UAE's Ice Land Water Park permanently closed

The Government of the Emirate of Ras Al Khaimah has announced the permanent closure of the Ice Land Water Park.

The Dh100 million (US$27 million) attraction, which opened in 2010, had been an integral part of the Ras al Khaimah Government’s plan intended to transform the emirate into a tourist destination.

However, the RAK Government said it closed the park as part of its vision to provide new types of tourism facilities for the Emirate.

A Government statement advised “his Highness Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Ras Al Khaimah, has set a clear vision to enhance the emirate’s competitiveness on an international scale and cement its status as a prime global destination.

“The RAK government has been persistent in its efforts to boost development across vital sectors, as well as to set and implement clear directions for the future of the emirate and, with that in mind, has moved forward with foreclosing Ice Land Water Park for the time being.”

The closure of the waterpark has seen more than 200 mainly expatriate workers made redundant. Primarily from Bangladesh, the Philippines, India, Nepal and Sri Lanka, the workers now have to find  new employers to sponsor their visas to allow them to stay in the country.

The 50 hectare park featured 37 slides and was managed by Polo RAK Amusements, a joint venture between Polo Amusement Park, RAK Investment Authority and RAK Properties.