off deceptively slow. You’re eased into it, thinking it might be a gentle warm-up – and then comes the drop. The 15-metre plunge kicks in suddenly before the final splash. It’s the kind of ride where the calm beginning completely throws you off, and by the time you realise what’s happening, you’re already drenched. It’s fast, punchy, and over too quickly, which basically means you’ll want to go again.
Then came Tahaddi Viper, which feels a bit more unpredictable. Expect sharp turns, sudden dips, and that split second where you’re not quite sure which way you’re heading next. This ride is designed for two, so you’ll need to grab a partner and hop onto the shared tube.
After all the twists and turns, we slowed things down with The Lazy Camel, Aquarabia’s take on a lazy river. You hop onto a float and drift gently around Viper Canyon and beneath Camel Rock, with scenic rock formations along the way. It’s the kind of ride where you can just lie back, drift along, and reset before heading back to the thrills.
Wave Wadi zone:
We also tried Wadi Tahaddi – one to do as a group. You hop into a large raft that fits up to six people before heading into a 19.7 metre climb that quickly turns into a long, winding ride. It runs over 600 metres, featuring swirling sections, sudden drops, and two full 360-degree turns that have everyone gripping the handles. It’s more about the shared experience than pure speed – lots of shouting, laughing, and bracing for the next turn together.
We then headed down to Amwaj Bay, the park’s wave pool. It’s like a regular lagoon, before the waves gradually build up… One moment you’re simply floating around, the next you’re leaping over incoming waves along with everyone else. It’s a perfect place to spend some time in between rides, especially if you just want to relax without fully leaving the water.
Camel Rock zone:
And then there’s Camel Racers, which is more playful than thrilling. You can ride alone or in pairs, racing side by side through sharp turns, alternating light and dark sections, and bursts of colour along the way. It’s not the most adrenaline-fuelled ride, but still enjoyable.
More attractions open at Aquarabia soft opening
There’s also quite a bit we didn’t manage to cover.
Splash Grotto in the Dhub Grotto zone is hard to miss, with FusionFortress 17 claimed to be the world’s largest play structure. It’s filled with interactive elements, smaller slides, and water features, making it a family-friendly zone where you can easily spend some time.
Over at The Den zone, there are two experiences designed for younger visitors, with smaller slides and splash areas that feel more relaxed compared to the bigger thrill rides.
Surftopia at the Surf Lagoon is also open and is Saudi Arabia’s first surf pool. The waves can be customised for different skill levels, from beginners to more confident surfers. It’s worth noting that this is an additional paid experience, with tickets currently available inside the park.
We also spotted Jamal Joom and Speedy Jamezales in the Camel Rock zone, which were operating during the soft opening. Unfortunately, we ran out of time before giving them a go.
What to expect during soft opening
Since it’s still in preview mode, not all rides are available yet. Some attractions are still being tested, and parts of the park are gradually opening.
But honestly? That’s part of the appeal.
Queues are shorter, you can move around easily, and it feels more relaxed than it will probably be once it officially opens. It’s actually a great time to check it out if you prefer a quieter experience.
So, if you manage to score an invite during the soft opening phase, just go in knowing:
- Not all rides are operating yet
- Some zones may open gradually
- Timings may vary slightly (during the soft opening phase, the park currently wraps up around 6pm)
- Staff are still settling into operations
Worth going during soft opening?
If you like being first (and are lucky enough to be invited) – absolutely.
If you want everything open, wait until after April 23.
Either way, Aquarabia already seems like one of Riyadh’s most anticipated day-out destinations, and this was just the preview.
And judging by how soaked we got on the first ride alone… we’ll definitely be back.
Images: Socials
