On 2016’s last month, Miral and SeaWorld Entertainment Inc announced their partnership in developing SeaWorld Abu Dhabi on Yas Island which will be due to open its doors to entertain the public in 2022.
SeaWorld is a chain of marine life theme parks and animal research center in the United States and is owned and funded by SeaWorld Entertainment Inc. Currently, SeaWorld operates in various locations across the United States including Florida, California, and Texas.
Yas Island, Abu Dhabi is going to be the first location for SeaWorld that is outside of the United States. SeaWorld Abu Dhabi will feature the first dedicated marine life research, rescue, rehabilitation, and return center in the United Arab Emirates. Abu Dhabi’s SeaWorld will be equipped with world-class facilities and state-of-the-art resources that ensure conservation and care of local marine life.
Another “first” for the upcoming theme park is the decision for its organizers to exclude orcas in the program. In 2013, a controversy was sparked by a documentary film that centered on captive killer whales.
SeaWorld Abu Dhabi will integrate up-close animal experiences, a world-class aquarium, some mega attractions, and the latest and best technology that would engage and entertain its visitors.
Mohamed Khalifa Al Mubarak, chairman of Miral stated that Abu Dhabi is fast becoming the first choice destination because of culture, heritage, and countless unique leisure experiences. The Miral chairman further added that having SeaWorld Abu Dhabi in Yas Islands further strengthens the area’s status as a tourist destination.
The Emirates has the ambition to create and provide not only a sustainable economy but also a diversified one. With this in tow, Abu Dhabi will continue to build partnerships in order to deliver their 2030 Vision: “To transform and pioneer new destinations that are recognized for world-class quality, authenticity and innovation on every level."
Joel Manby, the president, and CEO of SeaWorld is excited about their first international expansion and how it will continue the legacy set by SeaWorld with over 50 years of protecting and rescuing marine life. The CEO further described the upcoming theme park expansion as a next-generation attraction that not only engages but also educates and inspires.
The research, rescue, rehabilitation, and return center will be opened ahead of the theme park to pursue international collaborations, efforts, and projects for local marine life preservation at the soonest possible time.
The projected visitors to Yas Island by 2022 is 48 million, serving Abu Dhabi’s vision through advance infrastructure and captivatingly unique attractions.
(Here is an update on the construction, as relayed by YouTuber In The Loop.)
