Abu Dhabi: Abu Dhabi’s latest theme park will welcome visitors from Tuesday, May 23 onwards, and is now gearing up for its grand opening.
SeaWorld Abu Dhabi spans 183,000 square metres in Yas Island spread over five floors, and is divided into eight themed zones. Home to 100,000 individual animals from 150 species, the venue will also feature a number of thrilling rides, a variety of restaurants and cafés, and interactive exhibits for visitors of all ages.
This is the first SeaWorld opening outside the United States. Developed as a collaboration between Miral and the US-based SeaWorld Parks and Entertainment, it is also the first not to feature captive killer whales. Instead, there are dolphins, rays, sea stars, flamingoes, penguins, and a multitude of fish.
Take a tour
Abu Dhabi ocean: This is the introductory zone and accessible from two flights of escalators. The touch pools are surrounded by decor reminiscent of Abu Dhabi’s mangrove forests, and the emirate’s fossil dunes and peaks dot the upper areas of the halls. Resembling traditional fishing ports in the UAE, the zone then connects to the other seven ‘realms’ of the park, known as One Ocean.
Tropical ocean: A flock of flamingoes greets visitors strolling into the area, which appears to be dotted by pools of water. Past this is an aviary, a cavernous cave resembling those underground in Mexico and then to a roller-coaster or a set of windows through which dolphins can be seen. A pod of 24 Atlantic bottle-nosed dolphins resides in the park. Emerging from this underground area, visitors reach a 2,000-person amphitheatre area that is designed like the tropical rice fields of Indonesia.
Endless Ocean: This houses one of the world’s largest multispecies aquarium, with 68,000 different animals in 25 million litres of water. A total of 20 viewing windows will allow visitors to take in the marine beauty. The park will also offer diving experiences and underwater walking tours.
Arctic: This zone emulates polar conditions for its below-zero inhabitants, including walruses, puffins and sea otters. Interactive exhibits will teach visitors about seafaring and underwater life.
Antarctica: Penguins are the star of this zone, and visitors can plan encounters with many species of these birds, or watch them live harmoniously with other cold-water fish and sea stars.
Rocky Point: Seals and sea lions are the main draw at rocky point, where the cold-clime creatures stage presentations, or simply rest on rocks or in the sea.
Micro Ocean: Designed for children, Micro Ocean features family-friendly rides. Young visitors can also enjoy picking up a few souvenirs.
One Ocean: This main park hub has been built to stage immersive shows using screens and drones. Visitors can also head in to the park’s Animal Care Centre, or access other realms from this zone.
YAS ISLAND SEA WORLD
- Opening: May 23, 2023
- Tickets: Dh375 for every adult, Dh290 for children below the age of 11 years
- Eight zones with 150 species of animals