Meryal Waterpark, Lusail

Overview

Meryal Waterpark sits on Qetaifan Island North, a man-made island off the Lusail waterfront, and it is the water park Qatar’s thrill-seekers talk about. Its centrepiece is Rig 1938, an 85-metre tower styled like an old oil rig, with slides dropping off it at different levels. You can see it from much of Lusail.

The park describes itself as the largest water park in Qatar, with 53 slides and 69 attractions across about six acres, plus a stretch of beach, cabanas, restaurants and shops. It is themed on Qatar’s journey from the pre-oil years to the discovery of oil and gas, which explains ride names such as Rapid Refinery, Oil Slip and Jet Fuel Falls.

It is best for confident swimmers, teenagers and adults chasing big drops, but there are shallow splash zones and toddler slides too, so a mixed-age family can spend a full day here. It is not cheap, so it pays to plan the day well. This guide covers tickets, height rules, the big rides, when to go and how to get there.

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History and background

Meryal was developed by Qetaifan Projects, part of Katara Hospitality, as one of the main attractions of Qetaifan Island North, a leisure and residential island built as part of the Lusail development. The tower and many of the slides were supplied by the Canadian manufacturer WhiteWater West, and the park began a soft opening in December 2023, a few months later than first planned.

The park sits next to the Rixos Premium Qetaifan Island North hotel, and the island is gradually filling up with homes, shops and a canal-side promenade. Meryal’s theme runs through the whole site: the tower, slides and pools are dressed as derricks, pipes and refinery equipment, a playful nod to the oil and gas industry that transformed Qatar in the 20th century.

Rig 1938 is the headline. According to the park, the tower holds two Guinness World Records: the world’s tallest waterslide and the most waterslides from a single tower. Its tallest drop slide, Vertigo, has a dispatch height of 76.35 metres. Beyond the summer season, the site has also hosted winter events; in 2025–26 the Winter Mirage Fest ran from November to mid-February with fairground rides, ice skating and food trucks.

What to see and do

1. Ride the Rig 1938 tower

   The tower is why most adults come. It holds Vertigo, the record-breaking drop slide, as well as loop and drop slides such as Leap of Fate, a pair of body slides that drop you into a full 360-degree loop. Lifts and conveyors help you up, but queues for the top slides can build quickly on busy days, so head here first. Height, weight and health restrictions are strict on these rides and are checked at the entrance to each slide.

2. Race on the mat slides

   Distillers is a six-lane mat racer where you race friends head first to the finish, and Oil Slip is an open body slide with a steep, fast drop. Both are good for groups who want a bit of competition without committing to the tower.

3. Try Rapid Refinery and the raft rides

   Rapid Refinery, which the park bills as the Middle East’s first hybrid ride, combines a raft slide with a Ferris-wheel-style lift. The Boiler is a raft ride with steep drops and twists for groups, and tube slide complexes such as Cracking Unit, Roughneck, Extruder and Cracker range from medium thrills to high-speed water coasters.

4. Float in the wave pool and lazy river

   Oil Slick Lagoon is a large double wave pool with a maximum depth of 1.8 metres. Add the lazy river and you have a break between rides that keeps everyone in the water without the queues.

5. Let small children play

   Younger visitors have their own areas. Oil Splash is a play structure with eight small slides, Alsfun has toddler slides, and Blow Out has eight body slides, a rope bridge and a giant bucket that tips over roughly every 30 seconds. These zones are designed for children who don’t yet meet the height limits on the bigger slides.

6. Spend time on the beach

   Meryal has its own beachfront, a welcome change of pace after a few hours of slides. Private cabanas, some with pontoon access, can be booked for extra cost and give a family a shaded base for the day.

7. Eat, shop and recharge

   Most visitors eat on site, so check the park’s rules on outside food before you pack a picnic. Meryal has several outlets, from grab-and-go counters and child-friendly menus to sit-down options including an Asian restaurant and an Italian restaurant. There is also a retail area selling swimwear, souvenirs and essentials, which is handy if you forget something. Plan a proper lunch break in the shade around midday, when the sun is at its strongest.

