SeaWorld Abu Dhabi on Yas Island is the Emirate’s newest attraction since May 2023
Abu Dhabi SeaWorld have opened its doors to the public, offering a new-generation Marine Life Theme Park with immersive experiences
Abu Dhabi based company Miral is a leading creator in the UAE of immersive destinations and experiences. The company’s latest project is the next-generation Marine Life Theme Park on Yas Island. The theme park tells the story of ‘One Ocean’ that uncovers the interconnectivity between life on earth and the sea.
SeaWorld Abu Dhabi wants to deliver engaging, and immersive family-friendly experiences through eight themed realms, featuring up-close animal encounters, exciting rides, inspiring entertainment, as well as a range of dining and shopping experiences.
A collaboration between Miral and SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment, SeaWorld Abu Dhabi’s eight realms can be explored across five indoor levels spanning an area of approximately 183,000m2 with the Endless Ocean realm set to be home to the world’s largest and most expansive multi-species aquarium. This innovatively designed aquarium contains over 25 million litres of water. It is set as a dynamic habitat for more than 68,000 marine animals, including sharks, schools of fish, manta rays and sea turtles.
A total of over 100,000 seaside animals – including 150 species of birds, fish, mammals and reptiles – live at the Marine Life Theme Park. Animal habitats in each realm of SeaWorld Abu Dhabi have been custom designed using state-of-the-art technology and the highest standards for animal welfare.
According to the Chairman of Miral, Mohamed Khalifa Al Mubarak, “the opening of SeaWorld Abu Dhabi in the partnership with SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment brings the region’s next-generation Marine Life Theme Park.
As part of our commitment to the Year of Sustainability, the marine life park embed Sheikh Zayed’s legacy and profound respect for nature and all its beauty, as well as plays a key role in promoting environmental awareness and protecting marine life in Abu Dhabi, the UAE and the wider region. 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.
SeaWorld Abu Dhabi’s opening marks an exciting new chapter in Yas Island and Abu Dhabi’s ongoing efforts to promote tourism, showcasing the emirate’s truly unique offerings and position it as a top global destination.
Designed according to standards set by the Association of Zoos and Aquarium (AZA) and American Humane, SeaWorld Abu Dhabi’s next-generation marine life habitats feature state-of-the art design and technology that will enable animals to live in dynamic habitats alongside other fish, birds, and animals as they would in nature.
Other spaces have been set to provide flexibility for animal welfare allowing the animal care team to recreate social seasonal patterns for animals such as the walrus. Unique systems are the Advanced Animal Lighting System (AALS) recreate night/day and seasonal light cycles while also providing the health benefits of full spectrum light and the Animal Life Support System (ALSS) that manages water quality to support the diverse array of fish and mammals living together.
Based on the interconnectivity between all life on earth and our ocean, the theme park takes guests through its unifying One Ocean story, with stops in the tropics, the rocky coasts of the Pacific Northwest, the Arabian Gulf, the vast ocean and its smaller ecosystems along the way. Situated in the centre of the park, the One Ocean realm acts as a portal to the park’s other realms and features One Epic Ocean, an immersive multi-media story shown on a 360 degree screen. The realm also offers a glimpse into the Animal Care Centre – the heart of SeaWorld Abu Dhabi. There, guests are welcome to observe veterinarians and animal care experts providing animals from the park with around-the-clock care, routine check-ups and treatment when needed.
Another realm is the Abu Dhabi Ocean where guests are taken to the shallow shores of the Arabian Gulf to learn more about the UAE’s historic seafaring tradition of pearl diving and trading. The realm allows guests to experience up-close encounters with animals native to the emirate and wider region and features several dining options including Arabic cuisine.
The Polar Ocean houses two unique realms taking visitors from the icy expanse of Antartica to the rich, bio-diverse tundra of the Arctic, illustrating how these distinct and extreme environments form an essential chapter the earth.
The MicroOcean realm demonstrates how small can be big and important as guests are swept by the ocean tides and feel shrunk to the size of plankton. In this realm, guests can explore the ocean’s smaller wonders in an immersive design highlighting the vital role of the ocean’s smallest marine-life.
Beyond the little wonders of the ocean, lies the expanse of the Endless Ocean realm. Home to the largest multi-species aquarium in the world, stunning observation decks and a beautiful glimpse from a 20m viewing window, aptly named the Endless Vista, in a sea cave, this realm’s possibilities are endless.
Bask in the warm sun along the sandy shores of the Tropical Ocean, the largest realm in SeaWorld Abu Dhabi. It offers a medley of colours, dancing waterfalls and a crystal-clear lagoon. Guests can see dolphins, flamingos and tropical birds including toucans in a lush rainforest aviary. Tropical Ocean also offers a roller-coaster ride.
Moving from the sun-kissed tropics to the USA’s rugged Pacific Northwest, the Rocky Point realm recreates the USA Pacific Northwest by featuring a hidden cove with nesting sea lions with a climate that emulates the region.
The park is adjacent to Yas SeaWorld Research & Rescue Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, the first-of-its-kind dedicated marine research, rescue, rehabilitation and return center in the region, serving as an advanced marine science knowledge hub and a key contributor to marine life conservation in the UAE and wider region. Annual Pass and multi-day or single day tickets are available starting from US $102.