A brand-new theme park has found its home on Abu Dhabi's Yas Island.
SeaWorld Abu Dhabi was inaugurated in a special ceremony by Abu Dhabi Crown Prince and Abu Dhabi Executive Council Chairman Shaikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan yesterday and will open to the public on Tuesday.
خالد بن محمد بن زايد يُدشن المدينة الترفيهية للأحياء البحرية "سي وورلد جزيرة ياس، أبوظبي"، وسموّه يطلع على برامج ومبادرات مركز ياس سي وورلد للبحوث والإنقاذ، وهو أول مركز بحثي متكامل في المنطقة يختص بعمليات إنقاذ وإعادة تأهيل الكائنات البحرية وإطلاقها في بيئتها الطبيعية. pic.twitter.com/xvvQI40AOn
— مكتب أبوظبي الإعلامي (@ADMediaOffice) May 20, 2023
“As the first SeaWorld park to open outside of the United States, SeaWorld Abu Dhabi marks a significant chapter for SeaWorld Parks and Entertainment," SeaWorld chairman Scott Ross said.
"It is with great privilege we celebrate this highly anticipated grand opening alongside our valued partners at Miral. The extraordinary SeaWorld Abu Dhabi Marine Life Theme Park was born through years of collaboration and innovation, combining SeaWorld’s nearly 60 years of experience in animal welfare and commitment to marine conservation with Miral’s unprecedented track record as a leading developer of world-class destinations.
"Together, we have created a state-of-the-art Marine Life Theme Park unlike anything the region has seen to date, truly representing a next generation SeaWorld experience.
"We have no doubt that guests will be amazed with all that SeaWorld Abu Dhabi has to offer and we are proud to play our part in inspiring their commitment marine conservation for years to come,” he added.
During the event, Shaikh Khaled toured the attraction and was briefed on its facilities, which span 183,000 sqm, offering entertainment and education themed around marine life to visitors, and further strengthening Abu Dhabi’s position as a tourism hub.
Shaikh Khaled also visited Yas SeaWorld Research and Rescue – the first integrated research, rescue, rehabilitation, return and education center in the Mena region.
Developed by Miral in partnership with SeaWorld Parks and Entertainment, SeaWorld Abu Dhabi offers entertainment, education and family-friendly experiences, including up-close animal encounters and animal presentations.
In addition, it is also home to rides and attractions, as well as dining and shopping destinations.
Shaikh Khaled was accompanied by Abu Dhabi Culture and Tourism Department Chairman and Miral Chairman Mohamed Khalifa Al Mubarak as well as Miral Group chief executive Mohamed Abdalla Al Zaabi.
“Today marks a great milestone for Abu Dhabi as we open SeaWorld Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, a landmark attraction that is unparalleled in the region and the world on every level," Mr Al Mubarak said.
"SeaWorld Abu Dhabi represents the next generation of theme parks, joining the world-class experiences on Yas Island, further positioning it as a top global destination, contributing to the growth of Abu Dhabi’s tourism vision.
"The Park will also play a key role in promoting environmental awareness and protecting marine life in Abu Dhabi, the UAE and the wider region, undoubtedly inspiring guests to care for and protect our precious marine life for years to come.
"Together, with our partner, SeaWorld Parks and Entertainment, we are proud to be pushing the limits of science and conservation to create a truly unparalleled knowledge hub, demonstrating our joint commitment to upholding the highest standards of animal care and welfare. We look forward to welcoming guests from around the world to showcase the beauty and wonder of the ocean at this one-of-a-kind park,” Mr Al Mubarak added.
SeaWorld Abu Dhabi has also announced its certification by Global Humane, the world’s largest certifier of animal welfare, the first facility in the Mena region to achieve this certification.