SeaWorld Abu Dhabi opens the region’s first marine research centre

The centre aims to educate and inspire the public about marine life.

It’s time to dive into the UAE’s latest attraction: Yas SeaWorld Research and Rescue Abu Dhabi. Welcome to the region’s first dedicated marine research, rescue and rehabilitation centre. As part of SeaWorld Abu Dhabi, which is set to open later this year, the centre aims to conserve marine life in the UAE and beyond.  

Yas SeaWorld Research and Rescue Abu Dhabi focuses on indigenous marine life in the Gulf, and includes facilities to support regional as well as global conservation. Plus, the centre aims to educate and inspire the public about marine life.

Spanning a massive 8,602 square metres, Yas SeaWorld Research and Rescue Abu Dhabi includes state-of-the-art equipment. The site is home to three dry laboratories and a wet laboratory; a veterinary hospital for triage of animals in critical conditions; rescue vehicles, which include two custom-made rescue boats; and 25 rescue pools, which include two pools with lifting floors. 

SeaWorld boasts 60 years of experience in animal rescue and rehabilitation and has carried out 40,000 rescue operations. The Abu Dhabi centre is led by leading marine conservationists and ecologists. The team aim to investigate the Gulf’s marine ecosystems, from microbes to megafauna (aka large animals). 

Chairman of Miral, His Excellency Mohamed Khalifa Al Mubarak, said: “We are very proud to begin 2023, the UAE’s Year of Sustainability, with opening the first dedicated marine research and rescue centre in the region, Yas SeaWorld Research & Rescue. 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.”

The UAE loves a megaproject, especially a family-friendly one. Yas SeaWorld Research and Rescue Abu Dhabi is part of SeaWorld Abu Dhabi, which will be a massive marine life theme park on Yas Island.

In true UAE-style, the attraction plans to break world records and be home to the world’s largest aquarium. To give you some idea of the sheer scale, upon completion SeaWorld Abu Dhabi will span 183,000 square meters and five floors. The aquarium will house 25 million litres of water and more than 68,000 marine animals, which range from sharks to sea turtles. 

Yas SeaWorld Research and Rescue Abu Dhabi is now open to the public, but visits are by appointment or invite only. The site includes a dry classroom and wet classroom, plus a 160-seat auditorium. Plus, the centre will hold workshops and lectures. Count us in. 

GO: Visit www.seaworldabudhabi.com for more information.