The Latest News on SeaWorld’s New Abu Dhabi Park

The coronavirus pandemic may have slowed down the global tourist industry, but it could not halt all progress. In October, Miral announced to the excitement of entertainment enthusiasts everywhere that SeaWorld Abhu Dhabi’s construction was nearing fifty percent completion.

This is SeaWorld’s most ambitious project, and this latest update confirms that the project is on track to meet its scheduled completion timeline of winter 2022.

SeaWorld Abu Dhabi is slated as a next-generation marine-life theme park. This exciting mega attraction will complement real estate development and investment firm Miral’s already robust portfolio of highly desirable locations. This new theme park is being built on Yas Island, neighboring other key attractions that include a Grand Prix race track, luxury marina, and seven premier hotels.

This exciting new Abhu Dhabi marine-themed attractions will cover approximately 183,000 sqm and will feature multiple levels.

Miral emphasized that the partnership with SeaWorld was done to leverage the group’s 55-plus years of experience in marine research, animal care and welfare, and global conservation efforts. Every one of the habitats built-in SeaWorld Abu Dhabi will be purposefully designed with authentic ecosystems merging various species as they would be in the wild.

A major highlight of this marine park will be a massive aquarium that the Miral team is calling “one of the world’s largest and most progressive indoor aquariums.”  SeaWorld Abu Dhabi’s primary goal is to create an engaging experience for guests to broaden their understanding and appreciation of life under the sea.

In a video and other concept art released, SeaWorld Abu Dhabi will be broken into six different lands that all combine around a “One Ocean” concept that has been at the heart of many of SeaWorld’s storytelling materials since 2014.

This concept emphasizes the interconnectivity between all life on the planet, from its waters to its lands — “We are connected to the Ocean, and the Ocean connects all of us.” Underscoring this storytelling goal, the park features an immersive ride that will take guests from one of the poles to the next on their journey throughout the oceanic exhibits.

In addition to the entertainment, public-oriented side of the park, Abu Dhabi SeaWorld will also boast a state-of-the-art research center.

This research center will endeavor to serve as a knowledge hub for scientists, researchers, and marine conservationists worldwide to better understand and protect regional marine ecosystems and lifeforms. Its position on the Persian Gulf will open the door to exciting new research and possibilities, such as live studies into the indigenous dugongs (a species similar to the manatee) and sea turtles.

In their October press release announcing the on-track construction, Mark Swanson, the interim chief executive officer of SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment, noted that “SeaWorld Abu Dhabi represents the first new SeaWorld park in over 30 years and the first park outside of North America.

We’re looking forward to creating unforgettable experiences for our guests, educating them about some of the planet’s most majestic marine animals, and continuing our world-class animal care, conservation, and advocacy work.”

Scott Ross, Chairman of SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment Board of Directors, likewise contributed to this exciting announcement saying, “We are thrilled SeaWorld will be a part of this special place, which will further expand our vitally important marine life research, rescue, conservation and education efforts in the region.”