SeaWorld to open on Abu Dhabi’s Yas Island

United Arab Emirates developer Miral has announced that it will partner with SeaWorld to develop a marine theme park on Abu Dhabi’s Yas Island.

Set to be the first SeaWorld outside of the USA (the Gold Coast theme park is a separate venuture) the attraction will integrate up-close animal experiences, mega attractions and an aquarium.

It will also be the Arabian Gulf’s first dedicated marine life research, rescue, rehabilitation and return centre with world-class facilities and resources for the care and conservation of local marine life.

It will be the company’s first new park without killer whales (orcas).

Planned to be operational by 2022, the partnership brings together Miral’s expertise in developing Yas Island’s portfolio of destinations with SeaWorld’s 50-plus years of theme park, veterinary medicine, marine science and zoological practice and experience.

Miral Chairman Mohamed Khalifa Al Mubarak stated “Abu Dhabi is becoming a first choice destination for regional and global travellers by combining culture, heritage and unique leisure experiences into one compelling proposition.

“This announcement reflects the Emirate’s ambition to create a sustainable, diversified economy, with tourism as one of its core pillars. Abu Dhabi continues to build sustainable partnerships that deliver on its strategic 2030 Vision, to transform and pioneer new destinations that are recognized for world class quality, authenticity and innovation on every level.”

SeaWorld President and Chief Executive Joel Manby stated “this new park, combined with a dedicated research, rescue, rehabilitation and return facility focused on marine life care and conservation, presents an opportunity for collaboration and greater understanding of how species have adapted to the region’s unique marine environment, and to inspire the next generation of visitors, conservationists and animal care experts.”

SeaWorld Abu Dhabi will add to Yas Island’s portfolio of theme parks, which includes Ferrari World Abu Dhabi, Yas Waterworld, and the, recently announced Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi and Clymbo, which are slated to open in 2018.

Yas Island also offers sporting and entertainment experiences that include Yas Marina Circuit, seven hotels, a live performance and concert arena, an 18-hole championship golf course, a marina, a beach and Yas Mall.

The destination hopes to double visitor numbers to 48 million by 2022.

Images: Artist's impression of the planned attractions at SeaWorld Abu Dhabi (top and middle) and a plan showing its location (below).

21st October 2016 - WORLD’S TALLEST INDOOR CLIMBING WALL TO BE BUILT ON ABU DHABI’S YAS ISLAND

28th September 2016 - ABU DHABI’S YAS ISLAND AIMS TO RAISE TOURISM PROFILE AND DOUBLE VISITS

29th April 2016 - FERRARI WORLD ABU DHABI ANNOUNCES FURTHER EXPANSION

20th April 2016 - NEW WARNER BROS THEME PARK TO OPEN IN ABU DHABI IN 2018 

22nd March 2016 - SEAWORLD USA TO MOVE AWAY FROM KILLER WHALE SHOWS

26th February 2016 - FERRARI WORLD ABU DHABI OPENS RECORD-BREAKING FLYING ACES COASTER 

27th November 2015 - YAS MARINA CIRCUIT TECHNOLOGY BENEFITS F1 DRIVERS, MEDIA AND FANS