Doha: Qetaifan Projects has revealed the name of the much-anticipated waterpark project as ‘Meryal’ during a ceremony on the opening day of Cityscape Qatar 2022 at the Doha Exhibition and Convention Centre yesterday.
The 85-metre-high ‘Icon Tower’ waterslide is a major highlight of the waterpark at Qetaifan Island North and is said to be the highest in the world. The unveiling was attended by Sheikh Nasser bin Abdul Rahman Al Thani, Managing Director of Qetaifan Projects; Sheikh Nasser bin Abdulaziz Al Thani, Head of Business Development; and Hesham Sharaf, Chief Operating Officer (COO) and the Qetaifan Projects team.
Spread over 281648 sqm, the Water Park is one of the most anticipated attractions at Qetaifan Island North, expected to receive visitors from the third quarter of 2022.
In a statement on the unveiling, Sheikh Nasser bin Abdul Rahman Al Thani said the name Meryal comes from Arabic.
“It showcases our history and culture, which we take pride in, and carries a word from the Qatari dialect. We hope will resonate worldwide with the promising future of Qetifan Island North as a touristic haven, and the waterpark as an entertainment and cultural landmark,” Sheikh Nasser bin Abdul Rahman Al Thani said in the statement.
“The dream of Qetaifan Island North is about to become a reality. The project started as a waterpark development that reflects our culture and history of the discovery of oil and gas.”
The waterpark area comprises 36 waterslides with 12 waterslides on the Icon Tower -- leading as the world’s tallest waterslide recorded in the world Guinness records.
The waterpark will also include a discovery game with a 3D display and augmented reality technology that will take visitors on a historical journey back in time to learn more about the history of oil and gas discovery in Qatar and experience it first-hand.
On the other hand, Sheikh Nasser bin Abdulaziz Al Thani, Head of Business Development, stressed the importance of oil and gas discovery to the waterpark.
“The colours used in the waterpark are ‘rusty’ to give visitors an idea and feel of the oil and gas fields, but in the form of a waterpark. There is no doubt that there is nothing better than the history of oil and gas in Qatar, which is actively contributing to the development of our country and promoting and showcasing our history and culture.”