Entrance of Yas Waterworld's new expansion, designed by LIMAH
New Template
/

Yas Waterworld Phase II

Abu Dhabi, UAE

Yas Waterworld Phase II
2024
New Template
/

Yas Waterworld Phase II

Abu Dhabi, UAE

Yas Waterworld Phase II extends the park through Bandit’s Village, a narrative environment built around the story of Matamir and his search for the legendary Black Pearl.

LIMAH developed the Wayfinding & Navigation strategy for the expansion, with the aim of integrating directional information into the themed environment rather than treating signage as a separate visual layer. The system needed to support orientation, destination finding and essential information while remaining consistent with the existing park and the specific character of the new zone.

EXPERIENCE STRATEGY AND DESIGN

The strategy was structured around five functions: welcoming visitors, helping them understand where they are, guiding them to destinations, providing essential information and contributing to the wider experience.

The design process began with the narrative structure of Bandit’s Village. Matamir’s journey provided a framework for understanding the relationship between arrival, rides, dining, retail and other visitor touchpoints. Navigation was then developed within that narrative setting rather than added after the thematic design had been established.

‍

FEATURE MOMENT

The design language was shaped by the concept of a Lost City Revealed. New signs needed to remain visually connected to the existing park while establishing the extension’s own identity.

Illustrations began as hand-drawn sketches tailored to individual rides. Their style supported the character of the Bandit’s Village environment and gave each attraction a visual cue that could work alongside written destination information.

‍

No items found.

For each ride, LIMAH considered its story and physical experience before translating those characteristics into the associated visual language. This allowed the identification system to communicate more than a name alone.

A zone naming system inspired by the park’s characters and settings provides another level of structure, while cabana numbering and destination information support navigation at a more functional level. These layers work together across the visitor journey.

Entrance of Yas Waterworld's new expansion, designed by LIMAH
New Template
/

Yas Waterworld Phase II

Abu Dhabi, UAE

Yas Waterworld Phase II
2024
PROJECT
/

Yas Waterworld Phase II

Abu Dhabi, UAE

Yas Waterworld Phase II extends the park through Bandit’s Village, a narrative environment built around the story of Matamir and his search for the legendary Black Pearl.

LIMAH developed the Wayfinding & Navigation strategy for the expansion, with the aim of integrating directional information into the themed environment rather than treating signage as a separate visual layer. The system needed to support orientation, destination finding and essential information while remaining consistent with the existing park and the specific character of the new zone.

Understanding the story

The strategy was structured around five functions: welcoming visitors, helping them understand where they are, guiding them to destinations, providing essential information and contributing to the wider experience.

The design process began with the narrative structure of Bandit’s Village. Matamir’s journey provided a framework for understanding the relationship between arrival, rides, dining, retail and other visitor touchpoints. Navigation was then developed within that narrative setting rather than added after the thematic design had been established.

‍

Hand-drawn from the ground up

The design language was shaped by the concept of a Lost City Revealed. New signs needed to remain visually connected to the existing park while establishing the extension’s own identity.

Illustrations began as hand-drawn sketches tailored to individual rides. Their style supported the character of the Bandit’s Village environment and gave each attraction a visual cue that could work alongside written destination information.

‍

Signs that show, not just tell

For each ride, LIMAH considered its story and physical experience before translating those characteristics into the associated visual language. This allowed the identification system to communicate more than a name alone.

A zone naming system inspired by the park’s characters and settings provides another level of structure, while cabana numbering and destination information support navigation at a more functional level. These layers work together across the visitor journey.

Narrative wayfinding

The Matamir Drop demonstrates the relationship between navigation and storytelling. Rather than relying only on a ride name and directional arrow, its signage incorporates a cannon blast and crashing wave to reflect the character of the attraction.

The result is a physical communication layer that performs a navigational role while remaining visually connected to the themed environment around it.

‍

Entrance of Yas Waterworld's new expansion, designed by LIMAH
New Template
/

Yas Waterworld Phase II

Abu Dhabi, UAE

Yas Waterworld Phase II
2024
New Template
/

Yas Waterworld Phase II

Abu Dhabi, UAE

Yas Waterworld Phase II extends the park through Bandit’s Village, a narrative environment built around the story of Matamir and his search for the legendary Black Pearl.

LIMAH developed the Wayfinding & Navigation strategy for the expansion, with the aim of integrating directional information into the themed environment rather than treating signage as a separate visual layer. The system needed to support orientation, destination finding and essential information while remaining consistent with the existing park and the specific character of the new zone.

EXPERIENCE STRATEGY AND DESIGN

The strategy was structured around five functions: welcoming visitors, helping them understand where they are, guiding them to destinations, providing essential information and contributing to the wider experience.

The design process began with the narrative structure of Bandit’s Village. Matamir’s journey provided a framework for understanding the relationship between arrival, rides, dining, retail and other visitor touchpoints. Navigation was then developed within that narrative setting rather than added after the thematic design had been established.

‍

No items found.

FEATURE MOMENT

The design language was shaped by the concept of a Lost City Revealed. New signs needed to remain visually connected to the existing park while establishing the extension’s own identity.

Illustrations began as hand-drawn sketches tailored to individual rides. Their style supported the character of the Bandit’s Village environment and gave each attraction a visual cue that could work alongside written destination information.

‍

No items found.

For each ride, LIMAH considered its story and physical experience before translating those characteristics into the associated visual language. This allowed the identification system to communicate more than a name alone.

A zone naming system inspired by the park’s characters and settings provides another level of structure, while cabana numbering and destination information support navigation at a more functional level. These layers work together across the visitor journey.

Entrance of Yas Waterworld's new expansion, designed by LIMAH
New Template
/

Yas Waterworld Phase II

Abu Dhabi, UAE

PUBLIC ART
/
LA MER
2023
New Template
/

Yas Waterworld Phase II

Abu Dhabi, UAE

YEAR
2024
CLIENT
Miral
LEAD
WME
LOCATION
Abu Dhabi, UAE
SERVICES
Experience Strategy
,
Wayfinding & Navigation
,
Place Identity & Public Art
,
Built Environment Integration
,
Technical Delivery & Governance
,
SECTOR
Entertainment Destinations
,
Retail
,
SHARE BY
https://limahdesign.com/work/yas-waterworld-phase-ii

Yas Waterworld Phase II extends the park through Bandit’s Village, a narrative environment built around the story of Matamir and his search for the legendary Black Pearl.

LIMAH developed the Wayfinding & Navigation strategy for the expansion, with the aim of integrating directional information into the themed environment rather than treating signage as a separate visual layer. The system needed to support orientation, destination finding and essential information while remaining consistent with the existing park and the specific character of the new zone.

No items found.

The strategy was structured around five functions: welcoming visitors, helping them understand where they are, guiding them to destinations, providing essential information and contributing to the wider experience.

The design process began with the narrative structure of Bandit’s Village. Matamir’s journey provided a framework for understanding the relationship between arrival, rides, dining, retail and other visitor touchpoints. Navigation was then developed within that narrative setting rather than added after the thematic design had been established.

‍

No items found.