Back in 2016, developer Miral has announced SeaWorld Abu Dhabi will open on Yas Island.
Due to welcome guests from 2022, it will be the first SeaWorld outside of the US and the first to open without orcas.
The park’s website is up and running with a series of FAQ’s to let people know what the attraction is all about.
It points out that there will be no orcas at the centre, which will have an ‘R4 Centre’ (Research, Rescue, Rehabilitation and Return Center) focusing on marine life care and conservation.
It seems recruitment for positions at the park has now begun, suggesting the development is on track.
SeaWorld has been the focus of some controversy, especially since the 2013 film Blackfish, which focused on the orca Tilikum, which was part of shows at SeaWorld in Orlando, Florida.
However, since then the park’s bosses said they will end orca shows (they have now stopped in California and are scheduled to end in Florida and Texas in 2019). The park’s breeding programme was ended in 2016.
It will join Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi, Ferarri World Abu Dhabi and Yas Waterworld on Yas Island, with the world’s largest indoor climbing wall also due to open at CLYMB in 2020.
The National Aquarium at new development Al Qana is also due to open by 2020.
