Photo: SeaWorld Abu Dhabi

The first SeaWorld park outside the US, SeaWorld Abu Dhabi is also the first to be completely indoors. With 183,000sq m of space across five floors, it has a different feel from a one-level theme park. The multiple levels create a distinctive viewpoint for our animal habitats, dining options and experiences.

Centred around the theme of One Ocean, our park represents the interconnectedness and interdependency of life on earth and the life in our oceans. To bring this theme to life, the park is divided into eight immersive realms that take visitors on a journey through oceanic environments.

Each realm is designed to provide an authentic experience, with animal habitats that simulate the natural environments of the animals. In the Polar Ocean realm, for example, guests will be transported to chilly Arctic and Antarctic regions where they can observe animals in their habitats.

In uncovering the interconnectivity of life on earth and our ocean it will aim to inspire a deep commitment to conserving our planet. The park will deliver fun, engaging, and immersive family-friendly experiences through its eight realms, featuring up-close animal encounters, exciting rides, inspiring entertainment, as well as dining and shopping experiences, all under one roof.

Guests will embark on journey starting from the shores of Abu Dhabi through to the vibrant tropics, from the vastness of the ocean to its smallest inhabitants and finally to the polar realms.

Acting as the portal to the rest of the park, the One Ocean realm will transport guests to the seven other realms, bringing them closer to the wonders of the ocean.

A standout feature is that SeaWorld Abu Dhabi will be home to the world’s largest multi-species aquarium. Located within the Endless Ocean realm, this 25 million litre aquarium will allow guests to get a real-life view of the depths of the ocean and many of the animals that call it home. The tank will house more than 68,000 marine animals, including sharks, fish and rays.

The area that resonates most with me is the Tropical Ocean realm. Being from the Caribbean, it feels like home.

With design modelled on the Tropical regions of the Earth, it encompasses areas familiar to me and to others from different cultures around the equator, featuring spaces that simulate things such as rainforests and rice paddys. There’s also a ‘shipwreck’ and a subterranean restaurant called Cenote Café. The vibrancy of this realm is inviting, fun and full of energy.

Research and rescue is central to SeaWorld’s mission – the company has a legacy of nearly 60 years in animal rescue, having rescued more than 40,000 animals to date.

As its first overseas park, SeaWorld Abu Dhabi will continue that legacy with the opening of the Yas SeaWorld Research & Rescue.

The centre will be the region’s first and will be dedicated to marine research, rescue, rehabilitation and return and will serve as an advanced knowledge hub for marine science.

Spaces will be tailored to each species’ needs and employ hi-tech systems such as the Animal Life Support System (ALSS), and the Advanced Animal Lighting System (AALS) for optimal living conditions.

By offering the best possible environments for the animals, SeaWorld Abu Dhabi aims to not only support their wellbeing, but also to inspires guests to care for and protect these remarkable animals.

Located in the heart of the One Ocean realm, there’s also an Animal Care Center where guests can observe veterinarians and animal care experts providing animals from the park with round-the-clock care, routine check-ups, and treatment when needed. This will be an opportunity for guests to witness these interventions first-hand and gain a greater understanding and appreciation of the care and attention provided for the animals.

Other features include a parkwide interactive game called S.E.A. Guardian which invites guests to become ‘guardians of the sea’ by completing games, challenges and expeditions to collect points.

In kiosks found in each realm guests can then scan their passes and participate in the educational and interactive games throughout the park.

As a theme park operator, we don’t just offer marine life experiences, but also thrilling coaster rides, including the Manta Coaster at Tropical Ocean, a rollercoaster which will hold the regional record for the most airtime moments at 17 in total and which will also feature a zero gravity flip-out and world’s first twisting double-down dive.

In the Polar Ocean realm, guests can also experience a journey on the SEA Guardian-designed Hypersphere 360, which allows them to explore the depths of the ocean in a 360-degree immersive multimedia sphere.

Number of realms: Eight

Number of animals: More than 100,000

Dining experiences: 17

Partners: The design team for the park includes FORREC, JRA, PGAV and Falcon’s Creative Group

Solar energy systems are being provided by Emerge, a joint venture between UAE’s Masdar and France’s EDF. The project, which will have a capacity of 8.2 megawatts (MW), will see rooftop solar photovoltaic (PV) systems installed at the marine-life development

Yas SeaWorld Research & Rescue: This 8.600sq m marine research, rescue and rehabilitation and return centre opened adjacent to SeaWorld Abu Dhabi in February 2023