The Icon Tower, which is one of the main attractions on Qetaifan Island North, is vying for two 'Guinness World Records', said Mustafa el-Cherkawi, senior officer – construction at Qetaifan Projects.
Speaking to Gulf Times during a recent site tour of the island, el-Cherkawi said the 85m-tall Icon Tower is registered for two world record attempts: The tallest waterslide and the most waterslides from a single tower.
He said there are different international vendors and teams from the US, Canada, the Netherlands, and Germany that are co-ordinating with the local contractor for work at the tower, which has 12 rides on six levels – two rides on each level of the tower.
El-Cherkawi expressed confidence that the Icon Tower will secure the two Guinness World Records, and that the amenities will be open to visitors before the 2022 FIFA World Cup.
“We are working hard to get these records. We did our assessments, research, and homework, and hopefully, we will get these two records before the World Cup. We are currently in contact with Guinness World Records and once there is progress in completing the loops, they will come and they will start accessing.
“When we compare this to other waterparks in the Gulf or in the Middle East, as well as other waterparks worldwide, this is really a big attraction and a big achievement for Qatar. We have very unique and special attractions and it's not possible to find them anywhere or in other waterparks,” he stressed.
El-Cherkawi explained that the teams are currently working on the installation of the fibreglass loops at the Icon Tower, which is expected to be completed “in the next five to six months.”
“This is a big challenge but we are managing the work perfectly. The island’s water park has 66 water slides. The slide wheel is one of only three worldwide, making it a unique attraction for visitors and residents of Qetaifan Island North.
“Many of the rides are very unique and were built only for this waterpark. There is also a private beach here, as well, so all visitors will have the privilege to use and swim at the beach; this is not possible in other waterparks,” el-Cherkawi said, adding that 2,000 people are working to finish the amenities and other attractions on the island.
He said a loop train runs all around the island, as well as exchange stations where people can use the shuttle train to go to the Icon Tower. People may either walk or use the train to get to their favourite destinations all around the island, he noted.
“We have 45 cabanas allowing visitors to rent them for different occasions. We have four F&B restaurants – the Icon Tower, Italian restaurant, wave pool bar, and beach bar. All rides will be completed by next year. Now we have 22 complexes. We finished four of them; we finished the ride installations, and we will start testing and commissioning each ride.
“At 85m high, people will not only enjoy the Icon Tower’s rides but they will also get a view of the Doha Skyline, Lusail Stadium, West Bay, Porto Arabia, Viva Bahriya, and Lusail City from the tower. The waterpark, which is 60% complete, will be able to accommodate 6,500 visitors every day,” he added.
Speaking to Gulf Times during a recent site tour of the island, el-Cherkawi said the 85m-tall Icon Tower is registered for two world record attempts: The tallest waterslide and the most waterslides from a single tower.
 Engineer Mustafa el-Cherkawi, senior officer – construction at Qetaifan Projects. PICTURE Shaji Kayamkulam |
He said there are different international vendors and teams from the US, Canada, the Netherlands, and Germany that are co-ordinating with the local contractor for work at the tower, which has 12 rides on six levels – two rides on each level of the tower.
El-Cherkawi expressed confidence that the Icon Tower will secure the two Guinness World Records, and that the amenities will be open to visitors before the 2022 FIFA World Cup.
“We are working hard to get these records. We did our assessments, research, and homework, and hopefully, we will get these two records before the World Cup. We are currently in contact with Guinness World Records and once there is progress in completing the loops, they will come and they will start accessing.
“When we compare this to other waterparks in the Gulf or in the Middle East, as well as other waterparks worldwide, this is really a big attraction and a big achievement for Qatar. We have very unique and special attractions and it's not possible to find them anywhere or in other waterparks,” he stressed.
El-Cherkawi explained that the teams are currently working on the installation of the fibreglass loops at the Icon Tower, which is expected to be completed “in the next five to six months.”
“This is a big challenge but we are managing the work perfectly. The island’s water park has 66 water slides. The slide wheel is one of only three worldwide, making it a unique attraction for visitors and residents of Qetaifan Island North.
“Many of the rides are very unique and were built only for this waterpark. There is also a private beach here, as well, so all visitors will have the privilege to use and swim at the beach; this is not possible in other waterparks,” el-Cherkawi said, adding that 2,000 people are working to finish the amenities and other attractions on the island.
He said a loop train runs all around the island, as well as exchange stations where people can use the shuttle train to go to the Icon Tower. People may either walk or use the train to get to their favourite destinations all around the island, he noted.
“We have 45 cabanas allowing visitors to rent them for different occasions. We have four F&B restaurants – the Icon Tower, Italian restaurant, wave pool bar, and beach bar. All rides will be completed by next year. Now we have 22 complexes. We finished four of them; we finished the ride installations, and we will start testing and commissioning each ride.
“At 85m high, people will not only enjoy the Icon Tower’s rides but they will also get a view of the Doha Skyline, Lusail Stadium, West Bay, Porto Arabia, Viva Bahriya, and Lusail City from the tower. The waterpark, which is 60% complete, will be able to accommodate 6,500 visitors every day,” he added.
