Wild Wadi Waterpark, which forms part of the Jumeirah Group, is planning to remove its landmark waterslide, Jumeirah Sceirah, to make space for new and exciting developments, to be unveiled later this year.

Deconstruction of the ride is already underway while the park is closed for annual maintenance and refurbishment. The team at Wild Wadi Waterpark released a YouTube video commemorating the loss of the ride, with the park’s General Manager, Chris Perry, descending 80 km/h down the 33 metre slide for the last time.

Later this year, Wild Wadi will reveal plans for a new ride that will take the place of Jumeirah Sceirah – pushing the most daring thrill-seekers to the limit.

The waterpark, which is normally open throughout the year, is closed for maintenance from 11-31 January 2012 and will reopen to the public on 1st February 2012.

In 2011, Wild Wadi Waterpark opened two new rides to the public. Burj Surj consists of two large sections of downhill waterslides and two looming ‘Bowls’, while Tantrum Alley is a ride that incorporates two large sections of downhill waterslides and three exciting tornadoes.

Wild Wadi Waterpark, which forms part of the Jumeirah Group portfolio, was launched in 1999 and is one of the largest of its kind outside of North America. Situated between sister properties Burj Al Arab, Jumeirah Beach Hotel and Madinat Jumeirah, Wild Wadi Waterpark is located on Jumeirah Beach Road, a leisurely half hour drive from Dubai International Airport.

In 2011, Wild Wadi Waterpark announced the addition of two new rides, Tantrum Alley and Burj Surj, to its existing collection of over 28 rides and attractions. 13 of the rides are inter-connected, allowing thrill seekers of all ages to experience one adrenaline rush after another without ever leaving the water. In 2012, Wild Wadi will announce an exciting new ride that will replace the iconic Jumeirah Sceirah.

Created by WS Atkins, the engineering and design consultancy firm behind Burj Al Arab and Jumeirah Beach Hotel, Wild Wadi Waterpark is designed around a tale from Arabian folklore featuring Juha and his seafaring friend, Sinbad. The design and attention to detail, including characters to support the theme, led to a World Waterpark Association Industry Innovation Award for Outstanding Accomplishments in Design and Theming in its opening year.