Tickets and prices

Tickets are sold online through the official Meryal Waterpark website and at the gate. In October 2026 the website was advertising online prices of QAR 300 for adults and QAR 260 for juniors, discounted from higher standard rates. Junior tickets are only valid for children under 1.22 metres tall, and staff can measure at the gate. Prices change with promotions and seasons, so check the official site on the day you book.

Your day ticket covers the slides and pools. Lockers, towels, cabanas and food are extra. All payments inside the park are in Qatari riyals. An Unlimited Pass is also sold for regular visitors; check the website for its current terms.

How to get there

By car: Meryal is on Qetaifan Island North, reached by bridge from the Lusail waterfront. It is about 20 kilometres from the Doha Corniche; allow 25 to 35 minutes from West Bay depending on traffic. Search for Meryal Waterpark in your map app and follow signs to Qetaifan Island North. There is parking at the park.

By metro: There is no metro station on the island. Take the Red Line north to Lusail QNB station and continue by taxi or ride-hailing for the last stretch.

By taxi: Karwa and ride-hailing apps are the easiest option if you don’t have a car, especially at closing time, when everyone leaves at once.

No 4×4 is needed.

Best time to visit

Meryal is open from Tuesday to Sunday, from 10am until sunset, and closed on Mondays. Weekdays (Tuesday to Thursday) are quieter than Fridays, Saturdays and public holidays.

Arrive for opening at 10am and ride the tower first, before the queues and the midday sun. In summer, the heat and glare by early afternoon are intense; use the covered areas, drink often and reapply sunscreen. October, November, March and April are ideal: the water is still warm, but the air is gentler. Because the park closes at sunset, short winter days mean fewer hours, so check the closing time before you go.

School holidays and Eid bring the biggest crowds. If you can only go then, book online in advance and arrive early.

Tips for your visit

• Book online. The website has usually been cheaper than the gate.
• Measure your children first. The 1.22-metre mark decides the ticket price and many slide restrictions.
• Bring proper swimwear. The park has a swimwear policy and may ask you to change if your clothing isn’t suitable. Swimwear is sold on site.
• Do the tower early. Queues for the top slides grow through the day.
• Use water shoes. The paths get hot in the sun.
• Rent a locker. Keep phones and wallets out of the way.
• Know your limits. The biggest drops are not for everyone. Read the restrictions at each ride and ask a lifeguard if unsure.
• Check ride status. The park says attractions depend on operational status and may vary during your visit.

What to bring

• Swimwear that meets the park’s policy
• High-factor, water-resistant sunscreen and a hat
• Water shoes or flip-flops
• A towel (or rent one)
• A waterproof phone pouch
• Card payment for lockers, food and extras

Combine it with nearby places

Lusail Marina Promenade. A long waterfront walk under Lusail’s towers, a short drive away and pleasant once the sun goes down.

Lusail Boulevard. The city’s grand avenue between the Katara Towers and the marina, with cafés and night-time lights. A good place for dinner after a day of slides.

Place Vendôme. A big, air-conditioned mall with dining and its own canal and fountain show, useful if you need shade and food.

Lusail Stadium. The 2022 World Cup final venue is a quick drive inland for a look at its golden façade.

Porto Arabia, The Pearl. Across the bay from Lusail, The Pearl’s marina boardwalk makes a relaxed evening walk on another day.

On a Monday, when Meryal is closed, or on a day that is simply too hot, Doha’s indoor parks are the alternative: see Doha Quest, Angry Birds World and Snow Dunes. For another water park, our Desert Falls guide covers the resort park near Abu Samra. More ideas are in our guides to Lusail and The Pearl, Qatar with kids and Doha in summer.

Frequently asked questions

Last checked October 2026. Hours, fees and access can change, so confirm with the official source before you go.