The World Travel Awards (WTA) recognised Yas Waterworld Abu Dhabi as the World’s Leading Waterpark at a gala held earlier this month in Lisbon, Portugal.

The unique Emirati venue on Abu Dhabi’s Yas Island beat nominations from other leading global waterparks including Walt Disney World’s Typhoon Lagoon and Siam Park in Tenerife.

“We love this park, and to have that love reciprocated by fans around the world means everything to us,” said Yas Waterworld general manager Bianca Sammut at the WTA gala awards ceremony on December 1. “Since the day we opened Yas Waterworld’s doors, we’ve been on a mission to provide one-of-a-kind experiences to families from across the globe. We are committed to continuously upgrading the park, keeping it at the forefront of entertainment and leisure innovation and creating special water adventures and memories that last a lifetime.”

The WTA recognition is the latest of over 35 awards and accolades for the Abu Dhabi waterpark, which opened in 2013. With theming inspired by the Emirate’s rich pearl diving history, it features more than 40 rides, slides and attractions. New for 2018 was Cinesplash, the region’s first and only 5D water adventure.

Pictured receiving the WTA award on behalf of Yas Waterworld are (from left to right) Liam Findlay, vice-president of marketing and sales, Bianca Sammut, general manager, and Olivier Garialde, CEO, Farah Experiences.