Plans unveiled for Seaworld Abu Dhabi
Seaworld Entertainment is joining together with Abu Dhabi-based Miral to develop a Seaworld in the United Arab Emirate.
Billed as a ‘next generation’ SeaWorld, it will be built on Yas Island and will have a dedicated marine life research, rescue, rehabilitation and return centre.
Set to open by 2022, SeaWorld Abu Dhabi will be without orcas.
The park has suffered a barrage of criticism since the 2013 documentary ‘Blackfish’ which accused it of mistreating captive orcas.
Instead, the new Abu Dhabi park is promising up-close animal experiences, mega attractions and a world class aquarium.
"Abu Dhabi is becoming a first choice destination for regional and global travellers by combining culture, heritage and unique leisure experiences into one compelling proposition," said His Excellency Mohamed Khalifa Al Mubarak, chairman of Miral.
"SeaWorld Abu Dhabi further strengthens Yas Island’s position as the global tourism destination."
He said the announcement reflects the emirate’s ambition to create a ‘sustainable, diversified economy, with tourism as one of its core pillars’.
"Abu Dhabi continues to build sustainable partnerships that deliver on its strategic 2030 Vision, to transform and pioneer new destinations that are recognized for world class quality, authenticity and innovation on every level," he added.
Miral’s Yas Island already has Ferrari World Abu Dhabi, Yas Waterworld and, opening in 2018, the recently announced Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi and Clymb, which will feature the world’s tallest indoor climbing wall and its widest skydiving chamber.
Bev
Editor in chief Bev Fearis has been a travel journalist for 25 years. She started her career at Travel Weekly, where she became deputy news editor, before joining Business Traveller as deputy editor and launching the magazine’s website. She has also written travel features, news and expert comment for the Guardian, Observer, Times, Telegraph, Boundless and other consumer titles and was named one of the top 50 UK travel journalists by the Press Gazette.
Vegas’s Billion-Dollar Secrets – What They Don’t Want Tourists to Know
Visit Florida’s New CEO Bryan Griffin Shares His Vision for State Tourism with Graham
Chicago’s Tourism Renaissance: Graham Interviews Kristin Reynolds of Choose Chicago
Graham Talks with Cassandra McCauley of MMGY NextFactor About the Latest Industry Research
Destination International’s Andreas Weissenborn: Research, Advocacy, and Destination Impact
Graham and Don Welsh Discuss the Success of Destinations International’s Annual Conference
Graham and CEO Andre Kiwitz on Ventura Travel’s UK Move and Recruitment for the Role
Brett Laiken and Graham Discuss Florida’s Tourism Momentum and Global Appeal
Graham and Elliot Ferguson on Positioning DC as a Cultural and Inclusive Global Destination
Graham Talks to Fraser Last About His England-to-Ireland Trek for Mental Health Awareness
Kathy Nelson Tells Graham About the Honour of Hosting the World Cup and Kansas City’s Future
Graham McKenzie on Sir Richie Richardson’s Dual Passion for Golf and His Homeland, Antigua
ADS PRO 
Qatar Airways offers flexible payment options for European travellers
Airlines suspend Madagascar services following unrest and army revolt
Phocuswright reveals the world's largest travel markets in volume in 2025
Digital Travel Reporter of the Mirror totally seduced by HotelPlanner AI Travel Agent
Strike action set to cause travel chaos at Brussels airports