SeaWorld Abu Dhabi
A Ground-Breaking Marine Life Theme Park and a Milestone for Yas Island
SeaWorld Abu Dhabi, the world’s first fully indoor SeaWorld park, will open on May 23, 2023, and feature record-breaking experiences and educational features.
Miral Destinations, the expert destination partner and promotional arm for Saadiyat and Yas Island, has been witnessing tremendous growth in the India market in recent years. India has emerged as one of the top two source markets for Yas Island and holds immense potential for exponential growth in the future. According to a report by Nangia Andersen LLP in association with FICCI, outbound trips from India will surpass USD 42 billion by 2024, making it a prominent future market for Miral Destinations.
Liam Findlay, CEO, Miral Destinations, said that they aim to further enhance Yas Island’s appeal as a holistic family entertainment destination and Saadiyat Island’s as a leading beach and luxury destination. The company is also looking to sharpen its focus on tier-II and tier-III cities in India and work alongside trade partners to promote the brand across leisure and MICE audiences.
Yas Island has become one of the most popular, year-round short-haul destinations for quick breaks for Indian travellers. Findlay mentioned that the interest and intent for travel to Yas Island have always been strong, and the company witnessed a spike in queries from Indian travellers following their collaboration with Bollywood superstar Ranveer Singh. As the first-ever Indian brand ambassador for Miral Destinations, Ranveer proved to be an ideal brand fit with tremendous popularity for the company to leverage across potential traveller segments.
Miral Destinations is committed to strengthening its efforts in the India market as part of its long-term strategy. The company’s near-term goal for 202324 is to build brand affinity and love for Yas Island. To increase the length of stay for visitors on Yas Island, the company is expecting to see continued growth momentum for its stay and play packages. The company has included SeaWorld Abu Dhabi, the upcoming addition to Yas Island, in its “stay and play” package, which encourages visitors to extend their stay and fully immerse themselves in all the Island has to offer. This move is expected to further enhance Yas Island’s reputation as a complete and wellrounded holiday destination for families.
Findlay provided insights into the company’s plans to penetrate tier-II and tier-III cities in India and the significance of the Yas SeaWorld Research and Rescue Center. He shared that Miral caters to a range of visitors across various genres at Yas Island, including multi-generational or nuclear families, friends, couples, thrill-seekers, sports enthusiasts, concertgoers, MICE travellers, and those interested in filming productions or destination weddings. He added that they have partnered with regional and community-based partners for tactical promotions in tier-II and tierIII regions across India and will deploy customised, locally relevant strategies to tap into travel potential emerging from them.
Findlay discussed the significance of Yas SeaWorld Research and Rescue Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, stating, “Yas SeaWorld Research and Rescue will continue the legacy of SeaWorld Parks and Entertainment, leveraging their nearly 60 years of animal rescue experience and knowledge.”
Offering valuable insights into the highly anticipated SeaWorld Abu Dhabi, CEO Liam Findlay revealed that it will be the first SeaWorld park to be established outside of the United States, and furthermore, will also be the first fully indoor SeaWorld park. Findlay mentioned that the park would span 183,000 sqm across five indoor levels and be home to the world’s largest and most expansive multi-species aquarium, containing 25 million litres of water and more than 68,000 marine animals, including sharks and rays. The park would feature over 100,000 animals, over 10 up-close animal encounters, over 100 animal experiences and presentations, 15 interactive experiences and rides, over 20 live characters and performances, 17 dining options, and 13 shopping choices.
Set to open on May 23, 2023, SeaWorld Abu Dhabi promises to be a unique and ground-breaking marine life theme park. The park will feature record-breaking experiences, including the world’s largest and most expansive multi-species aquarium and a host of thrilling rides and attractions. What sets SeaWorld Abu Dhabi apart, however, is the inclusion of educational features such as the park-wide interactive S•E•A Guardian games, which encourage guests to learn about ocean conservation while enjoying various challenges.
In addition to being a must-visit attraction, SeaWorld Abu Dhabi will complement Yas Island’s already
impressive collection of theme parks and attractions. The park’s focus on marine life conservation and education provides visitors with a deeper understanding and appreciation for the ocean and its inhabitants. “By expanding the variety of attractions and experiences offered on Yas Island, SeaWorld Abu Dhabi will contribute to the island’s standing as a premier entertainment destination in the region,” said Findlay.
Miral Destinations is committed to sustainability and conservation, and SeaWorld Abu Dhabi is no exception. The park was developed with sustainability in mind, and as part of the UAE’s Year of Sustainability in 2023, the park is committed to promoting environmental awareness and protecting marine life in Abu Dhabi, the UAE, and the wider region. The park’s collaboration with Miral, Masdar, and EDF through their joint venture, Emerge, has seen the installation of a rooftop solar power project with a total capacity of 8.2 megawatts, making the park more energy-efficient and reducing its carbon footprint.
SeaWorld Abu Dhabi’s cutting-edge technology ensures the highest standards of animal care for each inhabitant to thrive. The park’s Animal Care Centre offers guests an in-depth look into the world-class practices adopted by the animal care team. Guests will be able to watch animal care experts carry out routine health checks and provide medical treatments when necessary – an in-house clinic, if you will!
In conclusion, SeaWorld Abu Dhabi marks an exciting new chapter in Yas Island and Abu Dhabi’s ongoing efforts to promote tourism, showcase the Emirate’s unique offerings, and establish it as a top global destination. With its innovative programs, state-of-the-art facilities, and commitment to sustainability, SeaWorld Abu Dhabi is sure to be a highlight of any visitor’s experience on Yas Island.