Chris Thomas, General Manager of Aquarabia Qiddiya City water theme park

We talked to a professional who started as a lifeguard in the United States and, guided by his tireless curiosity and desire to learn, climbed up the ranks as a manager in different areas of well-known water parks, from the aquatic area to operations, becoming involved even in the financial area. This enabled him to become general manager of Schlitterbahn Kansas City, Raging Waters Los Angeles and Hurricane Harbor SplashTown, among other water parks. Finally, thanks to this extensive experience, he became responsible for the gigantic Aquarabia Qiddiya City water theme park in Saudi Arabia, about which he reveals some details.

A.L.: Could you tell us about your professional journey before joining Aquarabia? What previous experiences do you consider most influential in your professional development?

C.T.: My journey in the waterpark industry began right out of high school when I joined Schlitterbahn Waterpark in New Braunfels, TX, in 1991. I quickly immersed myself in learning every aspect of the industry. After graduating college and spending several years at Schlitterbahn, I was fully committed to pursuing a career in this field.

Over the years, I held the following positions:

-1998 – 1999: Aquatics Manager, Adventure Landing Jacksonville & Daytona

-1999 – 2001: Director of Operations, SplashTown San Antonio

-2001 – 2009: Waterpark and Park Service Manager, Six Flags Fiesta Texas

-2009 – 2013: Assistant General Manager, SplishSplash Long Island

-2013 – 2015: General Manager, Schlitterbahn Kansas City

-2015 – 2018: Regional General Manager, Raging Waters Los Angeles

-2018 – 2021: General Manager, Hurricane Harbor SplashTown

-2021 – 2023: General Manager, Hurricane Harbor Arlington

-2023 – Present: Aquarabia, Qiddiya City

Each role contributed to my professional growth, requiring different skills and knowledge. My early experience at Schlitterbahn provided a solid foundation in maintenance and operations. Six Flags Fiesta Texas expanded my expertise across multiple departments. At SplishSplash Long Island, I gained experience in high-level budgeting and financial planning. Managing several parks at Raging Waters Los Angeles honed my leadership and collaboration skills with city officials.

Hurricane Harbor SplashTown was a milestone, marking my first involvement in a full park rebranding and expansion. This prepared me for Hurricane Harbor Arlington, where I tackled complex city issues and park rehab projects.

All these experiences led me to my current role at Aquarabia Qiddiya City, a project I had followed since 2018 and was excited to join. Looking back, each job was a vital step in my career, shaping my development and bringing me to where I am today.

A.L.: Moving from managing parks in the United States to Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, must have presented unique challenges. How have you adapted to the cultural differences and business environment in Saudi Arabia?

C.T.: Although I had never lived outside the United States, my experience as a military kid, moving every 3-5 years, helped me adapt quickly to new environments. Moving to Saudi Arabia and settling in Riyadh was easier than expected, and I’ve thoroughly enjoyed my time here. The people are friendly, and the culture is inviting.

One of the biggest adjustments has been embracing the importance of work-life balance, which is highly valued in Saudi Arabia. Initially, I struggled with this concept due to my experiences back home, but I’ve come to appreciate it.

A.L.: How important are innovation and creativity in a waterpark? Could you provide examples of innovative initiatives you have implemented?

C.T.: Waterparks have evolved significantly over the past 30 years. Guests now seek more than just pools and rides; they crave experiences and lasting memories. Aquarabia is a water theme park inspired by Saudi Arabia’s wildlife, designed to offer much more than traditional waterpark attractions. The park is divided into eight uniquely themed zones, each providing an immersive experience.

In addition to the classic slides and pools, Aquarabia features a surf pool with lessons, a whitewater rafting course, ziplines, a climbing experience, and the Aquaticar™—an attraction that lets guests drive futuristic vehicles through an underwater world. The centerpiece of Aquarabia is Camel Rock Mountain, which includes a restaurant, slides, and water features throughout.

Dining options include staple waterpark foods and lounge areas, with additional offerings like cabanas for a more private experience, some with butler services. We’ve also collaborated with WhiteWater West to create unique slides and attractions, ensuring that guests encounter several “firsts” during their visit.

Aquarabia is a park where guests can easily lose themselves for an entire day, and it’s likely they won’t see everything in one visit. The extensive theming, innovative rides, diverse dining options, and endless opportunities create new experiences every time guests return. Every corner of the park has been touched by imagination and innovation, making Aquarabia truly one-of-a-kind.

