FACT chatted to Bill Lentz, General Manager of Meryal Waterpark, about pre-opening, amazing rides and world record attempts.

You were involved in the pre-opening for the park, what did this entail?
Joining Meryal Waterpark as a consultant in July 2023 and transitioning to the role of General Manager in December 2023 has been an incredible journey. Meryal is an impressive project and today, it stands as Qatar’s largest waterpark, which is a testament to our team’s dedication and hard work.
The pre-opening phase involved overseeing the final stages of construction to ensure all elements of the park were completed to the highest standards. Given the scale and ambition of Meryal, this was no small feat.
Staffing was another significant aspect. We needed to recruit a large, diverse team and ensure they were thoroughly trained to deliver a world-class experience to our guests. This involved developing comprehensive training programmes to maintain high standards of safety, customer service and operational efficiency.
Overall, the pre-opening phase was about bringing together various components – from construction to staffing to cultural elements – to create a unique and memorable experience for our visitors. With over 35 years in the industry, I’ve had the privilege of managing some of the largest parks in America and around the world. Meryal stands as a testament to innovation and ambition in the waterpark industry, boasting world-class attractions and setting new standards in guest experience.

Please tell us about the water park, how many staff, rides and other facilities are there?
Meryal Waterpark is spread over six acres (281,769sq/m) and designed to accommodate up to 7,500 guests. We are working towards a full staffing level of 750 team members.
The park boasts a total of 69 attractions, including 53 slides, a wave pool, two rivers, three splash pads and play structures for kids, and five dry attractions. One of our unique features is the Alghazal family roller coaster, which is not common in waterparks. Among the highlights at Meryal Waterpark is the Rapid Refinery, a one-of-a-kind attraction where riders experience an added dimension of fun as the slide rotates while they navigate through it. As the first rotating water slide in the Middle East, this unique feature sets Rapid Refinery apart.
As part of our upcoming projects, Meryal will offer an educational experience through the Edutainment Cave. This immersive attraction will allow guests to learn about Qatar’s history of oil and gas discovery in a fun and interactive way, guided by the animated character ‘Oily’. Visitors will be able to embark on a journey through time, exploring the nation’s rich heritage and modern achievements.
Additionally, guests will soon be able to embark on a Virtual Reality adventure, experiencing the rush of sliding through vivid landscapes with twists and turns, immersing themselves in an aquatic journey.
For those seeking relaxation, our four pools and beaches, along with two rivers, offer a diverse range of aquatic fun and exploration. Our eight dining venues serve a diverse array of cuisines, including Italian and Asian, as well as a dedicated kids’ restaurant and an international food court. Poolside and beach bars provide additional options for refreshments. For shopping enthusiasts, Meryal offers retail areas and shops throughout the park. The Village marketplace offers traditional Qatari handicrafts, while the Photo Shop and The Refinery provide photographic mementos and contemporary merchandise. The Future gift shop presents captivating items that blend imagination with reality

There have been two world record attempts since opening, are you planning more?
We currently have two Guinness World Record attempts for The Rig 1938: the world’s tallest waterslide tower at 85 metres and the tower with the most slides. We are still in the process of finalising these records with Guinness World Records. Additionally, we are considering pursuing another record for the longest total slide lengths on one slide tower, measuring more than 3.5 kilometres.

Do you get to try all the rides and which is your personal favourite?
I’ve had the privilege of trying all the rides at Meryal Waterpark, often being among the first to experience them before they open to the public. If I have to choose a favourite, it would definitely be The Rig 1938. It’s not only an iconic part of the park but also a symbol of innovation and ambition.

When you’re not busy at work, how do you like to spend your downtime in Qatar?
I’ve been living in Doha for a year now, and it has been a remarkable experience discovering Qatar for the first time. It’s a fascinating country with a rich culture and a lot to offer. In my downtime, I enjoy visiting Souq Waqif, strolling through the alleys and immersing myself in the vibrant local culture. I also enjoy playing golf, which is a great way to unwind and take in the beautiful surroundings of the city. ✤