Dubai’s Aquaman: How Ahmed Ben Chaibah built the world's largest waterpark
From facing hundreds of rejections to building a world-renowned attraction, his journey embodies the spirit of the UAE itself, a country where ambition can meet opportunity to make the impossible a reality.
Ahmed Ben Chaibah also known as Aquaman joined Dr. Sergio Carrallo, Khalid Louis, and Emkwan on the “Tech, Sports & Investments” panel at AIBC Eurasia last week. As a serial entrepreneur and Guinness World Record holder, he shared insights on the intersection of technology, sports, and investment in the UAE.
Ben Chaibah, who boasts of no less than two million followers on instagram, started his business following a simple observation when a parent at the beach lamenting the lack of entertainment for their children. Days later, aboard a boat, boredom struck Ahmed Ben Chaibah, a dyslexic entrepreneur attuned to visual thinking. At that precise moment, he imagined a waterslide plunging from the deck into the sea. Today, Ben Chaibah presides over AquaFun, the world’s largest inflatable waterpark. Speaking exclusively with SiGMA, Ahmed Ben Chaibah explained “The journey was anything but smooth.” Over 12 years, the project faced rejection – 617 times, to be precise. Investors were disgruntled; banks declined his proposals. Legal battles ensued. Twice, bankruptcy loomed. And yet, failure only sharpened Ben Chaibah’s resolve. Step by step, the waterpark grew from a small concept into an enterprise, rewriting entertainment in the Middle East.
“I was told ‘no’ so many times I lost count, but every rejection was just another reason to push harder,” says Ben Chaibah, in an exclusive interview during AIBC EurAsia. “I knew I had something special. I just needed the world to see it.”
Thinking big and moving fast
Founded in 2016, AquaFun spans a staggering 42,400 square meters along Dubai’s JBR beach, earning a Guinness World Record for its size. The park’s design spells out “I love Dubai” and “I love Expo 2020 Dubai,” messages visible from the sky. This innovative approach has made it a must-visit attraction for both locals and tourists.
Beyond its physical footprint, AquaFun has become a social media sensation, attracting influencers and celebrities from around the globe. Ben Chaibah, known as “The Aquaman,” has attracted a lot of attention, amassing over 2 million followers on Instagram. His engaging content offers a behind-the-scenes look at the park and his entrepreneurial journey, inspiring a new generation of business enthusiasts.
“Social media allowed me to share my story directly with people,” Ben Chaibah explains. “It’s not just about promoting the park; it’s about showing what’s possible when you refuse to give up.”
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) operates differently from traditional economic powerhouses. Unlike bureaucracies where progress is slow, Dubai is run like a corporation—efficient, ambitious, and focused on results. The philosophy is straightforward: find the best talent, empower them, and execute swiftly. There’s no need for parliamentary gridlock when a decision benefits people and businesses—it happens immediately.
The absence of significant oil reserves forced Dubai to innovate. With oil contributing just 1–2 percent of GDP, tourism and trade took centre stage. If a city lacks natural resources, it must become a destination. The strategy, therefore, is to think bigger and better than anyone else. In business, the second or third-best rarely matters. People remember the champion, not the runner-up. The same principle applies to attractions. If Dubai was going to have a waterpark, it would be the biggest.
“Dubai taught me that scale matters. If you’re going to do something, do it at a level where no one can ignore you,” says Ben Chaibah. “That’s what this city is all about.”
The UAE’s next frontier in entertainment
With over 200 nationalities coexisting harmoniously, the UAE thrives on tolerance and respect. A mosque, a church, and a club can exist within the same block, embodying a model of coexistence that much of the world struggles to achieve. Each emirate plays a unique role: Dubai, the tourism and business hub, has been dubbed the ‘halal Las Vegas.’ Abu Dhabi, the capital, remains the political and cultural centre. Sharjah, an educational and family-friendly hub, prioritises academia and the arts. Together, they form a cohesive economic engine, competing and collaborating to drive national success.
The UAE’s competitive spirit extends beyond tourism and trade. Each year, government entities engage in rigorous performance evaluations, with public rankings determining winners and losers. Underperformers face public scrutiny, a powerful motivator for continuous improvement. In a country where efficiency is paramount, complacency is not an option.
The UAE is not just keeping up with technological advancements, it’s setting the pace. With a dedicated Minister for Artificial Intelligence, one of the youngest in the world, the country has embraced a future-focused vision. Policymakers anticipate global trends 10–15 years in advance, ensuring that regulations evolve as fast as innovation itself.
Attracting global talent remains a cornerstone of this strategy. The introduction of Golden Visas for 100,000 software engineers and AI specialists reflects the commitment to becoming a global tech leader. Combine that with zero income tax, an unparalleled quality of life, and world-class infrastructure, the UAE positions itself as a magnet for the brightest minds in the industry.
“This country rewards ambition,” says Ben Chaibah. “If you have the drive, you’ll find the support to make things happen.”
With the upcoming Wynn Casino in Ras Al Khaimah, the UAE is taking its next bold step. While casinos are just one part of the equation, the economic ripple effect is enormous. Hotels, logistics, luxury transport, food supply chains, and countless ancillary services will flourish. A single mega-resort doesn’t just generate revenue; it transforms entire sectors.
The move signals yet another evolution. From desert sands to the world’s tallest skyscrapers, from traditional souks to tech-driven smart cities, the UAE has proven that it is best in the business of reinvention.
Ahmed Ben Chaibah (Aquaman) spoke exclusively with SiGMA during an interview at SiGMA Eurasia in Dubai, sharing insights on entrepreneurship, entertainment, and innovation. He also joined the “Tech, Sports & Investments: The UAE Entrepreneurs’ Vision” panel, discussing the UAE’s evolving business landscape. Watch out for more of his exclusive forthcoming interviews and insights with SiGMA World.
