SeaWorld Yas Abu Dhabi opens with a star-studded event

The park is home to inspiring entertainment, exciting rides and attractions as well as unmatched dining and shopping experiences

by Gulf Business

May 23, 2023

SeaWorld Yas Island officially opened its doors to the public on Monday 22, 2023 with a grand opening ceremony that featured performances by Emirati superstar Hussain Al Jassmi and Scottish recording artist Red, accompanied by a sensational orchestra of 120 musicians.

The event celebrated the launch of the marine life theme park, captivating the crowd with stunning sound and light shows. Hundreds of special guests and celebrities attended the much-anticipated occasion.

SeaWorld Abu Dhabi is the latest addition to Yas Island’s collection of theme parks it was developed by Miral in partnership with SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment, a global educational theme park and entertainment firm with a strong focus on zoological conservation.

The park joins Yas Island’s portfolio of theme parks and attractions including Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi, Ferrari World Abu Dhabi, Yas Waterworld and CLYMB Abu Dhabi.

“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,” said Mohamed Khalifa Al Mubarak, chairman of Miral.

Spanning five indoor levels over 183,000 sqm, SeaWorld Abu Dhabi tells a captivating One Ocean story, taking guests on a journey of discovery seamlessly blending learning and fun across eight immersive realms.

At SeaWorld Abu Dhabi, guests of all ages can enjoy unique family-friendly experiences including up-close animal encounters and animal presentations.

The park is home to inspiring entertainment, exciting rides and attractions as well as unmatched dining and shopping experiences. It has also been certified by Global Humane, making it the first facility in the MENA region to achieve this certification.

SeaWorld Abu Dhabi at a glance

SeaWorld Abu Dhabi on Yas Island offers guests a unique and unforgettable experience with its diverse marine-themed realms. Each realm in the park represents a different marine environment found across the globe, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in a world of discovery.

The One Ocean realm serves as the core of the park, sharing the One Ocean story through immersive media. It also houses the Animal Care Centre and serves as the gateway to the rest of the park.

The Abu Dhabi Ocean realm invites guests to explore the marine life of the Arabian Gulf, while Rocky Point showcases sea lions and harbour seals in a cove inspired by the Pacific Northwest.

The Tropical Ocean realm features a vibrant rainforest and a blue lagoon with dolphins, flamingos, fish, and birds. In the MicroOcean realm, visitors can explore the microscopic world as plankton, learning about their impact on marine ecosystems.

The Endless Ocean realm boasts the world’s largest multi-species marine life aquarium, while the Polar Ocean realms offer icy seascapes and insights into polar species.

“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,” said Scott Ross, chairman of SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment.

The park offers 10 animal encounters and over 100 animal experiences and presentations, where guests can learn about fascinating marine animals such as dolphins, sharks and sea turtles. It features more than 15 interactive rides and experiences, taking guests on unique journeys beneath the waves.

From the Manta Coaster in the Tropical Ocean realm to the Hypersphere 360 in the Arctic Realm of the Polar Ocean, there are attractions for all ages.

Entertainment is provided throughout the day with live characters and performances. Dining options include 18 different experiences, ranging from quick snacks to fine dining. Guests can also find souvenirs and merchandise at the park’s 13 retail outlets.