SeaWorld has opened a research and rescue facility in Abu Dhabi ahead of opening a new theme park on Yas Island later this year.
Yas SeaWorld Research & Rescue includes a veterinary hospital, more than 25 rehabilitation tanks, an on-site laboratory, a rescue fleet including two custom rescue boats and an aquaculture facility, all of which contribute to the advancement of the United Arab Emirates’ marine Bio-protection Emirates and the wider Gulf region. This is SeaWorld’s first research and rescue center outside of the United States.
To help foster education about marine wildlife and ecosystems, the facility includes a 160-seat auditorium, a dry classroom, and a wet classroom to provide seminars, lectures, and training opportunities for students in the region.
From right to left: Mohamed Abdalla Al Zaabi, CEO of Miral Group, HE Mohamed Khalifa Al Mubarak, Chairman of Miral, HE Mariam bint Mohammed Saeed Hareb Almheiri, Minister of Climate Change and Environment, Dr Chris Dold, Chief Animal Officer, SeaWorld Parks and Recreation, and Acting Deputy Chief US Embassy Mission Chief Darren Perdue joins future marine scientists at the unveiling of Yas Island at Yas Seaworld Research and Rescue in Abu Dhabi.Photo courtesy of Millar
“This is the cornerstone of the emirate’s education and conservation journey, inspiring the next generation of marine scientists to learn more about Abu Dhabi’s influential long-term vision to protect our marine wildlife and their habitats,” said His Excellency Mohamed Khalifa Al Mubarak, said the chairman of Miral, which owns the Yas Island resort. “Together with SeaWorld, we will push the limits of science and conservation, becoming the foremost knowledge hub for marine scientists, not only in the UAE but the wider region.”
“We are extremely proud to partner with Miral to bring this first-of-its-kind center to the UAE,” said SeaWorld Parks and Entertainment Chairman Scott Ross. “Today’s inauguration has been many years in the making and we are extremely excited to make this official announcement and continue our collective efforts to advance the protection of the region’s amazing and incredibly diverse marine life.”
Later this year, SeaWorld Abu Dhabi will open on Yas Island, SeaWorld’s first indoor theme park. The 45-acre facility will include two coasters — an Intamin multi-launch coaster and a Zamperla family coaster — in addition to an immersive 360-degree “One Ocean” exhibit that will feature six different oceans across the park. The environment is connected. Together, the environments will contain more than 15 million gallons of water and are home to more than 150 species of marine animals, including sharks, schools of fish, manta rays, turtles, reptiles, amphibians and invertebrates, in addition to hundreds of species of birds , including penguins, puffins, puffins and flamingos.
Sea World Abu Dhabi will join Ferrari World Abu Dhabi and Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi as the third theme park at Yas Island Resort, which is also home to Yas Waterworld Waterpark and Yas Marina Race Home to the Formula 1 circuit.
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