Imagine being transported to a realm where the wonders of the ocean come to life. That’s SeaWorld Abu Dhabi. It is a marine life theme park that promises an unforgettable adventure. Let’s dive into the story of this mesmerizing destination.
SeaWorld Abu Dhabi opened its doors on May 23rd, 2023. This makes it the first SeaWorld park outside the United States. Notably, it is also the first SeaWorld park without orcas. Miral Asset Management owns and operates SeaWorld Abu Dhabi. It operates under a license from United Parks & Resorts.
Back in 2007, there were plans for a SeaWorld park in Dubai. The 2007–2008 financial crisis led to the project’s cancellation. But the dream of bringing SeaWorld to the UAE didn’t die.
In 2016, Miral and SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment announced their partnership to create SeaWorld Abu Dhabi on Yas Island. Construction began, and though initially planned to open in 2022, the park finally welcomed visitors in 2023. The $1.2 billion venture boasts the world’s largest aquarium. It also features a cylindrical LED screen.
SeaWorld Abu Dhabi spans an impressive 183,000 square meters. Inside, you will discover more than 100,000 marine animals. They represent around 150 species. The park is divided into eight themed realms. These realms include One Ocean, Abu Dhabi Ocean, Tropical Ocean, Arctic, and Antarctica. Each realm offers a unique experience.
One Ocean serves as the park’s central hub. It features a 360-degree screen and hosts captivating shows like One Epic Ocean. Abu Dhabi Ocean showcases the marine life native to the Persian Gulf. Here, visitors can even touch stingrays and starfish. Rocky Point is themed after the North American Pacific Northwest and is home to sea lions and harbor seals.
For the little ones, MicroOcean offers an underwater playground with rides like the Eel Racer roller coaster. Tropical Ocean features dolphins and flamingos. The icy realm of the Arctic is home to walruses and sea otters. Antarctica is where you’ll find many species of penguins. Finally, Endless Ocean is where you will find the world’s largest multi-species aquarium. It holds 6.6 million gallons of saltwater and houses 1,800 species. This includes sharks and rays.
But SeaWorld Abu Dhabi is more than just entertainment. It also houses the Yas SeaWorld Research and Rescue center. This facility opened in February 2023. Its mission is to rescue, rehabilitate, and return marine animals to their natural habitats. The center also educates the public about marine conservation.
The Animal Rehabilitation Centre operates 24/7. Its team focuses on research, rescue, rehabilitation, and education in the MENA region. Since 1965, SeaWorld has rescued and rehabilitated 40,000 marine animals globally.
Planning your visit? SeaWorld Abu Dhabi is open daily from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM. Ticket prices range from AED 375 for adults to AED 290 for children. The best time to visit is between November and March. The weather is cooler then.
SeaWorld Abu Dhabi isn’t just a theme park. It is a place where education meets entertainment. It inspires a deep appreciation for our oceans. As you explore its realms, remember the vital role we all play in protecting marine life. It’s an experience that will stay with you long after you leave.