Abu Dhabi SeaWorld to be ready by 2022, say developers
by Andy Knaggs | 30 Jan 2020
Yas Island already has three theme parks, plus a links golf course, a Formula 1 racing circuit and other retail and entertainment offerings / Miral Asset Management
– Mohammad Al Zaabi
SeaWorld will be the next attraction to open on Abu Dhabi's Yas Island, according to the company that manages and develops the territory's growing collection of tourist venues.
Mohammad Al Zaabi, CEO of Miral Asset Management, told Arabian Business that the proposed SeaWorld park on Yas Island was at a "very advanced state of design" , and that Miral was "on track to finish construction by 2022".
First announced in 2016, the SeaWorld marine park will be the first SeaWorld to open without orcas. It will also include the United Arab Emirates' first dedicated research, rescue, rehabilitation and return centre for marine life.
Yas Island is already home to Yas Waterworld, Ferrari World Abu Dhabi, Warner Bros World, and Clymb, an indoor adventure hub that has the world's tallest climbing wall at 43 metres, and widest wind tunnel (10 metres).
All of these attractions are making money, he told the magazine. However, the report said that Al Zaabi would not be drawn on the prospect of further attractions being added to the island, which is currently 55 per cent developed.
There are new hotels under construction, with a 550-bedroom Hilton which is 85 per cent complete, due to open this year, and a 250-bedroom Warner Bros hotel – the world's first such hotel – being 40 per cent complete and scheduled to open in 2021.
Al Zaabi gave a hint that more attractions may follow in the future, in discussing Miral's 2015 plan to build 1,500 new hotel rooms (of which, those above form a part). He said the 1,500 rooms would be to "cater for the current and future demand for our theme parks and entertainment sector".
A potential Skytran elevated rail system that would connect – in its first phase – Ferrari World and Warner Bros is still under testing and commissioning in the US, said Al Zaabi.
SeaWorld Abu Dhabi Yas Island Miral Asset Management Mohammad Al Zaabi08 Nov 2019
Cansult Maunsell-designed Clymb attraction, with biggest climbing wall in the world, will open in Abu Dhabi this month
25 Jul 2018
US$1bn Warner Bros World Abu Dhabi opens to public
19 Apr 2018
Warner Bros World Abu Dhabi gets July launch date
13 Dec 2016
SeaWorld announces plans for orca-free theme park in Abu Dhabi
23 Oct 2016
Yas Island to rebrand with aim of becoming the world’s ultimate leisure destination
19 Apr 2016
Warner Bros World Abu Dhabi and branded hotel to open in 2018
SeaWorld will be the next attraction to open on Abu Dhabi's Yas Island, according to the company that manages and develops the territory's growing collection of tourist venues. Mohammad Al Zaabi, CEO of Miral Asset Management, told Arabian Business that the proposed SeaWorld park on Yas Island was at a "very advanced state of design", and that Miral was "on track to finish construction by 2022". First announced in 2016,
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