SeaWorld Abu Dhabi to open in 2023

Sea World Abu Dhabi Property developer Miral announced Wednesday that it is 90 percent complete and will open in 2023.

It will be the first SeaWorld location outside of North America and the latest addition to Yas Island attractions including Warner Bros World Abu Dhabi, Ferrari World Abu Dhabi, Yas Waterworld Abu Dhabi and Clymb Abu Dhabi .

The marine life theme park complex will also include the UAE’s first dedicated marine research, rescue, recovery and return centre, supporting regional conservation projects and focusing on indigenous ecosystems in the Arabian Gulf.

What’s inside SeaWorld Abu Dhabi?

The five-story, approximately 183,000-square-meter attraction will include habitats, rides, interactive exhibits and an immersive guest experience, full details of which have yet to be announced.

It will be home to the largest multi-species aquarium in the region, with over 58 million litres of water and 150 species including sharks, manta rays, turtles, reptiles, amphibians and invertebrates.

The park will also be home to hundreds of bird species – from penguins to puffins. The animals will be cared for by professional zoologists, veterinarians, nutritionists and other animal specialists.

Known as an ocean, the central area connects six marine environments throughout the park, each telling a story designed to emphasize the interconnectedness of life on Earth and undersea. The area will also have a 360-degree media experience.

The building will use a rooftop solar photovoltaic system with a total capacity of 8.2 MW, Abu Dhabi Clean Energy Company Masdar revealed in July.

‘We are excited’

Mohamed Khalifa Al Mubarak, Chairman of Miral, said: “Abu Dhabi and the UAE have embarked on a longstanding marine conservation effort, and SeaWorld Abu Dhabi marks the beginning of a new chapter in regional and global knowledge, conservation and sustainability of marine life.” Our partnership with SeaWorld Parks and Recreation to bring this next-generation marine life theme park to the capital will further help Abu Dhabi become a global tourism hub and contribute to its vision of economic growth and diversity.”

SeaWorld Parks and Recreation chairman Scott Ross said the company was “honoured” to be part of “an innovative vision for Abu Dhabi’s economic diversification and growth, and the emirate’s commitment to marine life conservation”.

Commenting on the research and rescue centre, Mark Swanson, CEO of SeaWorld Parks and Recreation, said: “SeaWorld’s care of so many marine animals for nearly 6 years has made this possible and has allowed us to introduce another first A UAE region.

“We are delighted to see the impact these efforts will have, inspiring the next generation of marine conservationists across the UAE and advancing the cause of research, rescue and conservation globally.”

Updated: September 14, 2022 8:58 AM