United Parks & Resorts is planning two new theme parks outside of the US, similar to its SeaWorld Abu Dhabi concept.
During a second-quarter earnings call last week, United Parks & Resorts CEO Marc Swanson said the company expects to sign two deals for international parks by the end of 2025.
“On our international opportunities, we are in active discussions with multiple potential partners and expect to have two signed MoUs by the end of the year,” Swanson said (via Gulf News).
United Parks & Resorts will have “more to share in the coming quarters”, Swanson said on the call.
SeaWorld Abu Dhabi on Yas Island is the first SeaWorld park outside of the US. Developed by Miral in partnership with United Parks & Resorts, then SeaWorld, it opened in May 2023.
Discussing the plans during the earnings call, Swanson said people “can expect probably something in line with how we did Abu Dhabi from a capital-light standpoint”.
SeaWorld plans expansion outside of US
SeaWorld Abu Dhabi covers five indoor levels and more than 183,000 square metres. The park contains more than 58 million litres of water and is home to more than 100,000 animals – but no orcas.
Family-friendly experiences across eight immersive realms include animal encounters, more than 15 rides and attractions, 18 dining experiences, and 13 retail outlets.
As for United Parks & Resorts’ financial results for the second quarter of 2025, attendance was 6.2 million guests, an increase of 0.8 percent from the second quarter of last year.
Revenue was $490.2 million, a decrease of 1.5 percent from the prior-year quarter. Net income was $80.1m, a drop of 12.1 percent.
“We are pleased to have grown attendance in the second quarter despite experiencing amongst the worst weather we have ever experienced in a second quarter,” Swanson said.
Images courtesy of United Parks & Resorts
