Aquarabia Water Theme Park

Home

Knowledge Center

Case Stories

Emerging from the desert just outside Riyadh, Aquarabia unfolds across more than 250,000 m² and is set to become one of the world’s largest water theme parks, serving as a centrepiece of Saudi Arabia’s entertainment and tourism strategy.

In 2022, Dewan Architects & Engineers was appointed as lead design consultant, responsible for both the design of the park and supervision of its construction. The scale, complexity and environmental conditions of the project required advanced expertise in corrosion protection and passive fire protection – expertise that led to Hempel’s involvement.

The specification challenges faced in Aquarabia Water Theme Park were both unique and multifaceted.

A key concern was the direct exposure of steel structures to Saudi Arabia’s harsh desert climate, combined with the specific microclimate of a large water park. This included high temperatures, UV exposure and airborne sand, as well as hot and humid conditions in ride zones and enclosed attractions, with limited chloride and sulphate content. These conditions demanded careful selection of coating systems capable of protecting steel without compromising long-term performance.

In specification processes where uncertainty is high, there is often a tendency to over-specify as a precaution. However, for a project of Aquarabia’s scale – with a total investment of approximately $750 million – over-specification could result in significantly higher costs without added benefit.

Recognising the need to strike the right balance, the consulting engineers turned to Hempel’s specialised coating expertise for clear, precise and project-specific specification guidance.

Hempel initiated a detailed assessment process to develop coating specifications tailored to the demanding C4 corrosivity environment, as well as the varied microclimates within the theme park.

The assessment covered a wide range of exposure conditions, from steel structures directly exposed to the desert environment to concealed steelwork within themed structures, technical rooms and indoor attractions. Each exposure category required a specific level of protection, resulting in detailed specifications covering coating systems, application methods and expected performance.

For example, external steel elements exposed to the environment and requiring intumescent fire protection were specified with a three-layer system. This included an activated zinc epoxy primer, followed by a solvent-based, acrylic, physically drying intumescent coating, and finished with a high-solids acrylic polyurethane topcoat. The system was designed to provide both fire protection and long-term aesthetic performance, including colour and gloss retention under intense UV exposure.

Hempel’s specifications were well received and subsequently incorporated directly into the project requirements by the consulting engineers.

The experience from Aquarabia Water Theme Park highlights several important lessons for large-scale projects in challenging environments:

1. Accurate corrosivity classification is essential

Recognising the correct corrosivity category is crucial for developing durable coating systems that withstand environmental challenges without over-specification. This ensures that solutions are not only compliant but also perfectly tailored to the project’s needs.
2. Customisation is key

The project emphasised the importance of custom solutions, particularly in coating specifications. Engineers and specifiers are encouraged to seek solutions tailored to the unique conditions of their projects to avoid under- or over-specification.
3. Collaboration drives successful outcomes

Close coordination between Hempel’s advisors, structural engineers, ride manufacturers and Dewan’s design team ensured that coating specifications evolved seamlessly alongside architectural and structural changes. This project underscores the importance of early technical engagement and customised specifications for large-scale, complex developments.

Download PDF

The coating system specified for Aquarabia Water Theme Park was designed to deliver both long-term protection and visual durability.

Hempadur Avantguard® 550

An activated zinc epoxy primer providing galvanic corrosion protection, fast drying and excellent mechanical strength, with high tolerance to humidity during application.

Hempafire Pro 400 / Hempafire Optima 500

For externally exposed steel, Hempafire Pro 400 provides up to 120 minutes of passive fire protection against cellulosic fires. For selected areas, Hempafire Optima 500 offers a low-VOC, water-borne alternative for passive fire protection of structural steel.

Hempathane HS 55610

A high-solids acrylic polyurethane topcoat known for excellent colour and gloss retention, specifically designed for severely corrosive atmospheric environments.

This coating system was specified to offer both fire protection and aesthetic appeal, with excellent colour and gloss retention over time.