Adding to Abu Dhabi’s ongoing efforts to promote tourism and position it as one of the top global destinations, SeaWorld Abu Dhabi is scheduled to welcome visitors from May 23. 

Billed as the next-generation marine-life facility, SeaWorld Abu Dhabi aims to inspire conservationists and marine life scientists while fostering a deeper appreciation for the natural world. 

It will be the first SeaWorld outside North America and is the latest addition to Yas Island’s attractions. SeaWorld Abu Dhabi will offer experiences that include up-close animal encounters, rides, and motivational entertainment through eight of its themed realms.

The eight realms of SeaWorld Abu Dhabi, a partnership between Miral and SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment, can be explored over five indoor levels and a total of about 183,000 square meters. 

More than 68,000 marine animals, including sharks, schools of fish, manta rays, and sea turtles, will be able to live in this creatively constructed aquarium, which will hold more than 25 million liters of water and be a dynamic ecosystem.

The central zone is called One Ocean and links six marine environments throughout the park, each telling a story designed to emphasize the interconnectivity of life on Earth and under the seas.

“As part of our commitment to the Year of Sustainability, the marine life park will embed Sheikh Zayed’s legacy and profound respect for nature and all its beauty, as well as play a key role in promoting environmental awareness and protecting marine life in Abu Dhabi, the UAE, and the wider region,” said, Mohamed Khalifa Al Mubarak, chairman of Miral.

However, in the US, after the release of Blackfish, a documentary that skewered SeaWorld over its treatment of killer whales, the theme park company is still dealing with declining attendance, negative headlines, and celebrity criticism.