Meryal Review | Qatar's Ambitious (and Completely Outrageous) New Water Park

In 2023, Qatar debuted the worlds most ambitious water park. Originally called Aquatar, now called Meryal, the idea was to create the first ever vertical water park. The centerpiece of Meryal is a 200+ foot tall tower designed to look like an oil rig, holding an impressive 12 different water slides. We had the opportunity to visit less than 6 months after it officially opened- let's discuss the park experience and what its like to visit!

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[Silvarret]

Honestly still having trouble realizing these pictures and videos aren't AI generated. Such an insane looking place!

[MichaelAKaras]

When we hope for light crowds, this is not what we mean. You feel like you're almost "performing" for the staff. It's unsettling to feel like "if it weren't for us, all these staff members could go home." Thanks as always for capturing these places that I'll probably never go to!

[Marty_NZ]

I can't get enough of the dancing fire emoji! Incredible cinematography. Footage looks amazing.

[jaydenchrist]

This waterpark reminds me of those compact parks on Rollercoaster Tycoon.

[Mogswamp]

This place looks like it's clickbait but it's real... truly unique design

[zubayrchaudhry]

It's much busier now that the parks been up and running for 1 year. Also, Feb is 'too cold' for the local population to visit a waterpark here hence why it was particularly quiet during your visit. Most of Qatars Tourism comes from the Gulf region

[JuggsMX]

70 USD for that is a steal! It can cost more than that to go to my local indoor waterpark depending on when you want to go

[timm]

I went here in summer and it was really busy.
Also, It was so hot that they had chilled the water in all of the pools and slides so it was really refreshing 😂

[ewanerd]

At 3:00 you mention so many people staying at the hotel. Stayed there recently and the park is open every day (even when closed on Monday for public though rides open are limited) with park access included (if all inclusive which most are) during your stay, including food and drink within the waterpark. There's a free shuttle to the local mall (Venodome Mall) which you can then use public transport into the city. It's not as disconnected as it looks. Great video!
Quick note on Alghazal, when I was there for nearly 2 weeks, it was having maintenance done on it and has sporadically operated since opening. Still has harris fencing in places around the ride area which is crazy to me that it's opened like that. The dualing water coasters (master blasters) have since opened and are decent, just loads of people get stuck on them meaning regular downtime.

[IRDeady]

I think empty parks are something people think they will like, but once you get to one it's just weird. I like having people around, seeing people being excited and having fun makes the whole experience better. Chatting in line, seeing kids run by, even sometimes riding with strangers and having fun, it all has an impact and when it's not there it feels off. When Ive been in nearly empty parks it's made me feel like a jerk kind of, like all the employees could just go home if it wasn't for those few people riding empty coasters. Not that they would actually be able to leave, but still. Give me a nice medium business day and I'm good.

[A.F.Whitepigeon]

My mind still can't fully comprehend that waterslide ferris wheel.

[Kirnuonparas]

This park had been one that was always in my head, i saw one picture and never forgot, 3 years later im a coaster enthusiast and i watch a Coaster Studios video (the vlog) and am like ''wait a second'' 🧐😨

[dammitdyango]

That tower looks overwhelming but fun!

[MEZNAY]

This seems like a good shout for a family travailing to Asia from eu, a lot of flights stop off in Qatar, could see people spending a day or 2 at the park before travelling onwards.

[thefergyfilms]

I wish US water parks would be this creative & different from one another, offering truly original experiences.

[coastermania]

I'm noticing a theme with these Middle Eastern parks of "If we build it, they won't come."

[SimonGunton]

Cool to see this video, i was visiting my brother who lives in Doha he day you were there (and we are in the lift with you at one point). Your right it did feel odd as so quite but as you say a weekday in February isn't the height of busyness. Work colleague of my brother went at the weekend and was rammed for Ramadan. Want to go back when all the slides are running

[damegataco]

That place looks insane!!! Some of those speed slides on the tower look amazing. They probably take at least a minute if not two to get down the whole thing. Also 70$-80$ being expensive? That's actually extremely reasonable especially considering the quality of the park. Especially if you go on an empty day like you did then it's slide heaven. I wish I could go there as I'd be running up that tower all day!

[matchedplayer]

From a geopolitical standpoint, I can't imagine there are that many people who really want to visit the middle east, not matter how hard they try to make it seem inviting.

[thecasualfly]

Empty water park is like the best thing if you're visiting.. sure it was off season but lucky for you guys