SeaWorld Abu Dhabi opening May 2023 on Yas Island

The much-anticipated SeaWorld Abu Dhabi on Yas Island will open on May 23, 2023, with eight highly themed realms.

SeaWorld Abu Dhabi

Miral, Abu Dhabi’s leading creator of immersive destinations and experiences, recently announced that SeaWorld Abu Dhabi would open its doors to guests on May 23, 2023.

As Miral describes it, this next generation “Marine Life Theme Park” will “tell a captivating ‘One Ocean’ story that uncovers the interconnectivity between life on earth and our ocean.”

“We’re very excited to share that the highly-anticipated SeaWorld Abu Dhabi will open its doors very soon,” said SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment Chairman Scott Ross. “We cannot be prouder and more honored to open our first SeaWorld outside of the United States with such dynamic and innovative partners as Miral and the UAE. It is only through the strength of our partnership, unwavering support, and commitment that we are bringing this incredible experience to Yas Island. 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.”

SeaWorld Abu Dhabi
SeaWorld Abu Dhabi Aquarium Observation Deck

The collaboration between Miral and SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment, SeaWorld Abu Dhabi, offers eight realms to explore across five indoor levels spanning about 45 acres, including the Endless Ocean realm, which will feature the world’s largest and most expansive multi-species aquarium. This innovatively-designed aquarium will contain over six million gallons of water and more than 68,000 marine animals.

SeaWorld Abu Dhabi intends to deliver engaging and immersive family-friendly experiences like exciting rides, inspiring entertainment, unmatched dining and shopping, and up-close animal encounters. In all, SeaWorld Abu Dhabi will be home to over 100,000 marine animals of all shapes and sizes, with the animal habitats in each realm of SeaWorld Abu Dhabi custom-designed using state-of-the-art technology and the highest standards for animal welfare.

Standards set by AZA

Designed according to standards set by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) and American Humane, SeaWorld Abu Dhabi’s next-generation marine life habitats enable animals to live in dynamic habitats alongside other fish, birds, and animals.

Unique spaces have also been designed to provide flexibility for animal welfare allowing the SeaWorld Abu Dhabi animal care team to recreate seasonal social patterns for animals such as the walrus. In addition, innovative systems such as the Advanced Animal Lighting System (AALS) recreate daily and seasonal light cycles while also providing the health benefits of full-spectrum light, and the Animal Life Support System (ALSS) manages water quality to support the diverse array of animals to live together in dynamic environments at SeaWorld Abu Dhabi.

“By leveraging a fundamental SeaWorld design principle of putting animal well-being and care at the core of the design, SeaWorld Abu Dhabi is set to redefine the standards of excellence for marine life theme parks across the world,” Ross said. “The result is an enriching and immersive experience not only for our animals, but also for our guests. Across all eight realms, the enthralling One Ocean story comes alive through realm designs that simulate the natural and dynamic environments found within the ocean alongside fun and educational experiences that inspire guests of all ages to take an interest in our ocean’s future.”

One Ocean at SeaWorld Abu Dhabi

SeaWorld Abu Dhabi will take guests through its unifying “One Ocean” story, with stops in the tropics and the Pacific Northwest’s rocky coasts, the Arabian Gulf, the vast ocean, and its more miniature ecosystems along the way.

SeaWorld Abu Dhabi

Situated in the center of the park, the One Ocean realm acts as a portal to the park’s other realms. It also features One Epic Ocean, an immersive multi-media story shown on a 360◦screen. This realm also offers a glimpse into the Animal Care Center, the heart of SeaWorld Abu Dhabi. 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.

Ocean Realms at SeaWorld Abu Dhabi

SeaWorld Abu Dhabi

Abu Dhabi Ocean Realm – Guests will begin their journey in the Abu Dhabi Ocean realm, where they’ll be carried to the shallow shores of the Arabian Gulf to learn more about the area’s historic maritime tradition. The Abu Dhabi Ocean will allow guests to experience up-close encounters with animals native to the emirate and wider region. This realm features several dining options, including Matbakh Ummi, a signature dining experience with Arabic cuisine. This realm will also be home to retail outlets paying homage to Abu Dhabi’s heritage. Abu Dhabi Ocean will also be the first touchpoint for guests to enroll in SeaWorld Abu Dhabi’s parkwide interactive game – S·E·A Guardian.

The Polar Ocean: Antarctica and Arctic Realms – This area of the park houses two unique realms taking visitors from the icy expanse of Antarctica to the rich, bio-diverse tundra of the Arctic, illustrating how these distinct and extreme environments form an essential chapter of the One Ocean story. In these realms, guests can enjoy the colorful Juhani village and its harbor, depicting life at the North Pole, where walruses can be seen exploring their dynamic state-of-the-art habitats. The coldest realms will also simulate the temperatures in our planet’s polar regions. This environment is well-suited for animals like penguins and walruses. At the Polar Ocean realm, guests can enjoy an immersive ride, indulge in dining options, explore retail outlets, and visit a massive research vessel filled with fun interactive ways to learn more about these diverse regions and their inhabitants.

SeaWorld Abu Dhabi
SeaWorld Abu Dhabi
SeaWorld Abu Dhabi

The MicroOcean Realm – Here, guests encounter the smallest of creatures. They may be small, but they have essential roles to play.  In this realm, guests can explore the ocean’s more miniature wonders in a burst of colors and an immersive design highlighting the vital part of the ocean’s little marine life. Also, MicroOcean features family-friendly rides, play areas for the little ones, whimsical characters and performers, a playful retail outlet, and dynamic experiments for an educational journey. 

Endless Ocean Realm – This area will be home to the largest multi-species aquarium in the world, stunning observation decks, and a beautiful glimpse from a 65-foot viewing window, the Endless Vista. In addition, there will be over 68,000 animals within its habitat, including sharks, rays, eels, and many more. Endless Ocean offers one retail outlet and several dining options, including one fine dining location with views of the aquarium.

SeaWorld Abu Dhabi
SeaWorld Abu Dhabi Aquarium Endless Vista

The Tropical Ocean Realm – The most extensive realm at SeaWorld Abu Dhabi, with dancing waterfalls and a crystal-clear lagoon. Also in the Tropical Ocean realm, visitors can see dolphins, flamingos, and tropical birds, including toucans, in their lush rainforest aviary. Tropical Ocean also offers a thrilling roller-coaster ride, retail outlets, and delicious dining options with multiple viewing areas above and below water.

SeaWorld Abu Dhabi
SeaWorld Abu Dhabi

The Rocky Point Realm – This area transports guests to the USA’s rugged Pacific Northwest and features a beautiful hidden cove with nesting sea lions and once-in-a-lifetime opportunities to interact with these animals. Rocky Point will also include dynamic habitats for the sea lions, a climate that emulates the Pacific Northwest, and a boardwalk-inspired snack stand.

Yas SeaWorld Research & Rescue Yas Island, Abu Dhabi

Adjacent to SeaWorld Abu Dhabi, the park is home to Yas SeaWorld Research & Rescue Yas Island, Abu Dhabi. Also, this first-of-its-kind dedicated marine research, rescue, rehabilitation, and return center, in the region, serves as an advanced marine science knowledge hub and a key contributor to marine life conservation in the United Arab Emirates and the wider area. The Yas SeaWorld Research & Rescue opened in February 2023.

For more information or to pre-book your tickets, please visit SeaWorld Abu Dhabi’s website.

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