Record-breaking engineering at Meryal Waterpark, Qatar

Where innovation meets imagination, Qetaifan Island North rises as a revolutionary waterfront destination that reimagines urban experiences. This visionary project embodies Qatar's bold ambition to create a global landmark that celebrates national identity through transformative design. At its core, the Meryal Waterpark stands as a remarkable attraction that seamlessly intertwines cultural heritage with cutting-edge entertainment, inviting visitors into a world where every splash tells a story of progress and possibility. In the heart of Qatar, AtkinsRéalis has transformed a visionary concept into a world-record-breaking reality that redefines entertainment, cultural expression, and engineering excellence. The Meryal Waterpark emerges as a bold testament to our ability to push boundaries, creating an immersive experience that transcends traditional entertainment.

A landmark of collaborative engineering

The Meryal Waterpark project demonstrates our global engineering expertise, bringing together multidisciplinary teams from 27 locations worldwide. Our comprehensive approach seamlessly integrated master planning, thematic design, structural engineering, and advanced mechanical, electrical, and public health services, crafting a solution that extends far beyond conventional waterpark design. At the heart of our achievement stands the Rig 1938 Icon Tower – a 76.309-meter architectural marvel that has claimed two Guinness World Records. This remarkable structure exemplifies the fusion of imaginative design with precision engineering.

Designing beyond boundaries

The Meryal Waterpark is a meticulously crafted narrative of Qatar's cultural evolution. With 45 rides and 52 slides carefully designed, the park becomes a dynamic canvas that celebrates Qatari heritage and the transformative spirit of the region. Each attraction has been thoughtfully conceived to blend thrilling entertainment with cultural storytelling. For example, several rides draw inspiration from traditional pearl diving adventures, while others incorporate architectural elements that reflect Qatar's rich artistic heritage. The design team worked closely with cultural consultants to ensure that every aspect of the park, from its visual themes to its guest experience, authentically represents Qatar's journey from traditional pearling community to modern innovation hub.

Digital innovation in construction

The project showcases a revolutionary approach to digital construction that has set new standards in the industry. Our teams utilized advanced Building Information Modeling (BIM) to create detailed 3D representations of every park component, enabling precise coordination between different engineering disciplines. Virtual reality technology allowed us to test and optimize ride experiences before construction began, while computational fluid dynamics helped perfect water flow patterns for maximum safety and enjoyment.

The digital innovation extended to construction management, where real-time monitoring systems tracked progress and maintained quality control. Smart sensors were integrated throughout the park's infrastructure to enable efficient operations, from water usage optimization to crowd flow management. This digital backbone ensures the park operates sustainably while delivering consistent thrills to visitors.

Sustainable innovation at scale

The Meryal Waterpark goes beyond entertainment to showcase how large-scale leisure developments can embrace environmental responsibility. At its foundation lies an integrated sustainability strategy that touches every aspect of operations. Advanced water management technology ensures efficient use of this precious resource through sophisticated recycling and purification systems. The park's innovative energy systems adapt in real-time to visitor numbers and weather conditions, optimizing power usage while maintaining guest comfort. What makes the sustainability approach particularly noteworthy is how seamlessly it integrates with the guest experience. The park's design harmoniously incorporates local plant species and natural shade elements, creating comfortable microclimates that reduce cooling needs while enhancing the aesthetic appeal. Every sustainable feature serves multiple purposes – from the water recycling systems that maintain pristine conditions for guests while minimizing environmental impact, to the smart building management systems that ensure optimal conditions while reducing energy consumption.

Global recognition

The innovative approach taken at Meryal Waterpark has garnered significant international attention. Industry experts have recognized the project's achievement in pushing the boundaries of what's possible in waterpark design, awarding it prestigious honors including Best Waterpark of the Year. These accolades acknowledge not just the technical excellence of the project, but its success in creating an attraction that resonates with visitors while maintaining exceptional safety and operational standards.

A destination for all

The true innovation of Meryal Waterpark lies in how it caters to every visitor's desires. Families discover expansive play areas where children can safely explore while parents relax nearby. Adventure seekers find their thrills on record-breaking rides that push the limits of engineering. Those seeking a more relaxed experience can unwind in thoughtfully designed quiet spaces that offer a peaceful retreat from the excitement.

The park's sophisticated design ensures an intuitive flow of movement throughout the space. Strategic placement of attractions, combined with carefully planned pathways and rest areas, creates an environment where guests naturally disperse to different areas. This attention to human movement patterns means shorter wait times and more time enjoying attractions. Extensive shade structures and rest areas are positioned throughout the park, ensuring comfortable experiences regardless of the time of day or season. The result is a destination that doesn't just meet expectations – it consistently exceeds them, creating memorable experiences for every visitor.

A new standard in waterpark design

The Meryal Waterpark represents more than just a collection of exciting rides – it's a testament to what's possible when engineering excellence meets creative vision. The project demonstrates how careful planning, innovative technology, and cultural sensitivity can come together to create a destination that serves multiple purposes: preserving heritage, pushing engineering boundaries, and providing pure entertainment. Looking ahead, the park stands as an example of how large-scale leisure developments can balance spectacle with sustainability, cultural authenticity with modern innovation. It creates a template for future projects that seek to deliver world-class entertainment while remaining true to their cultural roots. The success of Meryal Waterpark proves that engineering can create spaces that not only inspire awe through technical achievement but also bring joy and excitement to the communities they serve. As Qatar continues to establish itself as a global tourism destination, this remarkable facility will continue to stand as a symbol of the nation's commitment to excellence, innovation, and cultural celebration.

Downloads

View all downloads

Trade releases

View all trade releases