Something spooky going on at Wild Wadi

DUBAI // Legend has it that many years ago, long before Wild Wadi or the old Chicago Beach Hotel were built, people would go missing on this area of Jumeirah beach.

A few members of staff of the old hotel also disappeared. Recently strange noises and chilling screams have been heard coming from the Jumeirah Heights. Wild Wadi management heard rumours that a Djinn once inhabited this area, and now it is making its presence known.

Haunted Heights is the water park’s latest attraction to tie in with Halloween. Set to run to November 8, visitors can experience the horrors of the Heights Djinn.

The house is run by seven Wild Wadi staff at a time, all dressed as ghosts and zombies blending into the background ready to jump out at the unsuspecting trespasser. Though there is no minimum age restriction, children below 13 years old might want to check with mum and dad if they’re allowed to brave it.

Thirteen trick or treat houses have also been set up around the park, each with its own theme and mascot. Children are given a map and treats bucket to find all the houses and collect sweets.

“This is the first haunted house event we have done and the first in Dubai that we are aware of,” said Chris Perry, general manager of Wild Wadi. “These days Halloween is celebrated by many different cultures around the world, it is about time we did something here.

“It’s difficult to decorate the whole park, but we have picked a number of pockets where we have implemented themes. About 30 employees are in costume around the park,” he said. “We didn’t want to take on too much in our first attempt, we’re not trying to be the biggest, but we want to ensure great quality.”

Swimmers will spot the occasional zombie lifeguard wading through the water.

“Come out and try it, it is something different and fun,” said Mr Perry. “We plan to do this every year, and we might be looking at different activities and themes each year.”

Entry costs Dh50 for a single pass and Dh75 for multiple pass.