SeaWorld YAS Island Abu Dhabi, the world’s largest indoor marine life theme park. I had the honor of visiting for their grand opening, and I hope to return again someday soon. After one year of attendance, adjustments and celebrations, what is this theme park offering – and why should it mark the top of your “must visit” list?
SeaWorld Abu Dhabi is on YAS Island, part of the city of Abu Dhabi. This Island of Play has become world famous for record-breaking rides, F-1 racing and their new Chief Island Officer, Ryan Reynolds. To visit the country of UAE, most visitors will land at the Abu Dhabi International Airport (Zayed International Airport) or the Dubai International Airport.
SeaWorld Abu Dhabi is the next generation of SeaWorld Parks
SeaWorld Abu Dhabi gets its inspiration and knowledge from the long-standing parks in the United States of America. But, this sole park stands to bring the entire marine park industry up to the next level. And, this isn’t a negative against the U.S. parks. I am a Pass Member at SeaWorld Orlando, and quite enjoy my time there. But, SeaWorld Abu Dhabi stands shoulder to shoulder with some of biggest aquariums, entertainment centers and yes, even theme parks, on the globe.
SeaWorld Abu Dhabi boasts 100,000 animals under a single roof. While the park only has two major coasters, and a mind-blowing simulator, this park does not rely on rides to offer experiences. Instead, the animals are the attractions. This destination shows how immersion can be combined with learning.
What does SeaWorld Abu Dhabi offer?
SeaWorld Abu Dhabi is separated into realms. Each realm is about a different part of the world’s oceans and climates. From the penguin tundras to the gentle sands of the Middle East seas. Inside of each of these eight realms, guests can learn about animals specific to that environment. And the Yas SeaWorld Research & Rescue Center has gone to painstaking detail to make sure these environments are done correctly. In fact, some of their lighting systems can even create UVA and UVB light – you can get a sunburn indoors.
The park also offers Manta, a roller coaster name synonymous with SeaWorld Parks. Like all the other Mantas though, this one is unique. In fact, all the Manta coasters worldwide, while sharing a similar theme, are vastly different ride styles.
For the younger ones, there is an entire realm, MicroOcean, that is focused on kids. A kiddie coaster, smaller flat rides, characters and interactive play spaces abound in this glowing Realm. And a smart feature, it is one of the only areas in the park with a single main entrance and exit. Parents can rest easier knowing their kids can run around without getting lost in the rest of the park.
One year later, what is happening at SeaWorld Abu Dhabi?
12 shows and character experiences, 19 listed animal exhibits and presentations (with 100,000 animals total), 3 leading attractions with 12 attraction activities total, 13 stores, 17 restaurants and eateries and 8 hands-on animal tours (with a 9th on the way). In summary, a lot.
From large-scale dolphin shows to intimate character meet and greets, there is something for all ages. With a thrilling roller coaster and a touch tank, there is something for all thrill levels. And with dining in every area, there is a spot to rest and eat local or international cuisine.
Each month, SeaWorld Abu Dhabi is highlighting a different animal. May, Flamingos. June, Sea Turtles. July, Sharks. And so much more, including Abu Dhabi Ocean Weekends and Emirati Women’s Day with a female-only day in the park.
How much does SeaWorld Abu Dhabi cost?
Visiting Abu Dhabi and the UAE might be cheaper than you would expect. Yes, we have all seen the million dollar cars of Dubai and the literal coffee cups of gold. But, once you break it down, it is much more affordable than you would think.
A single day ticket to SeaWorld Abu Dhabi is 375 AED or $102 USD. But it gets cheaper. A 2-day ticket, which includes SeaWorld, Warner Bros. World, Yas Waterworld, and Ferrari World Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, is 475 AED or $129 USD. Bump that up to a 4 park ticket to do all of YAS Islands parks and you pay 675 AED or $183 USD. That means four days of theme parks and water parks for $45.75 a day. But wait, it gets cheaper.
If you are a Person of Determination (the UAE term for those with a disability) you get to visit the park for just 100 AED or $27.23, and it comes with premium seating for the ticket holder and guest. But wait, it gets even cheaper!
If you purchase through the YAS Island website, you can get special hotel details which come with FREE theme park admission, FREE breakfast, FREE transportation to all of the theme parks, malls and beaches and FREE pickup & drop at the Abu Dhabi International Airport. Ok, that is as cheap as it is gonna get.
Not paid to write this!
I feel I need to add this portion in. Neither I, Tharin White, nor EYNTK.info, was paid to write this article. This may sound like a sales pitch, but it isn’t. In fact, I strongly recommend you do your own research and checkout destinations all over the globe. I cannot personally speak about every city or state park, but I can recommend YAS Island in Abu Dhabi, because I went and did it all.
The pricing proof? For the FREE options listed above, I chose a three night room package that includes breakfast and one set of kid’s tickets per paying adult. The total price for all the amenities included is $880.70 USD for the end of May, with similar pricing for early October. There are cheaper and more expensive times to visit, for example December and January see much higher prices. This is during the peak season of F-1 racing and major events. The months of April, May, September & October offer the lowest average prices for Abu Dhabi & airfare to the UAE.
Animal care and country experiences
Before supporting a park or a country, many want to know what they stand for. The YAS SeaWorld Research & Rescue Center is at SeaWorld Abu Dhabi. For $8.17 USD you can go behind the scenes to see how the animals are cared for each and every day. SeaWorld states, “SeaWorld Yas Island, Abu Dhabi is certified by Global Humane, the international brand of American Humane, which is the world’s largest certifier of animal welfare. SeaWorld Yas Island, Abu Dhabi is the first facility in the MENA region to achieve certification.”
While some fear visits to the Middle East, let it be known that the UAE stands for a welcoming environment. Now, does this mean you can do whatever you want? No, of course not. Visiting the UAE means entering a new country with their own set of laws and guidelines. As with any destination, show respect and do research in advance for specific laws, allowed medications and clothing.
From my personal experience, most American clothing is standard in Abu Dhabi. Many locals and tourists in the city wear open-toed shoes, simple t-shirts and shorts. The exception is that during my entire week trip I never once saw someone wear leggings or fish-net clothing. For the sun, it is recommended you wear brighter clothing and bring protective sunglasses.
You can research the Visiting the UAE website, hosted by the UAE government themselves, on guidelines and suggestions.
FAQs
There is a lot that goes into planning a trip, especially one to a foreign country. For SeaWorld Abu Dhabi, you can visit their FAQ page. Or, feel free to leave a comment below or on our social media with questions – I would be happy to answer them for you.
For animal lovers not looking to travel, you can checkout the new Disney+ and Hulu series, “Photographer.” This doc-series takes a look at what it takes to get the world famous animal picture and videos we all enjoy.
