As part of the exhilarating festivities surrounding National Roller Coaster Day, celebrated on August 16th, let’s pay homage to the thrilling world of high-speed theme park rides and the fearless daredevils who live for the adrenaline rush.
Join us as we countdown the 7 scariest roller coasters in the UAE that you absolutely must brave, promising an unforgettable journey through twists, loops, and heart-stopping speeds.
1. Flying Aces, Ferrari World Abu Dhabi
Having personally experienced this incredible adventure, I assure you, “You must try it!”
Board the military bi-plane and ascend a thrilling 63 meters at a striking incline of 51 degrees. As someone who has been through it, I can attest to the heart-pounding sensation and surge of adrenaline as you soar through the world’s highest rollercoaster loop, reaching speeds of up to 120 km/h. Believe me, I couldn’t stop screaming from the moment it started to the exhilarating end. This awe-inspiring adventure, which I wholeheartedly recommend, pays homage to the legendary aviator, Count Baracca, renowned as the ‘ace of aces’.
Minimum height: 130cm
Ferrari World, Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, Daily, 11am to 8pm, Tel: (600) 511 115.
2. Formula Rossa, Ferrari World Abu Dhabi
Calling all speed enthusiasts! Located within Ferrari World in Abu Dhabi, the Formula Rossa stands as the world’s fastest roller coaster. This remarkable ride accelerates to an astonishing 240 kilometres per hour in a mere 4.9 seconds.
Stretching over a track that spans 2.07 kilometres, its design draws inspiration from the renowned Italian racing circuit, the Autodromo Nazionale di Monza. The experience offers not only an adrenaline rush but also a significant legacy of speed.
Reaching staggering heights of 52 metres and attaining speeds that outpace even the likes of Lewis Hamilton’s races around the F1 track, this ride isn’t for the faint-hearted.
Minimum height: 140cm
Ferrari World, Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, Daily, 11am to 8pm, Tel: (600) 511 115,
3. Now You See Me: High Roller, MOTIONGATE™ Dubai
The Now You See Me ride at MOTIONGATE ™ Dubai is based on the movie franchise of the same name – and the thrills of this coaster lives up to the twists and turns of its namesake! This coaster is the world’s fastest single car spinning coaster, boasting the distinction of employing single cars, and achieving a top speed of 70 km/h.
Notably, it introduces an exceptionally unique feature: the Non Inverting Loop, an innovation patented by Maurer. This intriguing element propels passengers to impressive heights while preserving a distinctive experience.
Minimum height: 120cm
MOTIONGATE Dubai, Dubai Parks and Resorts, Sun to Thur 12pm to 9pm, Fri to Sat 12pm to 10pm, Tel: (0) 4 820 0000.
4. Velociraptor, IMG Worlds of Adventure, Dubai
The Velociraptor, found within IMG Worlds of Adventure, stands out as the sole attraction in the indoor theme park that extends its adventure outdoors. As the largest ride in the park, this exhilarating roller coaster begins its journey within the park’s confines and then propels riders on a high-speed expedition through an array of twists, turns, and a formidable loop that promises a memorable experience.
With speeds reaching 100 km/h, you’ll fly over a 38-meter vertical loop—perfect for thrill-seekers. The sensation is incredible—almost as if you’ve burst through the walls and are hurtling towards Emirates Road.
Minimum height: 130cm
IMG Worlds of Adventure, City of Arabia, daily, 12pm to 10pm, Tel: (0)4 403 8888.
5. The Storm Coaster, Dubai Hills Mall
Dubbed as the swiftest vertical launch roller coaster in Dubai, the Storm Coaster finds its home within Dubai Hills Mall. This indoor attraction propels riders upwards of 50 meters within the building using a vertical launch mechanism.
The riders will encounter airtime, speed changes, abrupt drops and unexpected accelerations on a total of 670 meters of track with a top speed of 77km/hr. Calling out all adrenalin junkies, this coaster is a “multivehicle inversion coaster wrapping its way throughout the entire building”. Anticipate an uninterrupted surge of excitement throughout the two-and-a-quarter-minute journey, leaving you both breathless and exhilarated in equal measure.
Minimum height: 130cm
Dubai Hills Mall, Al Khail Road, Dubai, open daily, 10am to 10pm, tickets start at Dhs65, Tel: (0)4 448 5033.
6. John Wick: Open Contract, MOTIONGATE™ Dubai
John Wick: Open Contract, as it’s called, is a 10-storey-high 4D free spin roller coaster set over a 310-metre track that delivers G-force of up to 2.8 Gs.
Rising to a height equivalent of ten stories and spanning a track that extends over 310 meters, this attraction offers an absolutely mind-bending experience, with the solitary spinning car achieving speeds of up to 70 kilometers per hour. Yet, there’s more to this adventure – including non-inverted loops and an underground section that is sure to send shivers down your spine. Adding to the excitement, the ride boasts a first drop that’s nearly seven stories high, all on a 500-meter-long track, accompanied by an underground segment.
Minimum height: 125cm
MOTIONGATE Dubai, Dubai Parks and Resorts, Sun to Thur 12pm to 9pm, Fri to Sat 12pm to 10pm, Tel: (0) 4 820 0000.
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7. Manta Coaster, Sea World Abu Dhabi
Located in the newly opened Sea World Abu Dhabi, the “Manta Coaster” is an exhilarating ride with 17 airtime moments and the world’s first zero gravity flip-outs. This roller coaster will guide you through exhilarating loops and a bioluminescent tunnel, offering a captivating view of the captivating marine inhabitants of Ray Reef.
The Manta Coaster extends outside on a track length of almost 1200 meters. Besides the top speed of about 80 km/h, riders will experience three launches, a total of 17 breathtaking air- and hang time moments, a zero-gravity flip and three inversions while whizzing through this truly stunning layout with numerous close interactions and near miss elements in an extensively themed surrounding.
Minimum height: 130cm
SeaWorld Abu Dhabi, Yas Island
