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Mega theme park project to boost tourism in RAK

RAS AL KHAIMAH — Shaikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi, Crown Prince and Deputy Ruler of Ras Al Khaimah, laid the foundation stone of ‘WOW RAK', a mega entertainment theme park project, at a ceremony held here last evening.

The new venture, to be completed at a cost of Dh850 million, is being promoted by Polo RAK Amusements LLC, a joint venture of India-based Polo Amusement Park Ltd, RAK Investment Authority (RAKIA) and RAK Properties.

The theme park project will be developed over an area of 120 acres in the Khor Qurm region and is expected to greatly boost the tourism industry in Ras Al Khaimah.

Planned as a complete family entertainment venue, ‘WOW RAK’ would include two adjacent theme parks with a capacity for 15,000 visitors per day, a non-ticketed shopping and entertainment plaza and a show ground. The project is expected to be completed in 24 months.

Speaking at the foundation stone laying ceremony, Shaikh Saud said that the new project would make available world class entertainment options in Ras Al Khaimah. “The project would contribute to the comprehensive development boom currently taking place in RAK and would boost the tourism facilities available in the emirate", he added.

Dr Khater Massaad, Adviser to the RAK Crown Prince and CEO of RAKIA, said that the project is strategically located near the upcoming mega property developments like Al Marjan Island, Al Hamra Village and Mina Al Arab and would complement the ongoing expansion of hotel infrastructure in the Emirate which is adding up around 8,000 hotel rooms.

Balwant Singh, Managing Director and CEO of Polo RAK JV, said that 'WOW RAK' would be an epicentre of entertainment, leisure and recreation featuring two theme parks — Oasis Aqua Park and Planet Earth Theme Park apart from Mall of Ras Al Khaimah, a 12,000 square metre shopping mall and entertainment plaza and a show ground.

He said that Oasis Aqua Park, spread over 31 acres, would have unique attractions including the world's largest manmade waterfall, an interactive play area that can accommodate 3,000 people along with a rain dance pool. The aqua park also has on offer 26 different types of slides to cater to all age groups and visitor profiles, a wave pool, coral reefs, aqua soccer facility and a Lazy River which is 600 metres long.

Another distinctive feature would be the Kiddie Water Park area which replicates all the aqua park attractions in a miniaturised form to be a safe and exclusive area for kids.

The Planet Earth Theme Park, spread over 24 acres, would feature five theme zones each representing an Earth element — Oceanic, Cosmos, Mountain, Jungle and Desert. Each zone would have a special anchor attraction, 3-4 family and thrill rides and 3-4 kiddie rides besides a themed eatery and merchandising outlet.

The Mountain Zone would offer roller coaster ride through the mountains and would feature a Snow House with winter theme attractions like ice sliders and a snow play area. The Oceanic Zone would have a water chute as an anchor attraction that would take visitors through a live aquarium creating an underwater experience. The Desert Zone would add local flavour with sand finishes, typical desert flora and fauna and would have a 700 metre long wooden roller coaster, the first of its kind in the region.

The theme park would also include Mall of Ras Al Khaimah, a 12,000 square metre shopping mall and entertainment plaza which will offer 120 retail outlets for gifts, curios and handicrafts with live performances by artistes from all over the world. The venue would also have a 4-D theatre, multiplex, gaming arcade, bowling alley, indoor golf and food courts.

'WOW RAK' would also feature UAE's prime show ground spread over an area of 11 acres as a sea front venue for hosting mega shows, beauty pageants, award ceremonies, reality shows and other shows of international and regional appeal. The show ground would be able to accommodate upto 7,000 guests.