Abu Dhabi gets first inflatable waterpark

The National -- Abu Dhabi's first inflatable water park opened today. Aqua Fun features an obstacle course with slides, ramps, bridges, steps, jumps, balloons, monkey bars - and is a good option for those who are after an energetic day out on the water.

With a capacity for 250 people, the waterpark, which spells I <3 AD, is on the Corniche, adjacent to the St Regis and Hilton hotels.

The Abu Dhabi park's opening coincides with the Mother of the Nation Festival, March 22 to 31, and has special prices to celebrate. It will cost Dh100 for access and you can stay on it as long as you like, or rather, as long as you can (we have tried the similar park in Dubai, and it was harder work than a Crossfit class).

Life jackets are provided and staff are on hand to help you back up if (when) you fall in. There are seven lifeguards in different stations on the park at all times.

Aqua Fun, the brainchild of Ahmed Ben Chaibah, already has a branch in Dubai on The Beach, opposite JBR. It is the world's biggest, with a capacity for 350 people, and spells out Dubai's Tourism's logo, Dubai in pink, blue and white.

Ben Chaibah tells us the idea started when he was lying on the beach in Dubai. "I overheard a parent saying, I wish there was more for the kids to do at the beach, and that was it. I decided to be the change and create something special.

"The good thing about the parks is that they provide an actual workout. You can burn an estimated 500-900 calories an hour, while you are having fun with your friends. We are proud to be opening in conjunction with The Mother of the Nation Festival." Ben Chaibah promises there is fun to be had, no matter what your size or age. "It's a chance to be a kid again, and to let your own children see a different side of you," he says.