28 Apr 2023 Countdown begins for the opening of the world's largest multi-species aquarium in Abu Dhabi BYTom Walker
Located at SeaWorld Yas Island, the multi-species aquarium is set to house more than 100,000 marine animals photo: SeaWorld Abu Dhabi
Set to launch on 23 May, SeaWorld Abu Dhabi will feature eight different realms offering immersive experiences – as well as dynamic habitats housing different species together, as they are in their natural habitat.
In total, SeaWorld Abu Dhabi will be home to 100,000 marine animals and with the exception of a few rides, the 183,000sq m site will be almost entirely indoors.
Located on Yas Island near to Warner Bros. World and Ferrari World, the attraction is being developed through a partnership between SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment and Miral, the Abu Dhabi-based 'curator' of visitor experiences.
One of the eight realms – Endless Ocean – will feature the world's largest multi-species aquarium, housing more than 68,000 of the marine animals on-site, including sharks, fish, rays and sea turtles. Visitors will go on a journey from the poles to the tropics, enjoying animal experiences and presentations, including up-close encounters and expeditions.
The operator has released a new video sharing further information on Endless Ocean – scroll down to the bottom of this story to see it.
SeaWorld will also be home to the Yas SeaWorld Research & Rescue Center, the UAE’s first dedicated marine research, rescue, rehabilitation and return centre providing facilities to support regional and global conservation efforts.
In total, SeaWorld Abu Dhabi will offer more than 35 interactive experiences and rides, live characters and performances, 17 dining options, 13 retail outlets and roaming entertainment across all realms.
Mohamed Abdalla Al Zaabi, CEO of Miral said: “SeaWorld Abu Dhabi will be a next generation marine life park featuring the world’s largest marine aquarium and the UAE’s first dedicated research center to study and care for animals.
"This is another major addition to Yas Island’s existing immersive experiences and attractions and a testament to our vision of positioning the island as a top global tourism destination for residents and visitors alike.”
Commenting, HE Mohamed Khalifa Al Mubarak, chair of Miral said: "The launch of SeaWorld Abu Dhabi signifies the start of a new chapter in regional and global marine life knowledge, conservation, and sustainability. Our partnership with SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment will help further position Abu Dhabi as a global tourism hub and contribute to its economic growth and diversification vision."
The project – announced in 2016 – was originally slated to open in 2022 and is the company's first orca-free attraction, following a decision in 2017 for the SeaWorld brand to distance itself from cetaceans in captivity.
SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment is a wholly owned subsidiary of SeaWorld Entertainment, Inc, which trades on the New York Stock Exchange asSEAS, with Hill Path Capital being the largest shareholder at 42.66 per cent.
SeaWorld opened its gates for the first time in 1964, founded by George Millay, Milt Shedd, Ken Norris and David DeMott.
SeaWorld Abu Dhabi will be featured in the upcoming edition of Attractions Management magazine, along with an interview with senior SeaWorld Abu Dhabi exec, Carlos Rodriguez. To sign up for your free digital copy, click here, or to subscribe to the print edition, click here.
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