A.L.: Can you provide an example of a major project you planned and executed, highlighting the key steps and outcomes? How does project planning at Aquarabia differ from your previous experiences?

C.T.: One of the biggest projects I worked on back home was a park rebrand and ride expansion. Projects of this scale involve many people and moving parts, from corporate personnel and city officials to slide manufacturers, site contractors, and park staff. We began by outlining the project and securing pricing from contractors, then sought corporate approval. Once approved, we worked with the city for permits and collaborated with engineers on drawings and plans. After permits were secured, contractors could start the project.

Throughout the process, we held regular meetings with onsite teams, engineers, and city officials to ensure we stayed on schedule and followed all city requirements. Building strong relationships with city officials proved crucial; when they felt comfortable with our work and communication, the project progressed smoothly. Conversely, any hint of dishonesty could lead to significant challenges. I constantly pushed contractors to meet timelines and budgets, ensuring the project finished on time and under budget. The most rewarding part was seeing the project come to life, with new rides, redesigned restaurants, and a complete park rebrand.

The process at Aquarabia is remarkably similar, though on a much larger scale. Aquarabia is a massive water theme park, with highly skilled professionals from around the world working together to create an unparalleled experience. Being part of this once-in-a-lifetime project is an extraordinary opportunity, and I feel incredibly fortunate to contribute to it.

A.L.: With your extensive leadership experience, how would you describe your leadership style, and how has it evolved over the years across different organizations?

C.T.: When I first became a manager, I encountered Authoritarian and Micromanagement styles, which I initially adopted but found ineffective. Trying the opposite, Laissez-faire, was no better. Through observing peers and trial and error, I discovered that Situational Leadership—adapting different styles to fit the moment—was the most effective approach.

My focus is on empowering my team to make decisions confidently, without feeling micromanaged. I often remind them how people tend to act differently when a boss walks in unannounced, often leading to unnecessary mistakes.

To illustrate this, I share a story:

I worked with a teenager in a ticket booth one season. He’d watch guests come and go, and one day he excitedly pointed out a man, saying, “That’s the General Manager.” The man was actually our Marketing Director, but the teenager assumed he was the boss because of his formal attire. Later, when he realized I was the actual General Manager, his reaction changed completely.

The key takeaway is that everyone has a management style that works for them, but different situations call for different approaches. In successful parks, you’ll see a team of leaders who can adapt their styles as needed.

A.L.: Sustainability is a crucial issue today. What measures has the park taken to be more sustainable and environmentally friendly?

C.T.: Sustainability is a key focus at Aquarabia, with several processes integrated throughout the park to enhance environmental efficiency. Notably, water efficiency measures include up to a 90% reduction in backwash wastewater, a 50% reduction in energy use, and the use of 100% recycled water for irrigation and cooling. Additionally, once operational, Aquarabia aims to recycle more than 80% of its operational waste, ensuring a significant positive impact on the environment.

A.L.: What advice would you give to someone aspiring to a career in theme park management?

C.T.: You must love everything about theme parks—the guests, employees, long days, and long hours. Theme parks often become second homes and families. Set goals, don’t be afraid to ask questions, and find a mentor to regularly meet with for guidance. Most people in the industry are willing to share their knowledge, so be a sponge and get involved in everything you can.

I started as a lifeguard, pushing tubes through slides. It was fun, but I wanted more, so I took on extra shifts in other departments to learn. Over the years, I’ve worked closely with maintenance teams to understand their needs, shadowed revenue managers and directors to learn guest preparation, and sat in finance meetings to grasp forecasting and budgeting.

Be open to trying different things, embrace change, and always remember the excitement you felt when you first started or visited a park. It’s that joy that keeps both employees and guests coming back to our parks.

A.L.: What is your long-term vision for Aquarabia, and how do you plan to achieve it?

C.T.: The long-term vision for Aquarabia is to become a leading global destination, offering a world-class water theme park experience that attracts visitors from around the world. With our innovative design and talented team as a strong foundation, our focus now shifts to ensuring that every guest experience is exceptional.

To achieve this, we will invest in comprehensive training for our employees, equipping them to deliver ‘Best in Class’ service. This commitment to excellence will ensure that every visitor feels valued and leaves with lasting memories. By combining top-notch service with cutting-edge attractions, Aquarabia will set new standards in the industry and firmly establish itself on the global stage.