The region's first marine life theme park invites explorers to embark on a journey from the poles to the tropics across eight immersive realms
From the Arctic to the Antarctic and everything in between, a breadth of vibrant marine life inhabits Earth's oceans. Offering visitors the chance to explore these diverse sea creatures all under one roof is SeaWorld Abu Dhabi. The new attraction opened its doors on Yas Island in the UAE capital in May and has since been welcoming guests eager to learn more about life beneath the waves.
A collaboration between Miral and SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment, SeaWorld Abu Dhabi is the region's first marine life theme park. Eight realms, spanning 183,000 square metres, are spread across five indoor levels at the attraction. With over 100 animal presentations, which include more than 35 interactive experiences and rides, as well as up-close encounters and expeditions, it all comes together to tell a captivating story that uncovers the interconnectivity between life on planet Earth and the ocean.
Discover the realms
Home to the world's largest and most expansive multispecies aquarium, the Endless Ocean realm boasts over 68,000 marine animals, including sharks, schools of fish, rays and sea turtles, spread across eight different habitats. Viewing windows offer insight into each of these habitats, giving visitors a greater understanding of life in the deep sea.
Moving further, the Arctic realm, which is considered part of the Polar Ocean, is home to walruses, puffins and sea otters. Visitors can discover all of these fascinating creatures and more as they are immersed in the cold temperatures of the North Pole.
All the way across the other end of the world, the Antarctica realm recreates the bracing winds, mountains and icy shelves of one of the most extreme places on the planet and it is here where the penguins reign.
A welcome change from the freezing temperatures at the poles, visitors can go on a sun-soaked journey to the tropics, where waterfalls, rainforests and lagoons make up the vibrant display. At the Tropical Ocean realm, visitors can feed rays and view dolphins displaying their playful instincts.
At the MicroOcean realm, small creatures, such as plankton and algae, are celebrated for their big impact on the incredible marine ecosystem.
Closer to home, the Abu Dhabi Ocean realm offers insight into the unique marine ecosystem found in the Arabian Gulf while delving into the rich history of Bedouin families who searched the waters for pearls to trade.
Moving further away, the Rocky Point realm takes visitors to a hidden cove set in the USA’s rugged Pacific Northwest, where sea lions thrive.
In total, the theme park is home to over 100,000 marine animals, including 150 species of birds, fish, mammals and reptiles spread across the realms. Bringing all of these zones together, the One Ocean realm serves as the park's main hub, offering showcase portals to the other realms and the Animal Care Centre. Here, visitors can go deeper by exploring immersive stories of the ocean through a 360-degree media experience.
Highest standards of care
SeaWorld Abu Dhabi is certified by Global Humane, the international brand of American Humane, which is the world’s largest certifier of animal welfare. The marine life theme park is the first facility in the MENA region to achieve this certification. Each of the zones at the park has been designed with animal welfare in mind, allowing the care team to recreate social seasonal patterns, as these creatures would experience in the wild.
Unique systems such as the Advanced Animal Lighting System (AALS) recreate night and day as well as seasonal light cycles while also providing the health benefits of full-spectrum light. Furthermore, the Animal Life Support System (ALSS) manages water quality to support the diverse array of fish and mammals living together in dynamic environments.
Adjacent to SeaWorld Abu Dhabi, the park is home to Yas SeaWorld® Research & Rescue Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, the first-of-its-kind dedicated marine research, rescue, rehabilitation and return centre in the region. It serves as an advanced marine science knowledge hub and is a key contributor to marine life conservation in the UAE and the wider region. The park also features an Animal Care Centre, where veterinarians and a team of marine experts provide around-the-clock care for all animals.
To book your hotel in Abu Dhabi, visit rotana.com