SeaWorld marine research centre opens on Abu Dhabi’s Yas Island

February 8, 2023

Developer Miral has announced the opening of Abu Dhabi’s Yas SeaWorld Research & Rescue, the first dedicated marine research and rescue centre in the Arabian Gulf.

Located on the Emirate’s Yas Island, the facility includes a rescue clinic, a marine veterinary hospital, more than 25 rescue and rehabilitation pools, laboratories and an aquaculture facility.

The facility also features a dry classroom and a wet classroom to educate guests and, as Miral advises, “the next generation of marine biologists”.

SeaWorld‘s first marine research and rescue centre outside of the USA will be overseen by a team of professional scientists, zoologists and experts in marine animal care, research and rescue.

The research team will focus on the Arabian Gulf’s marine ecology, covering marine biodiversity, ecosystem resilience, wildlife conservation, habitat restoration, pollution and wildlife health.

It joins SeaWorld’s three existing locations, adjacent to its marine parks in the USA.

Announcing the opening, Miral Chairman, Mohamed Khalifa Al Mubarak stated “this is a cornerstone in the emirate’s journey of education and conservation, inspiring the next generation of marine scientists to learn more about Abu Dhabi’s impactful long-term vision of protecting our marine wildlife and their habitats.

“Together with SeaWorld, we will be pushing the limits of science and conservation to become the foremost knowledge hub for marine scientists, not only in the UAE, but also in the wider region.”

Scott Ross, Chairman of USA-based SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment, added “for nearly 60 years, SeaWorld has maintained its unwavering mission and steadfast commitment to protecting marine animals and their ecosystems and inspiring others to act and care for marine life.

“Extending this legacy here in the UAE is important for global conservation and is consistent with the UAE and wider region’s tradition of honoring the importance of the sea.”

With SeaWorld having rescued more than 40,000 animals since 1965, the rescue team in the new centre will help sick, injured and orphaned marine animals in the Arabian Gulf and provide rehabilitation before returning them to their natural habitats.

Yas SeaWorld Research & Rescue was developed by SeaWorld and Miral. It will be managed and operated by SeaWorld and Miral Experiences, a subsidiary of Miral.

The SeaWorld Abu Dhabi marine life park is scheduled to open later this year.

Images: The dry classroom at Yas SeaWorld Research & Rescue Abu Dhabi (top, credit: Yas SeaWorld Research & Rescue Abu Dhabi) and stakeholders at the opening (below, from left): acting Deputy Chief of Mission at the US Embassy Darren Perdue; SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment Chief Zoological Officer Dr. Chris Dold; Abu Dhabi Minister of Climate Change and Environment, HE Mariam bint Mohammed Saeed Hareb Almheiri; Miral Chairman HE Mohamed Khalifa Al Mubarak and Miral Group Chief Executive Mohamed Abdalla Al Zaabi. Credit: Miral.

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