Yas Island is going to play host to the first SeaWorld outside of the US when the marine theme park opens its gates in the capital in 2022. It will also be home to an animal conservation centre, which the developers say will make it a next-generation example of the brand.
SeaWorld Abu Dhabi will be the company’s first without orcas and aims to be an educational experience through its dedicated marine-life research, rescue, rehabilitation and return centre. And there will also be rides, shows and attractions.
The conservation centre will open ahead of the theme park, and will provide researchers, scientists and marine biologists with a state-of-the-art facility in the UAE. It will focus on the region’s marine-life habitats and conditions, offering local and international experts an invaluable study resource.
But, of course, SeaWorld will also be about family fun. Promising to bring the “latest technology in visitor engagement”, we can expect the park to feature up-close animal experiences, mega rides and a world-class aquarium.
The theme park is being brought to the capital by SeaWorld Entertainment Inc. and Miral, the developer of Yas Island. “This announcement reflects the emirate’s ambition to create a sustainable, diversified economy, with tourism as one of its core pillars,” says His Excellency Mohamed Khalifa Al Mubarak, chairman of Miral.
SeaWorld opened its first park in 1954 in San Diego. Since then it has expanded to Orlando and San Antonio. Joel Manby, SeaWorld’s president and chief executive officer, says, “This project presents an opportunity for collaboration and greater understanding of how species have adapted to the region’s unique marine environment, and to inspire the next generation of visitors, conservationists and animal care experts.”
For residents of the capital, the arrival of SeaWorld has thrown up lots of intrigue. “It’s great that Yas Island is bringing something that connects education with entertainment,” says Rose Fernandez, an executive working in Abu Dhabi.
“All the theme parks are a lot of fun and it’s a good thing that they are not just adding another theme park, but making it edutainment based. It should benefit a lot
of students and young ones as well.”
Shannon Tippetts, a marketing executive, has some reservations about the theme park. “With the reputation SeaWorld has around the world, I’m interested to see how it will turn out,” she says. “I hope it sends out the right message to our kids.”
SeaWorld Abu Dhabi will become the fourth theme park on Yas Island. Ferrari World Abu Dhabi and Yas Waterworld are already in operation, with Warner Bros World Abu Dhabi due to open in 2018.
Also set to open on Yas Island in 2018 is Clymb, an indoor adventure centre that will feature the world’s highest climbing wall at 43 metres and will also boast an indoor skydiving chamber.
There are plenty more projects in the pipeline for Yas Island as it continues to develop as an entertainment hub in the UAE. Not that we want to wish any time away, but roll on 2018, we say.
For more information about SeaWorld Abu Dhabi, visit www.seaworldabudhabi.ae.
