SimplyAbuDhabi IX

3 4 S I M P LY A B U DH A B I interactive game throughout Yas Waterworld. The game is the very first treasure-hunt style interactive game to make an appearance in a water park. Prospective Pearl Masters can go on quests in search of lost treasures, interact with magical sea creatures, fire water cannons and solve ancient puzzles, among much more. Nearly 70 uniquely themed quest items are dotted around the park to form part of the Pearl Masters’ route and more than half of these are large-scale sculptures such as treasure chests, giant oysters or magical sea creatures that stand along like pieces of artwork. The layout builds an element of surprise to the players who need to go on a quest to successfully decipher clues to find the missing treasure. We felt like we were taking part in the story for the search of the lost pearl! We then decided to try the Liwa Loop – a vertical drop ride which has an added bit of terror as we stepped into the launch pod. After a thrilling countdown, the floor disappeared from beneath our feet. We were caught briefly in air before we plunged down – not a ride for the faint hearted. We then got ready for the Dawwarma, a six-person inflatable ride which ends around a giant bowl. Described as the world’s biggest and fastest tornado ride, as well as the first and largest hydro magnetic-powered six- person tornado waterslide, it is reportedly the longest funnel run-in at 238 metres long and 20 metres high. Jordana and I had our heads spinning like laundry in the machine as we rode this one. Next up were the Slither Slides, otherwise known as the world’s first Rattler waterslide, made of a maze of slides and tunnels complete with plenty of twists and turns featuring a host of spectacular special effects. Riders can select six different themes on six slides for 30 distinct experiences, each of which ends in a splash pool where visitors shoot out of a slide capped with a giant fanged snake head. Throughout these slides visitors will encounter Slither and his serpent friends through themed interactive sculptures that spray water, as well as LED light effects and 3D videos displayed on sheets of thin water within the slides that are paired with a variety of pre-programmed video clips portraying parts of the story. The slides are traditional rubber ring rides, designed to look like hissing snakes and made in different sizes and colors. Riveting sensory effects create an amazing adrenaline rush. You can expect light shows, music, lots of dark holes and certainly loud shrieks – many of which were made by us as we glided along always a little bit on edge.