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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
Expo 2030 Riyadh will create a permanent global destination
Expo 2030 Riyadh is being planned as a permanent visitor destination, with organisers confirming the six-million-square-metre site will become a Global Village after the event closes.
Australian waterpark acquisition creates new leisure attractions group
The owner of one of Australia's best-known waterparks has acquired a major competitor, creating a new attractions business spanning two of the country's largest visitor destinations.
London Museum reveals 2026 opening date for new Smithfield home
The London Museum’s new site will open in Smithfield, East London, on 28 November 2026.
Toverland unveils €98m expansion plan as park prepares to launch resort development
The Toverland theme park in the Netherlands has announced a €98m expansion programme that will add a resort, new attractions and staff facilities as it pursues plans to become a multi- day destination.
+ 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
Expo 2030 Riyadh will create a permanent global destination
Expo 2030 Riyadh is being planned as a permanent visitor destination, with organisers confirming the six-million-square-metre site will become a Global Village after the event closes.
Australian waterpark acquisition creates new leisure attractions group
The owner of one of Australia's best-known waterparks has acquired a major competitor, creating a new attractions business spanning two of the country's largest visitor destinations.
London Museum reveals 2026 opening date for new Smithfield home
The London Museum’s new site will open in Smithfield, East London, on 28 November 2026.
Toverland unveils €98m expansion plan as park prepares to launch resort development
The Toverland theme park in the Netherlands has announced a €98m expansion programme that will add a resort, new attractions and staff facilities as it pursues plans to become a multi- day destination.
Butterfly sanctuary to host hot yoga during retreat at Jersey Zoo for Hotel de France
Hotel de France, located on the British Isle of Jersey, has created a wellness retreat package that includes a hot yoga session that will take place in Jersey Zoo’s butterfly sanctuary.
Warner Bros Discovery collaborates on upcoming Pompeii attraction
A new immersive attraction designed to transport visitors into the final hours of ancient Pompeii is preparing to open near the world-famous archaeological site in southern Italy.
+ More news   
 
COMPANY PROFILES
IAAPA EMEA

IAAPA Expo Europe was established in 2006 and has grown to the largest international conference and [more...]
instantprint

We’re a Yorkshire-based online printer, founded in 2009 by Adam Carnell and James Kinsella. [more...]
Holovis

Holovis is a privately owned company established in 2004 by CEO Stuart Hetherington. [more...]
Clip 'n Climb

Clip ‘n Climb currently offers facility owners and investors more than 40 colourful and unique Cha [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  
 


ADVERTISE . CONTACT US

Leisure Media
Tel: +44 (0)1462 431385

©Cybertrek 2026

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