ABU DHABI’S FIRST MARINE LIFE THEME PARK OPENS WITH AN UNFORGETTABLE EXPERIENCES TO ALL AGES
ABU DHABI: A large group of media persons, environmentalists, curious guests from all over the world had gathered at SeaWorld Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, as the region’s first Marine Life Theme Park, opened its doors to the public, offering unforgettable experiences and immersive adventures to visitors of all ages.
As the guests entered the arena, they were greeted to a spectacular local dance show as a group of Emiratis showcased their dancing skills in perfect rhythm to the drumbeats. As music transcends all barriers, their Arabic songs were quite soothing to the ears and forced many guests to join their group.
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, visitors 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.
Each realm at SeaWorld Abu Dhabi is uniquely themed and intricately designed, transporting guests to different marine environments found across the globe. The One Ocean realm acts as the core of the park sharing the One Ocean story through highly immersive media. SeaWorld Abu Dhabi offers 10 up-close animal encounters amongst 100 animal experiences and presentations, where guests can learn about the unique characteristics and behaviors of fascinating marine animals including dolphins, sharks, and sea turtles.
As one enters the premises, hundreds of coloured fish, sea cucumbers, starfish of different colours can be seen living peacefully in their realm. One can even get a feel of them by touching their spongy bodies with two fingers.
The surrounding gives a view of old times when the Emiratis used to excel in pearl diving and fishing and used stars and some old instruments to guide their boat across the oceans.
In Endless Ocean realm guests can marvel at the world’s largest multi-species marine life aquarium, featuring over 68,000 marine animals and an astounding 25 million litres of water. In the Arctic and Antarctica realms of the Polar Ocean, guests will enjoy icy seascapes and learn about the unique habits of polar species.
The aquarium also has a good number of small sharks living in perfect harmony with a mermaid doing frequent rounds. The beautiful mermaid steals the show with her twists and turns, swimming skills and not to miss her loving gestures.
Most of the enthusiastic crowd were eager to take her pictures. The Ocean realm, with varieties of fish and turtles, is also a treat to watch as you cross the glass filled barrel shaped aquarium.
In the polar world under freezing cold conditions, you can find Atlantic puffins. These are birds that live most of their lives in the sea. They fly through the air like most birds, but can also “fly” through the water, using their wings as paddles. As they swim, they use their webbed like a boat uses a rudder.
At Rocky Point, guests will see sea lions and harbour seals in a hidden cove inspired by the USA’s Pacific Northwest.
One of the most amazing shows was an encounter with sea lions doing all sorts of tricks, flapping their wings at the beck and call of their trainers. Hats off to the trainers who have trained them to perfection as they obey all their orders, of course, with a reward in the form of fish.
The Tropical Ocean realm features a vibrant and sunny rainforest and a stunning blue lagoon with dolphins, flamingos, fish and birds. The orange coloured flamingos and thir sounds are a treat to watch.
As one enters the dolphin enclosure, a group of drummers upped the ante before the grand dolphin finale. Dressed in colourful costumes, they forced the entire crowd on their feet, tapping to their drumbeats and clapping on their call.
As the drummers went into the background, dolphins took the centre stage.
It is said that dolphins are the most intelligent animals and that was proved true while watching their marvellous skill. Their dance, diving abilities, jumping into the air, long swirls and twists and turns were eye-catching. They followed their masters’ orders, and used all sorts of tricks to entertain the massive crowd that had gathered to witness their performance. And as a reward for all their tricks, they were instantly rewarded with fish.
The park is also home to over 15 interactive rides and experiences, each taking guests on a unique journey of discovery beneath the waves. Thrill-seekers can enjoy rides like the Manta Coaster at Tropical Ocean, orhop into the Hypersphere and their taste buds in many restaurants spread across the theme park.