The upcoming SeaWorld in Abu Dhabi is expected to open in 2022
4 August 2019
| Last updated on 7 August 2019This is why Abu Dhabi SeaWorld will be different...
SeaWorld Entertainment Inc in partnership with Miral Asset Management has announced that they are developing its first marine attraction in Abu Dhabi's Yas Island. Set to open in 2022, the upcoming SeaWorld will house the first UAE R4 facility dedicated to marine life research, rescue, rehabilitation, and return.
It will be the first SeaWorld outside of the USA and will also be the first SeaWorld that won't feature any orcas.
Protests sparked online in 2015 when news circulated that SeaWorld will be opening in UAE, with animal welfare activists expressing their regarding with the ongoing park controversy on orcas. In the same year, an online petition against a SeaWorld plan for Dubai generated over 125,000 signatures.
The now-closed petition had stated: “Dubai has a great reputation as a popular tourist destination for beautiful architecture, beautiful nature and kind hearted people, thus you should not tarnish your great reputation by allowing SeaWorld to open a SeaWorld park in Dubai.”
The company assures visitors that orcas will not be a part of Abu Dhabi SeaWorld. Instead, the main attractions will focus on educating visitors with experts covering marine science, marine life conservation, zoology, and veterinary medicine with a massive aquarium, exciting attractions, and up-close encounters with aquatic animals.
SeaWorld will join the Yas Island attractions family
SeaWorld Abu Dhabi will be another addition to Yas Island, home to the city's leading attractions including Warner Brothers World Abu Dhabi, Ferrari World Abu Dhabi, and Yas Waterpark.
Many more attractions will be opening its doors in the emirate. The Middle East's biggest aquarium, The National Aquarium, located in Al Qana, will be open to the public in 2020.
SEE ALSO: Abu Dhabi Will Be Home to the Biggest Aquarium in the Region
Later in the same year, the world's largest snow park will open on Reem Island, Abu Dhabi. Snow Abu Dhabi is said to be four times the size of Ski Dubai.
SEE ALSO: World's Largest Snow Park is Coming to Abu Dhabi
Visitors can look forward to an animal welfare-centred destination, with heaps of things to see and do for the whole family.