SeaWorld Abu Dhabi opens on Yas Island, Abu Dhabi

Yas Island has been the premier leisure, recreational and entertainment hub of Abu Dhabi for years.

As the home of Ferrari World Abu Dhabi, Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi, Yas Waterworld Abu Dhabi, Yas Marina Circuit and other world-class attractions, you won’t run out of fun things to do in this place.

Starting this May, you’ll have another attraction to put on your itinerary when you visit Yas Island: SeaWorld Abu Dhabi.

SeaWorld Abu Dhabi is the first marine life theme park in the MENA region. It is the joint project of leading developers Miral and SeaWorld Entertainment and will showcase the research, rescue, conservation and rehabilitation of local aquatic life.

This theme park covers 183,000 square meters of land and will serve as a vibrant habitat for over 100,000 marine, land and flying animals, including 150 species of fish, mammals, reptiles and birds.

What to expect from SeaWorld Abu Dhabi
Below is an overview of the theme park’s top attractions:

1. Eight immersive realms
SeaWorld Abu Dhabi will showcase eight fantastic, immersive realms.

The first is the Abu Dhabi Ocean realm, where you’ll be transported to the shores of the Arabian Gulf to learn about the United Arab Emirates’ rich history of pearl diving and trading.

While here, you can immerse yourself in the vibrant culture of the country and get up close and personal with its unique wildlife.

This realm is also home to Matbakh Ummi, a signature dining experience featuring delectable Arabic cuisine. Additionally, you will find here a souk, which is a tribute to Abu Dhabi’s heritage and its deep connection to the Arabian Gulf.

The Polar Ocean houses two realms – the Arctic and Antarctica. This zone features beautiful icy landscapes and diverse wildlife.

From the tundra of the Arctic to the frozen expanse of Antarctica, this realm brings the extreme environments of the polar regions to life. Here, you can stroll through the colorful Juhani village and watch as walruses play in their state-of-the-art habitats.

The two realms also feature a massive research vessel where you can learn about the diverse regions and their inhabitants through fun interactive exhibits.

Additionally, you can hop aboard a thrilling ride, indulge in delicious dining options and check out the retail outlets in the two realms.

The other realms you can explore once SeaWorld Abu Dhabi opens are the Abu Dhabi Ocean, Rocky Point, Microcean, Tropical Ocean and Endless Ocean.

2. Research and rescue facilities
Yas SeaWorld Research & Rescue is the MENA region’s first and only integrated research, rescue, rehabilitation, return and education center, and the home for marine conservation programs in the UAE.

Research
Yas SeaWorld Research & Rescue aims to understand and protect the incredible marine animals in the Arabian Gulf.
The center will actively investigate the unique characteristics of the local environment and develop innovative ways to restore its ecosystems.

The center’s team has access to specialized field and laboratory equipment and state-of-the-art aquaculture facilities to conduct their research extensively and effectively.

They also have a dedicated research vessel they can use to explore the depths of the Gulf and uncover its secrets.

Rescue, rehabilitation and return
The center aims to rehabilitate every injured animal so it can return to its natural habitat.

The center is actively building local partnerships to operate an effective rescue network.

At present, they have rescue boats and specialized equipment to mobilize quickly and get to rescue sites quickly.

They also have state-of-the-art equipment, including animal CT machines and dedicated rehabilitation facilities with UV lighting mimicking natural sunlight, to care for all the rescued creatures.

Animals considered non-releasable by regulatory agencies receive lifelong care from the center or at a dedicated facility.

Education and outreach
Aside from conserving and enriching the Arabian Gulf’s aquatic wildlife, habitats and ecosystems, Yas SeaWorld Research & Rescue also aspires to educate and inspire the next generation of marine enthusiasts.

The center has dedicated classrooms and a 180-seat auditorium where their team can provide unique learning experiences for all guests. They plan to host discussions that everyone can access to support conservation efforts among scientists, researchers, students and the public.

The center’s education and outreach endeavors include learning experiences, interactive and hands-on outreach and citizen science programs and marine science events.

3. The world’s largest marine life aquarium
SeaWorld Abu Dhabi will feature a 6,604,301-gallon fish tank containing 25 million liters of water, the largest marine-life aquarium in the world.

The aquarium will feature an “Endless Vista,” a 65-foot-tall vertical window showcasing the lives of some of the most fascinating aquatic species in the region and world.

It will be a natural habitat for more than 100,000 aquatic animals and mammals.

These include more than 68,000 marine animals, such as schools of fish, sharks, manta rays and sea turtles.