Ahmed Aziz
Head of Operations
Saraya Aqaba Waterpark
Aqaba - Jordan
Featured in
World Waterpark Magazine, April 2023
WHAT IS YOUR EDUCATION AND PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE?
I graduated in 2009, in Egypt, with a physical education degree. I have 7 years experience in the waterpark industry, in addition to 8 years experience in the scuba diving industry.
WHAT CERTIFICATION OR LICENSING DO YOU HAVE?
I’m a master scuba diver trainer, an Ellis & Associates instructor trainer, a martial arts yellow belted six sigma and certified aquatic facility operator.
WHAT HONORS, AWARDS OR SPECIAL RECOGNITION HAVE YOU ACHIEVED?
I’m very humbled to represent the associate group of Ellis & Associates as the first Egyptian and Arabic speaking instructor trainer in the world.
WHAT MADE YOU GO INTO THIS FIELD?
In 2016, I decided to shift my career away from scuba diving, but wanted to stay close to the water, interact with guests and make sure their experiences were safe. The waterpark industry allowed me to do that.
WHAT ASPECT OF THE WATERPARK INDUSTRY DO YOU LIKE BEST?
Seeing guests smiling, the daily challenges, and the industry’s continuous innovation.
WHO HAS MOST INSPIRED YOU IN YOUR CAREER?
I consider myself one of the luckiest people in the industry, as I have worked with and reported to many experienced industry leaders. Some of these leaders are Mariana Marx, who was the first one to inspire me because of her consistency and commitment, Olivia Wyrick because of her leadership style, Ryan Philips and Chris Van De Merwe had a life changing impact on my career and personal character and Hayden Holmes is someone who allowed me to see things from a different perspective.
WHAT HAS BEEN THE GREATEST CHALLENGE IN YOUR WATERPARK CAREER?
Working in the waterpark industry requires people to be flexible and resilient as situations change very quickly. Creativity is needed to be able to deal with the changes. Also, in this field you are exposed to work with so many different nationalities and cultures, so having an open mind will always help to overcome this challenge.
HOW DO YOU KEEP FOCUSED AND MOTIVATED?
I believe that consistency is the key to success in everything in life, and my family keeps me consistent, focused, and motivated.
WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE SOMEONE WHO IS INTERESTED IN WORKING IN THE WATERPARK INDUSTRY?
Skills can be taught but attitude is not. The waterpark industry is a fun industry to work in, however having the right attitude, dedication, hard work and most importantly consistency are the most significant elements to success.
WHAT BOOKS OR PUBLICATIONS DO YOU RELY ON MOST FOR INSPIR ATION OR MOTIVATION?
I’m a person of faith and I refer to the Holy Quran for inspiration and motivation.
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE PART OF YOUR JOB?
Training is my favorite part; when you train people, you are not only teaching them new skills, but you might be changing their mindset, and their perspective in so many things beyond the specific training skill.
WHAT CAREER OR BUSINESS WOULD YOU CONSIDER IF YOU WERE STARTING ALL OVER AGAIN?
I never want to change what I am doing, however, if I had to start all over again, I would do marketing in the waterpark industry.
HOW DID YOU FIRST GET INVOLVED WITH THE WWA?
I was honored to participate in the World’s Largest Swimming Lesson back in 2016 as a lifeguard at Wild Wadi Waterpark, Dubai, U.A.E..
WHAT IS SOMETHING INTERESTING ABOUT YOU THAT FEW KNOW OR WOULD GUESS?
I enjoy close encounters with sharks when diving, The feeling of adrenaline is indescribable. •