SeaWorld Abu Dhabi
| Company type | Marine park |
|---|---|
| Industry | Entertainment, Animal research, Rescue, Rehabilitation |
| Founded | May 23, 2023 |
| Founder | Miral Asset Management (owner and manager) |
| Headquarters | Abu Dhabi , United Arab Emirates |
Area served | Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates |
| Products | Marine habitats, Rides, Research and rescue center |
| Owner | Miral Asset Management (under license from United Parks & Resorts) |
| Website | www |
SeaWorld Abu Dhabi is a marine-themed park dedicated to animal research, rescue, and rehabilitation, which commenced operations on May 23, 2023. Situated on Yas Island in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, it marks the inaugural SeaWorld location beyond the United States and notably operates without featuring orcas. The park is owned and managed by the Abu Dhabi-based firm Miral Asset Management under a licensing agreement with United Parks & Resorts.
History
Back in 2007, SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment proposed establishing a theme park in Dubai, which would have included a manmade orca-shaped island alongside Busch Gardens and Aquatica. However, this initiative was abandoned following the 2008 global financial downturn.
On December 13, 2016, SeaWorld revealed a collaboration with Miral to build SeaWorld Abu Dhabi on Yas Island, near prominent attractions such as Ferrari World. Miral took full financial responsibility for the $1.2 billion development, which boasts the largest aquarium worldwide and an innovative cylindrical LED display. By October 2020, construction had reached 64%, aiming for completion in 2022; by September 2022, progress advanced to 90%, with an opening scheduled for 2023.
In early 2023, Miral inaugurated the Yas SeaWorld Research & Rescue center—the first facility in the MENA region devoted exclusively to marine research and rescue efforts. That February, the park welcomed three captive walruses transferred from Canadian institutions. The official launch of SeaWorld Abu Dhabi occurred on May 23, 2023.
Attractions
The facility encompasses eight distinct marine habitats or "realms," delivering immersive experiences alongside more than 15 rides, 13 retail venues, and 17 dining establishments. It shelters approximately 150 marine species within environments meticulously designed to replicate their natural ecosystems. The realms include:
- One Ocean: Serving as the central hub, this area mimics the ocean floor and features a 360-degree screen presenting three shows: One Epic Ocean, Ocean Stories, and Immersive Media.
- Abu Dhabi Ocean: Positioned at the park’s entrance and exit, this realm showcases traditional Arabian design and local Persian Gulf species, offering interactive pools where visitors can feed stingrays and starfish.
- Rocky Point: Inspired by the Pacific Northwest of North America, it is home to California sea lions and harbor seals and includes an amphitheater dedicated to sea lion performances.
- MicroOcean: An underwater-themed play area crafted for children that includes two play zones and four rides.
- Tropical Ocean: Displays species such as bottlenose dolphins, Caribbean flamingos, macaws, among other tropical wildlife.
- Arctic: Features animals like walruses, sea otters, and puffins.
- Antarctica: A cold habitat housing various penguin species including king, Adélie, gentoo, Magellanic, rockhopper, macaroni, and chinstrap penguins.
- Endless Ocean: Contains the world’s largest multi-species aquarium with a capacity of 6.6 million gallons of saltwater supporting about 1,800 species including sharks and rays.
Rides
As of November 2025, six rides are available at SeaWorld Abu Dhabi:
| Name | Type | Manufacturer | Area | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Manta | Steel launched roller coaster | Intamin | Tropical Ocean | Comparable to its counterpart at SeaWorld San Diego. |
| Eel Racer | Steel family indoor roller coaster | Zamperla | MicroOcean | A smaller alternative to Manta. |
| Jelly Plunge | Mini drop tower | Zamperla | MicroOcean | |
| Turtle Twist | Spinning ride | Zamperla | MicroOcean | |
| OctoZoom | Rockin' Tug | Zamperla | MicroOcean | |
| Hypersphere 360° | Dome theatre ride | Intamin | Arctic | The world’s first dome theatre attraction. |
Yas SeaWorld Research and Rescue
Inaugurated in February 2023, Yas SeaWorld Research and Rescue stands as the inaugural center of its kind within the Persian Gulf, devoted to the rescue, rehabilitation, and release of injured, sick, and orphaned marine creatures back into their natural environments. The institution also plays a vital role in raising public awareness about the protection of marine wildlife and ecosystems in the UAE.
The operation is overseen by a team comprising marine biologists, zoologists, rescue specialists, and animal care professionals who concentrate on marine biodiversity, ecosystem stability, wildlife preservation, habitat recovery, fisheries management, pollution control, and animal health. Since 1965, SeaWorld worldwide has successfully rescued and treated more than 40,000 marine animals.
Facilities at the center feature three dry laboratories, a wet laboratory, an aquaculture unit, specialized rescue pools for different marine species, a veterinary clinic, and a fleet of rescue vehicles including boats. This comprehensive infrastructure underpins its objective to advance marine conservation efforts and scientific research within the region.
See also
- Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi
- Ferrari World Abu Dhabi
- Disneyland Abu Dhabi
- Yas Waterworld Abu Dhabi
- Legoland Dubai
- Motiongate Dubai
- Real Madrid World Dubai
- IMG Worlds of Adventure Dubai
- Universal Studios Dubailand
- 20th Century Fox World Dubai
- F1-X Dubai
- Dubailand