Yas Water Park back on for Q4 2012 completion

The $165m Yas Water Park, one of the key attractions on Abu Dhabi's $40bn Yas Island, is back on schedule to to open in the fourth quarter of 2012, officials said on Monday. The park manager said in a statement that the water park will have an Emirati theme and will follow the adventures of a young Emirati girl in search for an exquisite pearl. The story will take guests through more than 40 rides, slides, and attractions, including a unique pearl diving show demonstrating traditional Emirati heritage. "The waterpark on Yas Island will be one of the most advanced anywhere in the world, with many unique rides, which will excite every member of the family," said Mike Oswald, Park Manager."The story told throughout the waterpark remains true to Emirati traditions & heritage, while bringing the latest in design & innovation to the heart of Abu Dhabi's thriving Yas Island," he added.Master developer Aldar Properties previously said in a construction update published in June that the project had been pushed back to the first quarter of 2013. Atkins was appointed lead designer for the project in June 2010, but construction work on the water park – led by UAE company ALEC – did not begin until February 20 this year. The water park spreads across more than 15 hectares and  is located next to Ferrari World Abu Dhabi.The water park will be operated by Farah Leisure Parks Management.