SeaWorld Abu Dhabi on Yas Island finally has an opening date, as Miral has confirmed the aquatic attraction will launch on 23 May.
Billed as a next-generation marine life theme park, SeaWorld Abu Dhabi boasts eight unique and immersive realms. These include animal encounters, rides, entertainment, and retail and dining experiences.
Each realm has been designed by leading animal care specialists, scientists and engineers using cutting-edge technologies to emulate the animals’ natural environments.
SeaWorld Abu Dhabi, the first SeaWorld park outside of the US, is home to more than 100,000 marine animals.
“Through its innovative programs and its state-of-the-art facilities, SeaWorld Abu Dhabi aims to inspire the next generation of conservationists and marine life scientists while fostering a deeper appreciation for the natural world,” said Mohamed Khalifa Al Mubarak, chairman of Miral.
“SeaWorld Abu Dhabi’s opening will mark an exciting new chapter in Yas Island and Abu Dhabi’s ongoing efforts to promote tourism, showcase the emirate’s truly unique offerings and position it as a top global destination.”
The One Ocean realm serves as a portal to the other areas and offers an immersive multimedia experience on a 360-degree screen.
It also features the animal care centre, where guests can observe veterinarians and animal care experts at work.
In the Abu Dhabi Ocean realm, guests will learn more about the Arabian Gulf and the UAE’s pearl diving and trading traditions.
This area has several dining options, including Matbakh Ummi, and retail outlets in a Souk. Here, guests can also start playing the park’s interactive game, S·E·A Guardian.
The Polar Ocean area includes two unique realms, Antarctica and Arctic, where visitors experience life in the planet’s polar regions.
As well as walruses and penguins exploring their state-of-the-art habitats, this realm also features an immersive ride, dining options, and retail outlets.
Animal encounters, rides and entertainment
In the Micro Ocean realm, guests can explore and meet some of the ocean’s smallest creatures, and enjoy family-friendly rides, play areas, whimsical characters and a fun retail outlet.
The Endless Ocean realm is home to the world’s largest aquarium, with more than 25 million litres of water and more than 68,000 marine animals – from sharks and manta rays to sea turtles.
The Tropical Ocean realm is the park’s largest, featuring dolphins, flamingos and tropical birds. It also has a roller coaster, retail outlets and dining options.
Finally, the Rocky Point realm is inspired by the USA’s Pacific Northwest and has a hidden cove with nesting sea lions.
“Years in the making, SeaWorld’s world-renowned team of animal care specialists, scientists, and engineers have worked alongside the visionary team at Miral, leading architects and designers to develop a next-generation SeaWorld park,” said Scott Ross, the chairman of SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment.
“The result is an enriching and immersive experience not only for our animals, but also for our guests.”
Located next door, Abu Dhabi’s Yas SeaWorld Research & Rescue has already opened as the MENA region’s first dedicated marine research and rescue centre.
SeaWorld Abu Dhabi was developed by SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment and Miral, Abu Dhabi’s leading developer of immersive destinations and experiences.
Images: SeaWorld / Miral
