Aquarabia water park in Qiddiya City marked its first women-only day on Friday, emphasizing the role of modest swimwear within Saudi Arabia’s evolving leisure landscape. The event followed the park’s official public opening on Thursday, offering visitors a chance to experience dedicated female-only access, which will take place weekly on Fridays.

The women-only day featured a swimwear presentation by London-based brand Lanuuk, showcasing designs that align with cultural and religious values. Attendees highlighted the significance of leisure fashion that respects Muslim identity while catering to modern tastes.

“I do think it’s important that what we wear reflects our values as Muslims and as a society in Saudi Arabia,” said 22-year-old Saudi visitor Joury Al-Qunetah. She acknowledged the recent openness in fashion but noted the ongoing importance of modesty within the community. Al-Qunetah also praised the park’s dress code for fostering a comfortable atmosphere on site, saying it helps visitors feel respected and aware of the cultural context.

Under the park’s regulations, women on regular and family days must wear sleeveless, knee-length swimsuits or burkinis, while bikinis and above-the-knee one-piece suits remain prohibited. On women-only days, the guidelines appear somewhat relaxed, though swimwear that is deemed overly revealing is still not permitted.

Some women who attended expressed reservations about wearing the swimwear designs in mixed-gender public settings. “I don’t think I would wear most of the pieces in this collection in public settings,” said 32-year-old Wejdan Al-Ajmy. “Some designs feel a bit tight for my personal comfort, even if they’re fashionable. I would definitely wear them during the women-only day but not in a mixed or public environment.”

Lanuuk cofounder Ayesha Mahomed emphasized that the brand’s goal is to provide a range of swimwear options without dictating personal choices. “We don’t want to be the ones to define that for women. We just want to be here to give options,” she said, highlighting the balance between style and practicality as domestic leisure opportunities expand.

Aquarabia is the largest water park in the Middle East, covering 250,000 square meters with 22 water rides and attractions divided into eight themed zones, alongside seven dry rides. Among its signature features are the Junoon Drop, described as the world’s tallest and longest water coaster; Slithereel, the world’s longest slide wheel; and Surftopia, an artificial wave pool with adjustable wave sizes suitable for different skill levels.

Entrance fees start at SR275 ($73) for visitors aged 12 and older, with youth tickets priced at SR170 for children aged 4 to 11. Admission is free for children under four with prior booking via the park’s website or app. An annual pass priced at SR1,200 offers multiple entries, though some attractions are excluded.

As Saudi Arabia continues to open new leisure venues, initiatives like women-only days and culturally mindful swimwear reflect ongoing efforts to balance modern entertainment with traditional values.