Middle East Resort Investments Surge with New Aquatic Attractions and Experiences

Published on December 2, 2025

The hospitality sector in the Middle East is experiencing an exciting period of growth, driven by an increasing influx of international travelers. To meet the evolving demands of both leisure and business travelers, resorts are increasingly investing in innovative attractions that enhance guest experiences. A standout trend is the rise of aquatic amenities, particularly water parks and flow rides, which are becoming essential elements of luxury resorts aiming to differentiate themselves in a competitive market.

A prime example of this trend is the newly opened water park at Grand Hyatt Dubai, which features the first-ever FlowRider® Triple in the Middle East. This high-capacity attraction is designed to generate excitement, encourage repeat visits, and increase guest satisfaction while also contributing to the resort’s year-round profitability. By partnering with WhiteWater, a leading manufacturer of aquatic amenities, Grand Hyatt Dubai has positioned itself as a standout destination for families and adventure-seeking travelers alike.

A Thriving Resort Market in the Middle East

The Middle East’s tourism sector is undergoing rapid transformation, with resorts offering more than just standard accommodations. According to industry reports, the sector is projected to contribute $367 billion to the region’s economy and create 7.7 million jobs in 2025. As demand for unique and immersive travel experiences continues to rise, resorts are investing heavily in experiential offerings to attract guests and extend their stays.

The introduction of attractions like the FlowRider® Triple at Grand Hyatt Dubai is part of a broader strategy to enhance luxury resort offerings across the region. With increasing competition, resorts are leveraging aquatic attractions as a way to not only boost occupancy rates but also increase guest engagement and satisfaction. These attractions offer something for all ages, making them particularly attractive to family travelers looking for fun and relaxation in a single location.

Strategic Resort Investments in Aquatic Amenities

Resorts across the Middle East and North Africa are following the example set by the Grand Hyatt Dubai by investing in water parks, water slides, and other aquatic attractions that appeal to a wide variety of guests. One notable development is the addition of a 20,000 m² water park at the Regnum Carya Golf & Spa Resort in Antalya, Turkey. Despite being next to the Land of Legends Theme Park, the resort recognized the value in offering guests the ability to stay on-site while enjoying a range of water-based activities, resulting in higher average daily rates (ADR) and increased revenue per room.

Similarly, the Dead Sea Marriott Resort & Spa in Jordan recently expanded its offerings with a variety of new aquatic amenities, including kids’ slides and a splash pad. These investments reflect the growing demand for family-friendly resorts that combine traditional luxury with innovative, engaging activities for all ages.

Enhancing the Luxury Experience with Aquatic Attractions

As the Middle East tourism market grows, the focus is shifting from merely meeting guest expectations to exceeding them. Mike Rigby, GM & RVP, Middle East at WhiteWater, highlighted that today’s luxury travelers are seeking more than just traditional hotel amenities. They want comprehensive experiences that provide convenience and entertainment without the need to leave the resort. By incorporating aquatic features into their offerings, resorts can increase guest retention and boost profitability.

The addition of water attractions like wave simulators, lazy rivers, and interactive splash zones not only elevates the guest experience but also helps resorts to position themselves as must-visit destinations. This shift toward investing in experiential amenities is becoming essential for maintaining a competitive edge in the region’s fast-evolving hospitality market.

A Future of Innovation in Resort Investment

With tourism growth projected to continue rising in the Middle East, resorts that strategically invest in unique, high-quality amenities are set to thrive. As more properties introduce innovative aquatic attractions, the Middle East is rapidly becoming one of the world’s most exciting regions for resort tourism.

For travelers, the future of luxury resorts looks bright, with family-friendly features like water parks, wave simulators, and exciting water attractions becoming central to the hospitality experience. Whether it’s a relaxing day at a family-focused water park or an adventurous surf experience at a FlowRider®, these new attractions are helping resorts to differentiate themselves and create unforgettable memories for their guests.

A New Era for Resorts in the Middle East

The Middle East is entering a new era of resort investment, with aquatic amenities playing a central role in the region’s tourism boom. Resorts like Grand Hyatt Dubai and Regnum Carya Golf & Spa Resort are setting new standards by combining luxury accommodations with engaging water attractions designed to boost guest satisfaction and increase profitability. As the region’s tourism continues to expand, these types of experiences will be essential for resorts aiming to remain competitive and offer visitors a truly immersive and exciting stay.