Sheikh Saud lays foundation stone for mega theme park in RAK

Under the patronage of H.H. Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi, the new venture is being promoted by Polo RAK Amusements LLC, a joint venture company between 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 shore up the tourism fortunes of the Emirate in a big way. Planned as a complete family entertainment venue, `WOW RAK' would include two adjacent theme parks with a capacity to cater to 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, Sheikh Saud said that the new project would make available world class entertainment options available 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, Advisor 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 8000 hotel rooms.

Introducing the project, Balwant Singh, Managing Director and CEO of Polo RAK JV said that `WOW RAK' would be an epicenter for 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 water fall, an interactive play area that can accommodate 3000 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 miniaturized form to be a safe and exclusive area for the kids. The water park would also have Kabanas as luxury shelters on the beach front for day and overnight stay options.

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.

All the zones and recreation areas have been designed to alleviate heat with the use of water bodies, greenery, mist, snow and ice and air conditioned environments. 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 a 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 merchandising outlets for gifts, curios and handicrafts with live performances by artisans from across 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 7000 guests.

Polo Amusement Park Limited is an India based company with over 16 years of experience as owners and operators of Amusement and Water parks and have developed India's first and largest snow parks spreading over 60,000 sq feet. The company is currently developing another Aqua Park in the Republic of Uzbekistan.

Sheikh Mohammed bin Saud Al Qasimi and a number of dignitaries attended the function.