Abu Dhabi’s Yas Island has opened its latest attraction, US$245m (180m euro, £155m) waterpark Yas Waterworld, to the public on 20 January – four days earlier than its planned official opening.

Spread across 15 hectares (37 acres), the waterpark features 43 rides, slides and attractions and is expected to attract 700,000 visitors this year.

UK-based Atkins was the lead designer for the project, with 30-40 engineers and were briefed to create the “best aqua park in the world” to an Arabian fantasy theme and with reduced energy usage and water consumption to achieve an Estimada Pearl One sustainability rating.

Complicated special effects and the many rides required bespoke MEP design with 55.2km of pipework and 20.2km of cabling, mostly located underground.

Canada’s WhiteWater West supplied 12 of the 14 complexes for the park, including the Family Rattler waterslide, the Flowbarrel Ten Double, and interactive video game adventure SplashQuest.

Developed by Aldar Properties and operated by Farah Leisure Parks Management LLC the attraction’s theme is based on local Emirati legends and pearl diving heritage.