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NEWS
Abu Dhabi SeaWorld to be ready by 2022, say developers
POSTED 30 Jan 2020 . BY Andy Knaggs

Our next attraction will be SeaWorld...we are on track to finish the construction by 2022.
– 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.
PROJECT PROFILE:

yas island
The much-anticipated Turbo Track rollercoaster is now open at Ferrari World Abu Dhabi, powering guests at speeds of 102kph (63mph) through the roof of the park, 64m (209ft) above the ground.


RELATED STORIES
  Miral announces November opening date for new sports-themed Clymb attraction


Clymb Abu Dhabi, the new sports and leisure attraction on Abu Dhabi's Yas Island, is to open on 29 November 2019, according to owner Miral.
  US$1bn Warner Bros World Abu Dhabi opens to public


One of the largest theme park developments in the history of the Middle East is celebrating its grand opening, with the launch of Yas Island's latest addition – Warner Bros World Abu Dhabi.
  Warner Bros World Abu Dhabi gets July launch date


The largest theme park development coming to the Middle East this year has been set its opening date, with developer Miral confirming the launch of Warner Bros World Abu Dhabi on 25 July.
  SeaWorld announces plans for orca-free theme park in Abu Dhabi


SeaWorld has finally confirmed the location for its Middle Eastern attraction, announcing a partnership with Miral to develop SeaWorld Abu Dhabi – a first-of-its-kind marine theme park on Yas Island.
MORE NEWS
Montana Heritage Center opens with immersive exhibits and US$107 million investment
The Montana Historical Society has officially celebrated the opening of its new Montana Heritage Center, a US$107 million (£79 million, €92 million) destination that combines immersive storytelling with cutting-edge audiovisual technology to bring the sta
Universal launches new theme park model with Kids Resort
Universal Destinations and Experiences has launched a new regional theme park model with the opening of Universal Kids Resort in Frisco, Texas.
San Antonio Zoo reports $283 million economic impact as expansion plans progress
San Antonio Zoo has reported a US$283 million economic impact for 2025, following a decade- long transformation programme that has seen almost US$200 million invested into the Texas attraction.
Great Barrier Reef attraction set for AU$180 million reinvention
Plans for the AU$180 million redevelopment of Reef HQ Aquarium in Townsville, Australia, are progressing, with the project set to transform the attraction into a global centre for reef education and conservation.
+ More news   
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Jobs    News   Products   Magazine   Subscribe
NEWS
Abu Dhabi SeaWorld to be ready by 2022, say developers
POSTED 30 Jan 2020 . BY Andy Knaggs
Our next attraction will be SeaWorld...we are on track to finish the construction by 2022.
– 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.
RELATED STORIES
Miral announces November opening date for new sports-themed Clymb attraction


Clymb Abu Dhabi, the new sports and leisure attraction on Abu Dhabi's Yas Island, is to open on 29 November 2019, according to owner Miral.
US$1bn Warner Bros World Abu Dhabi opens to public


One of the largest theme park developments in the history of the Middle East is celebrating its grand opening, with the launch of Yas Island's latest addition – Warner Bros World Abu Dhabi.
Warner Bros World Abu Dhabi gets July launch date


The largest theme park development coming to the Middle East this year has been set its opening date, with developer Miral confirming the launch of Warner Bros World Abu Dhabi on 25 July.
SeaWorld announces plans for orca-free theme park in Abu Dhabi


SeaWorld has finally confirmed the location for its Middle Eastern attraction, announcing a partnership with Miral to develop SeaWorld Abu Dhabi – a first-of-its-kind marine theme park on Yas Island.
MORE NEWS
Montana Heritage Center opens with immersive exhibits and US$107 million investment
The Montana Historical Society has officially celebrated the opening of its new Montana Heritage Center, a US$107 million (£79 million, €92 million) destination that combines immersive storytelling with cutting-edge audiovisual technology to bring the sta
Universal launches new theme park model with Kids Resort
Universal Destinations and Experiences has launched a new regional theme park model with the opening of Universal Kids Resort in Frisco, Texas.
San Antonio Zoo reports $283 million economic impact as expansion plans progress
San Antonio Zoo has reported a US$283 million economic impact for 2025, following a decade- long transformation programme that has seen almost US$200 million invested into the Texas attraction.
Great Barrier Reef attraction set for AU$180 million reinvention
Plans for the AU$180 million redevelopment of Reef HQ Aquarium in Townsville, Australia, are progressing, with the project set to transform the attraction into a global centre for reef education and conservation.
Mubadala makes €1 billion bid for Pierre and Vacances
Abu Dhabi-based investment firm Mubadala Capital has made a binding, fully financed €1 billion offer to acquire Pierre and Vacances SA, the European holiday resort operator behind the continental European Center Parcs business.
Disney confirms US$30 billion investment programme as it highlights its economic impact
Disney has reaffirmed its commitment to investing US$30 billion in its US parks and cruise business by 2033, using new America250 celebrations to underline the role its attractions play in supporting jobs, tourism and economic growth.
+ More news   
 
COMPANY PROFILES
Holovis

Holovis is a privately owned company established in 2004 by CEO Stuart Hetherington. [more...]
QubicaAMF UK

QubicaAMF is the largest and most innovative bowling equipment provider with 600 employees worldwi [more...]
Painting With Light

By combining lighting, video, scenic and architectural elements, sound and special effects we tell s [more...]
DJW

David & Lynn Willrich started the Company over thirty years ago, from the Audio Visual Department [more...]
+ More profiles  
CATALOGUE GALLERY
+ More catalogues  
DIRECTORY
+ More directory  
DIARY

 

23-26 Aug 2026

Elevate Spa Riviera Maya Edition

The Riviera Maya Edition Kanai, Playa del Carmen, Mexico
29 Sep - 02 Oct 2026

Synergy - The Retreat Show

Pical Resort, Valamar Collection, Porec, Croatia
+ More diary  
 


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Tel: +44 (0)1462 431385

©Cybertrek 2026

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