Construction of the marine-life theme park, SeaWorld Abu Dhabi, is 90 per cent complete and is on track to open in 2023.
The attraction, taking shape on Yas Island, will also include the UAE’s first dedicated marine research, rescue, rehabilitation and return centre, which will open this year.
The research and rescue centre will support regional and global conservation efforts, providing an advanced knowledge hub with a focus on indigenous ecosystems in the Arabian Gulf.
The marine-life theme park is being built across five indoor levels with a total area of approximately 183,000 sq.m.
It's set to be home to the region’s largest and most expansive aquarium, featuring a myriad of immersive experiences and interactive exhibits.
Miral, in partnership with SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment, will open SeaWorld Abu Dhabi on Yas Island in 2023. Construction is 90 per cent complete on the new marine life complex, which will cover approximately 183,000 square metres across five indoor levels. pic.twitter.com/AW5sVoWnHE
— مكتب أبوظبي الإعلامي (@ADMediaOffice) September 14, 2022
The central “One Ocean” realm of SeaWorld Abu Dhabi links six distinct marine environments throughout the park, all of which tell a unified story based on the interconnectivity of life on earth and in our ocean.
Within the central hub, guests will encounter fascinating ocean stories presented in an expansive 360º fully immersive media experience, transporting them from one fascinating place to another, while they encounter much of the ocean’s diverse marine-life.
"Our partnership with SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment to bring this next-generation marine-life theme park to the capital will help further position Abu Dhabi as a global tourism hub and contribute to its economic growth and diversification vision," said Mohamed Khalifa Al Mubarak, Chairman of developer Miral.
"This is an important and transformational addition to Yas Island’s immersive experiences, which is yet another testament to achieving our vision for the island, positioning it as a top global destination," added Mohammed Abdalla Al Zaabi, Chief Executive Officer, Miral.
SeaWorld Abu Dhabi will be the first outside the United States.
"We look forward to celebrating the UAE’s history and deep-rooted connection to the ocean through the many incredible and immersive experiences at SeaWorld Abu Dhabi," said Scott Ross, Chairman, SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment.
SeaWorld Abu Dhabi is anticipated to contain more than 58 million litres of water and be home to more than 150 species of marine animals including sharks, schools of fish, manta rays, sea turtles, reptiles, amphibians, and invertebrates in addition to hundreds of birds including penguins, puffins, murres, flamingos and more.
The park’s animals will be cared for by an expert and experienced team of dedicated zoologists, veterinarians, nutritionists, and animal specialists.
Alongside housing the MENA region’s largest multi-species marine-life aquarium, the development will include the UAE’s first dedicated marine research and rescue centre, which will open its doors before the end of 2022, and support regional and global conservation efforts. pic.twitter.com/dxh77TR6oh
— مكتب أبوظبي الإعلامي (@ADMediaOffice) September 14, 2022