SeaWorld Yas Island celebrates opening with star-studded event

ABU DHABI, 22nd May, 2023 (WAM) -- SeaWorld Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, the region's first Marine Life Theme Park, has officially opened its doors to the public, offering exciting experiences and immersive adventures for guests of all ages.

The grand opening ceremony featured performances by Emirati superstar Hussain Al Jassmi and Scottish recording artist Red, accompanied by a sensational orchestra of 120 musicians.

The event celebrated the launch of the state-of-the-art Marine Life Theme Park, captivating the crowd with stunning sound and light shows. Hundreds of special guests and celebrities attended the much-anticipated occasion.

SeaWorld Abu Dhabi, the newest addition to Yas Island's collection of theme parks, was developed by Miral in partnership with SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment, a renowned educational theme park and entertainment company with a strong focus on zoological conservation.

The festivities began in the One Ocean realm, where guests enjoyed an exclusive first viewing of SeaWorld Abu Dhabi's spectacular show, "One Epic Ocean." This immersive production showcased the wonders of the ocean through multimedia presentations and cutting-edge spatial audio technology. The stage came alive as young marine enthusiasts activated a mesmerising sound and light display, featuring a swirling vortex illuminating the One Ocean globe.

This symbolic moment, representing the connection between the ocean and humanity, marked the official opening of SeaWorld Abu Dhabi. The audience was then treated to captivating performances by the orchestra and Red, culminating in a special track dedicated to SeaWorld Abu Dhabi, performed by Hussain Al Jassmi. As a breathtaking finale, three-dimensional silver figures resembling marine animals graced the stage, inviting guests to explore the newly unveiled park.

SeaWorld Abu Dhabi offers an unforgettable experience for visitors to explore the wonders of marine life and enjoy thrilling adventures.

During the event Mohamed Khalifa Al Mubarak, Chairman of Miral, alongside Scott Ross, Chairman of SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment, and Mohamed Abdalla Al Zaabi, Group CEO of Miral, welcomed Dr. Mugheer Khamis Al Khaili, Chairman of the Department of Community Development, in addition to other government officials, as well as ambassadors and chargé d'affaires to the UAE from the USA, Japan, Singapore and Belgium among other countries.

Al Mubarak said, “Today marks a great milestone for Abu Dhabi as we open SeaWorld Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, a landmark attraction that is unparalleled in the region and the world on every level. SeaWorld Abu Dhabi represents the next generation of theme parks, joining the world-class experiences on Yas Island, further positioning it as a top global destination, contributing to the growth of Abu Dhabi’s tourism vision. The Park will also play a key role in promoting environmental awareness and protecting marine life in Abu Dhabi, the UAE and the wider region, undoubtedly inspiring guests to care for and protect our precious marine life for years to come. Together, with our partner, SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment, we are proud to be pushing the limits of science and conservation to create a truly unparalleled knowledge hub, demonstrating our joint commitment to upholding the highest standards of animal care and welfare. We look forward to welcoming guests from around the world to showcase the beauty and wonder of the ocean at this one-of-a-kind park.”

Spanning five indoor levels over 183,000 sqm, the park tells a captivating One Ocean story, taking guests on a journey of discovery seamlessly blending learning and fun across eight immersive realms. At SeaWorld Abu Dhabi, guests of all ages can enjoy unique family-friendly experiences including up-close animal encounters and animal presentations. The park is also home to inspiring entertainment, exciting rides and attractions as well as unmatched dining and shopping experiences.

Scott Ross, Chairman of SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment, stated, “As the first SeaWorld park to open outside of the United States, SeaWorld Abu Dhabi marks a significant chapter for SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment. It is with great privilege we celebrate this highly anticipated opening alongside our valued partners at Miral. The extraordinary SeaWorld Abu Dhabi Marine Life Theme Park was born through years of collaboration and innovation, combining SeaWorld’s nearly 60 years of experience in animal welfare and commitment to marine conservation with Miral’s unprecedented track record as a leading developer of world-class destinations. Together, we have created a state-of-the-art Marine Life Theme Park unlike anything the world has seen to date, truly representing a next generation SeaWorld experience. We have no doubt that guests will be amazed with all that SeaWorld Abu Dhabi has to offer and we are sincerely proud to play our part in inspiring their commitment to marine conservation for years to come.”

SeaWorld Abu Dhabi on Yas Island offers guests a unique experience with its diverse marine-themed realms. Each realm represents a different marine environment found across the globe, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in a world of discovery.

The One Ocean realm serves as the core of the park, sharing the One Ocean story through immersive media. It also houses the Animal Care Centre and serves as the gateway to the rest of the park.

The Abu Dhabi Ocean realm invites guests to explore the marine life of the Arabian Gulf, while Rocky Point showcases sea lions and harbor seals in a cove inspired by the Pacific Northwest.

The Tropical Ocean realm features a vibrant rainforest and a blue lagoon with dolphins, flamingos, fish, and birds. In the MicroOcean realm, visitors can explore the microscopic world as plankton, learning about their impact on marine ecosystems. The Endless Ocean realm boasts the world's largest multi-species marine life aquarium, while the Polar Ocean realms offer icy seascapes and insights into polar species.

SeaWorld Abu Dhabi offers 10 animal encounters and over 100 animal experiences and presentations, where guests can learn about fascinating marine animals such as dolphins, sharks, and sea turtles.

The park also features more than 15 interactive rides and experiences, taking guests on unique journeys beneath the waves. From the Manta Coaster in the Tropical Ocean realm to the Hypersphere 360o in the Arctic Realm of the Polar Ocean, there are attractions for all ages.

Entertainment is provided throughout the day with live characters and performances. Dining options include 18 different experiences, ranging from quick snacks to fine dining. Guests can also find souvenirs and merchandise at the park's 13 retail outlets.

SeaWorld Abu Dhabi has been certified by Global Humane, making it the first facility in the MENA region to achieve this certification.

SeaWorld Abu Dhabi joins Yas Island's portfolio of theme parks and attractions, including Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi, Ferrari World Abu Dhabi, Yas Waterworld, and CLYMB Abu Dhabi, making Yas Island a popular leisure destination.