RAS Al Khaimah marked the recent opening of the Ice Land Water Park, which boasts the world’s largest manmade waterfall and rain dance pool.

The much-awaited ice-themed water park, which is the first phase of the 125-acre Wow RAK theme park and resort destination, opened its doors to the public at the end of September.

In addition to these landmark attractions, the water park features more than 50 water attractions and water slides and the Kids Cove, a dedicated place for toddlers, in a bid to attract more than 10,000 guests daily.

Managed by Polo RAK Amusement, a joint venture between India’s Polo Amusement Group and RAK Properties and RAK Investment Authority, Ice Land Water Park is equipped with a full set of in-house utilities, including 4 MW power generation, a water desalination plant capable of producing 525,000 gallons a day and water filtration systems to maintain the 4 million gallons of pool water. The facility has also been designed to be eco-friendly as it is equipped with two water recycling plants that will recycle water to be used for horticulture purposes.

The Penguin Falls located at the entrance of the facility is the world’s largest manmade water fall that stands 120 ft tall and 540 ft wide with 100,000 gallons of water cascading down its contours each minute. Penguin Bay, an interactive water play area, is claimed to the world’s largest rain dance pool measuring 30,000 sq ft and offering shaded discos, open discos, rain showers and the Rock Hoppers Den, which is a fully-equipped stage with acoustics and theatre lighting.

Other novel attractions of Ice Land Water Park include the Aqua Games, a regular-size soccer field with soft turf, shallow water and rain showers; the Coral Reef, which offers real-life snorkelling experience in a manmade coral reef complete with live fish; and the Tundra Baths, forerunners of the modern-day spas and Jacuzzis.

The facility also features the Slide Zone with 24 water slides emerging from five towers from heights of up to 110 ft, giving visitors a majestic view and a unique experience as they slide down heavily themed snow-clad mountains and mountain streams.

Offering a unique panoramic view of the Al Hajar Mountains in the east and the Arabian Gulf in the north, Ice Land Water Park also includes food-court outlets. The venue has car-parking for almost 2,500 vehicles and 75 buses, while the shaded seating areas can accommodate up to 2,000 guests. Walkways are also covered with synthetic turf to prevent slips and provide comfort to bare feet from the heat.

The entire park is covered by an integrated RFID (radio frequency identification) system to include ticketing, access control, lockers, food court and merchandising transactions. Trained lifeguards, wireless radio network covering all critical areas are also part of the safety mechanisms adopted by the facility.

The second phase of Wow RAK will comprise a chalet-type seaside resort and the shopping mall, which are expected to open in autumn 2011. The shopping mall will offer multiplex theatres, 4D theatre, an ice skating rink and other facilities. The Planet Earth amusement park, which will include five intensively-themed zones (Cosmos, Oceanic, Amazon, Mountain and Desert) each featuring a signature ride besides other attractions, will open in autumn 2012.