“Desert Falls provides unique, immersive experiences reflected in growing number of returning visitors”

Adam Du Plooy, general manager, Desert Falls Water & Adventure Park speaks about the park’s USPs, the innovations implemented and the future.

QH: How do you plan to enhance the guest experience at Desert Falls Water & Adventure Park?
Du Plooy: At Desert Falls Water & Adventure Park, our mission is to provide an unforgettable escape for friends and families, allowing them to break away from the hustle and bustle of city life and immerse themselves in a world of adventure. We continuously strive to enhance the guest experience by offering an exciting array of promotions, themed events, and entertainment options that cater to all ages and preferences.
Recently, we hosted the Kabayan Fiesta, a vibrant celebration tailored for the Filipino community – a huge success, filled with engaging games, live entertainment, and authentic Filipino cuisine, creating unforgettable moments for guests of all ages.
Building on this momentum, we’re thrilled to announce our upcoming Desi Fest, a celebration of the rich and diverse culture of the Qatar Desi community. It will offer a unique blend of cultural immersion and waterpark fun!
At Desert Falls, we pride ourselves on providing unique, immersive experiences, which is reflected in our growing number of returning visitors.

QH: What key safety innovations have you implemented in the park so far?
Du Plooy: Safety is the cornerstone of everything we do at Desert Falls. One of our standout innovations is the Junior Lifeguard Program, designed for children aged 6 to 13. This educational initiative, led by certified instructors and our mascot Sammy the Turtle, teaches kids essential water safety skills through interactive play and real-world practice. We’ve received the prestigious Platinum International Aquatic Safety Award, placing us in the top 10 percent of waterparks worldwide for safety standards.
With 19 attractions and 30 rides, Desert Falls is one of the largest waterparks in the region, and our focus on safety allows guests to enjoy every adventure with peace of mind.

QH: With your extensive experience, what unique insights are you bringing to Desert Falls?
Du Plooy: With over 25 years of experience in the water park and resort industry, I bring a wealth of knowledge and unique insights to Desert Falls. I have gained extensive expertise across the Middle East, Europe, and Africa, developing strong operational skills in aquatic safety management, risk management, and waterpark design, with a particular focus on pre-opening operations. I’ve had the privilege of being part of pre-opening teams for three major waterparks in Dubai and Ireland and have experience managing operations in 5-star resorts across the Middle East and Africa, which have sharpened my understanding of delivering a high-quality guest experience. At Desert Falls, my goal is to build on the park’s success by ensuring that every visitor feels like they’re on a vacation, even though we’re just an hour outside of Doha.
One of our recent initiatives, Monday Madness, has been a great success, attracting guests who might not have the opportunity to visit on weekends. This promotion has opened up the park to a wider audience, offering them the chance to enjoy our attractions and world-class waterpark experience at a convenient time.

QH: How do you balance fun and adventure with safety in such a diverse park?
Du Plooy: Balancing fun and adventure with safety is fundamental to our mission at Desert Falls. To achieve this, we collaborate with third-party safety consultants who regularly review and test our safety systems and procedures, ensuring they meet the highest standards. Our dedicated team of lifeguard instructors continually trains our lifeguards in the latest emergency response techniques.
In 2023, Desert Falls was the only waterpark in the region honoured with the prestigious Jeff Ellis & Associates, Inc. Platinum Award for Aquatic Safety, a testament to our unwavering commitment to safety.

QH: What new attractions or developments can visitors look forward to in the near future?
Du Plooy: We’re excited to announce thrilling new developments at Desert Falls Water & Adventure Park that will elevate the guest experience. We are currently collaborating with a leading VR company to introduce an innovative attraction where guests can float face down in our diving pool, wearing a snorkel and VR headset that transports them into three unique environments.
In addition to the VR attraction, we already offer adrenaline-pumping activities like laser tag and go-karting. Thrill-seekers can race through our Desert Street Circuit and then dive into action-packed combat games. For even more excitement, our canyoning arena features cliff jumping from heights ranging from 1 to 7 metres, making it an exhilarating family activity for all ages.