Global Leisure & Entertainment (GLE), an international-consultancy specialising in leisure, entertainment, and hospitality development, has played a crucial role in driving the operational readiness of Herding Grounds at Aquarabia - the Kingdom's first home-grown water park, surfpark, white water rafting and canyoneering park, a landmark development by Qiddiya Investment Company (QIC).
Canyon Guide performing a cliff jump in the Yolo Solo installation as part of the operational preparedness training.
Adding to its appeal, Aquarabia is home to four world-record-breaking rides: the world's tallest water coaster, the tallest drop body slide, the tallest water slide, and the longest matracer. Through its pre-opening operational consultancy for the Herding Grounds, GLE has ensured that all attractions are operationally sound, guest-ready, and built to meet the highest international standards.
Aquarabia promises experiences for every type of visitor, from thrill-seekers drawn to rafting, kayaking, canyoneering, free solo climbing, and cliff jumping, to those seeking the exhilaration of Surftopia, the Kingdom's first surf pool.
Central to this offering is the Herding Grounds - an adventure precinct brought to life through GLE's full lifecycle consulting across three major attractions: Colossal Canyon, Yolo Solo, and Raft Republic.
For each, GLE developed comprehensive SOP frameworks, guest journey mapping, and staffing models that are fully aligned with EN 15567 and NFPA standards, and delivered structured training programmes covering guest management, PPE, rescue response, and competency-based assessments.
Swiftwater rescue briefing
Lennard Francois Otto, CEO & managing director at GLE, says:
"At Aquarabia, GLE's operational and technical expertise has helped transform a vision into a world-class leisure destination. Our team of experts has ensured world-class standards in ensuring the operational safety and seamless launch of this landmark destination."
GLE's pre-opening consultancy also extended beyond internal training to encompass full supervisory oversight of specialist external training programmes across the Herding Grounds. From canyoneering training and climbing and route-setting at Yolo Solo to whitewater and swiftwater rescue programmes, GLE supervised and ensured that every discipline was executed to the highest standards of safety, compliance, and operational excellence.
Zipline rescue practice drills
Beyond the thrill of the rides, Aquarabia is designed to indulge as much as it excites. With 81 private climate-controlled luxury cabanas, 24 food and beverage outlets, and 7 retail stores, the destination offers a curated experience that transitions effortlessly from high-energy adventure to refined, laid-back relaxation.
At Aquarabia, GLE has delivered full lifecycle consulting from design assessments through implementation to ensure safe, compliant, and operationally ready attractions, with the SOP frameworks, safety systems, staff training, and readiness validation that underpin long-term commercial success. The result is a destination that sets a new benchmark for water park excellence in Saudi Arabia.
Tethered raft manoeuvre being performed during Swiftwater rescue drills.
GLE and LEOS recently partnered with BIM Group to develop and operate Phu Quoc Marina Water Park. With a projected opening towards the end of 2027, the project aims to be a major family-focused entertainment hub catering to both domestic and international visitors.
