Center of Curiosity Museum Water Feature Engineering | Yas Island Abu Dhabi

Project Description:

As part of Abu Dhabi’s major cultural and experiential development initiative, Desert Grove Pools & Spas, in collaboration with Watercurl Pools LLC, successfully delivered the complete MEP engineering, supply, installation, testing and commissioning works for six fully interactive water features at the Center of Curiosity Museum on Yas Island Abu Dhabi.

Designed as an immersive educational and entertainment destination focused on science, discovery and family engagement, the museum integrates interactive water features as both sensory and experiential elements. The project required advanced aquatic engineering systems capable of delivering exceptional water hygiene, operational reliability, sustainability and responsive interactive performance within a high-profile public environment.

Desert Grove Pools & Spas provided a complete turnkey water feature MEP package including mechanical, electrical and plumbing systems for all six interactive water features, hydraulic integration with architectural water basins and exhibit structures, smart automation systems, Building Management System integration, high-capacity underground hydraulic infrastructure and full testing, balancing and commissioning works.

The project included the installation of large-diameter plumbing infrastructure with pipe sizes reaching up to 400 mm in diameter to support the high-flow hydraulic demands of the museum’s interactive water experiences.

All six water features were engineered using advanced regenerative media filtration systems designed to deliver exceptional water clarity while minimizing water consumption, chemical dependency and backwash waste. These systems support the sustainability and environmental performance objectives established by Estidama and Abu Dhabi environmental authorities for major public developments.

To ensure the highest standards of water hygiene and public safety, each water feature incorporates advanced UV water disinfection technology operating continuously to neutralize bacteria and pathogens while significantly reducing chlorine usage and maintaining crystal-clear water quality for visitor interaction.

The project also integrates fully automated PLC-based water feature control systems allowing synchronized and independent management of feature sequences, water levels, chemical dosing systems and filtration operations. Full Building Management System integration enables real-time monitoring, diagnostics and operational control across all water feature installations.

Dynamic programmable water display sequences were developed to support interactive experiences responsive to motion sensors and scheduled activation programs, enhancing the museum’s immersive visitor engagement environment.

The hydraulic infrastructure package included extensive underground piping systems, submersible and dry-mounted circulation pumps with Variable Frequency Drives (VFDs), custom stainless steel manifolds and precision-engineered suction and discharge arrangements optimized for high-flow hydraulic performance and long-term operational reliability.

Additional electrical and safety systems included low-voltage panels, MCC systems, grounding infrastructure, emergency shut-off systems, waterproof electrical enclosures and coordinated integration with exhibit lighting and architectural feature systems to maintain both operational safety and visual harmony.

Executing the project required intensive multidisciplinary coordination between exhibit designers, museum consultants, structural engineers, landscape architects and MEP specialists. Key engineering challenges included integrating complex hydraulic systems within concealed architectural spaces, managing intricate underground infrastructure beneath finished public areas and achieving rapid interactive water response while maintaining exceptional water hygiene and energy efficiency.

Desert Grove Pools & Spas maintained rigorous QA/QC procedures throughout all construction and commissioning phases while coordinating closely with specialist consultants and local authorities to ensure full technical compliance and operational readiness.

Today, the interactive water features at the Center of Curiosity Museum function as immersive public attractions combining entertainment, education, sustainability and advanced aquatic engineering technology.

This landmark Yas Island development further reinforces Desert Grove Pools & Spas’ expertise in large-scale commercial water feature engineering, intelligent aquatic systems and advanced turnkey MEP solutions for the UAE’s most prestigious cultural and institutional destinations.

Explore our commercial swimming pool and water feature projects in the UAE including institutional aquatic facilities, museum water features, rooftop leisure pools and large-scale commercial aquatic engineering solutions.