26/07/2011 | C. Martin
Dubai's searing hot weather means water theme parks are a big draw for families taking all-inclusive holidays.
Now two of the attractions have be included in a new list of the world's 20 best water parks, published by the Themed Entertainment Association and management services firm Aecom.
Ranked ninth on the table is Aquaventure - the popular water part at the Atlantis resort in the Palm Jumeirah. More than one million people on Dubai holidays enjoyed its facilities last year.
The Wild Wadi - owned by the Jumeirah Group and located near the iconic Burj Al Arab tower - was placed 17th. It attracted around 690,000 holidaymakers last year.
According to Aecom executive David Camp, the stature of Dubai as a year-round holiday destination and the links of both water parks to popular luxury resorts means they are rarely short of visitors.
He said water-themed facilities are "a natural leisure solution for a region with baking hot weather" - one which neighbouring Abu Dhabi is also keen to capitalise on with huge water park due to open on Yas Island in 2013.
Copyright Press Association 2011