SeaWorld Abu Dhabi, the marine-life theme park is set to open on May 23, 2023, it was announced by its developer Miral.
SeaWorld will be a first-of-its-kind theme park in Abu Dhabi that combines entertainment, thrill and marine life conservation into an indelible experience for visitors. The construction of this “next-generation marine-life theme park” is now 90 per cent complete, and once opened in 2023, it will be the first SeaWorld location outside of North America.
SeaWorld Abu Dhabi
The latest addition to Yas Island’s attraction – SeaWorld Abu Dhabi is being built on five indoor levels with a total area of 183,000sqm, and will contain more than 58 million litres of water.
One major attraction of SeaWorld Abu Dhabi is, it will be home to the region’s largest and most expansive multi-species marine-life aquarium, with more than 150 species of marine animals including sharks, schools of fish, manta rays, sea turtles, reptiles, amphibians, and invertebrates.
The park will also be home to hundred of birds, including penguins, puffins, murres, flamingos.
The theme park promises to tell a unified story of how life on earth is connected to life in the ocean through its ‘One Ocean’ realm and six distinct marine environments. 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, learning how the One Ocean current impacts us all.
Upon opening, the centre will support regional and global conservation efforts, and host live studies of indigenous local species such as dugongs and sea turtles.
The center will be led by world-class marine scientists, veterinarians, animal care professionals, rescue experts and educators, who will collaborate with peers, environmental organizations, regulators and academic institutions to impact long-term conservation efforts in the region.
The park’s animals will be cared for by an expert and experienced team of dedicated zoologists, veterinarians, nutritionists, and animal specialists who share a passion and commitment to maintaining the health and wellbeing of the animals in their care.
The purpose-built habitats and ecosystems for the animals that will call SeaWorld Abu Dhabi home have been designed and built using the latest technologies, aiming to provide the residents a dynamic environment that replicates their natural habitat.
The mega development, which will include the UAE’s first dedicated marine research, rescue, rehabilitation and return centre will open this year, and will be located next to the marine-life theme park.
“Abu Dhabi and the UAE has delivered longstanding marine conservation, and SeaWorld Abu Dhabi signifies the start of a new chapter in regional and global marine life knowledge, conservation, and sustainability,” said Mohamed Khalifa Al Mubarak, chairman of Miral.
Marc Swanson, CEO of SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment, said: “It is a privilege to partner with Abu Dhabi’s leading creator of experiences Miral as we bring to life another extraordinary SeaWorld experience for guests with our first marine-life theme park in over 30 years and our first outside the USA. SeaWorld’s nearly six decades of caring for such a vast array of marine animals is what makes this possible and what enables us to introduce another first for the UAE region – a marine animal research and rescue center for the UAE. We are excited to witness the impact that these endeavours will have on inspiring the next generation of marine animal conservationists across the UAE and advancing the causes of research, rescue, and conservation worldwide.”
SeaWorld Abu Dhabi will further support Miral’s vision to position Yas Island as a top global destination and a great addition to the island’s unique portfolio of attractions and experiences.
Ticket prices
Tickets are now on sale on the SeaWorld Abu Dhabi website. A general admission ticket for adults costs AED375 and a junior ticket for kids below 1.1m will cost AED290.
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