RIYADH: Yas Waterworld on Yas Island in Abu Dhabi will expand by 16,900 sq. meters as developer Miral Group plans to increase its guest capacity by 20 percent by 2025. According to a company statement, the expansion will see the addition of 3.3 km of slide sections and 18 more rides, targeting both local and international visitors. With the new addition, the total number of rides in the themed water park will reach over 60. Upon completion, Yas Waterworld will feature the UAE’s highest slide and the first amusement ride in a water park in the Gulf Cooperation Council region, integrated within a waterslide complex. “This expansion marks another addition to our world-class attractions and experiences on Yas Island and a testament to achieving our vision of positioning it as a top global destination for entertainment and leisure,” said Miral Group CEO Mohamed Abdalla Al Zaabi, in a statement. He added: “We are proud to be contributing to the development of Abu Dhabi’s ecosystem and economic diversification while further enhancing its global appeal as a tourism hub.” Other features that will be included in the new expansion include a swim-up bar, boat rides, racing and tube slides and family raft rides. Yas Waterworld will also add a new theme called The Lost City and create smaller versions of the park’s most popular rides for younger visitors. Opened in 2013, Yas Waterworld is joined on Yas Island by theme parks such as Ferrari World, Warner Bros. World and SeaWorld Abu Dhabi. In October, Miral Group partnered with Emerge, a joint venture between UAE’s Masdar and France’s EDF, to develop a 524-kilowatt solar photovoltaic project at Yas Bay Waterfront on Yas Island. This project aims to catalyze Abu Dhabi’s sustainability plan and offset 450 tons of carbon dioxide annually. Under the deal, 920 solar modules will be installed at Yas Bay waterfront, providing sustainable energy. Miral Group has three subsidiaries. Miral Destinations promotes unique destinations; Miral Experiences operates a portfolio of immersive experiences; and Yas Asset Management oversees food and beverage needs, retail, marinas, and hospitality properties across Yas Island.