SeaWorld has just opened its record-breaking new Park – and it’s totally different from anything they’ve done before.
For the first time ever, SeaWorld is officially an international theme park franchise. Its newest location – SeaWorld Abu Dhabi – opened its doors today, welcoming Guests to the world’s biggest aquarium and eight immersive lands (AKA realms) packed with marine activities.

This marks SeaWorld’s first indoor theme park, with the entire Park spread across a five-story, 183,000-square-meter building. It also has Yas Seaworld Research & Rescue, a research complex focused on marine conservation and education that opened before the Park in February.
The biggest difference between SeaWorld Abu Dhabi and SeaWorld San Diego, Orlando, and San Antonio? Zero orcas. SeaWorld Abu Dhabi marks SeaWorld’s first effort to hold its Guests attention minus the presence of killer whales – which shouldn’t come as a huge shock, considering the backlash Blackfish (2013) triggered over the captivity of SeaWorld’s prime attraction.

Instead, SeaWorld Abu Dhabi leans into the education and conservation side of its brand. Each of its eight lands is centered on a different theme, teaching Guests about various aspects of marine life.
- One Ocean – the Park’s hub, home to the animal care center.
- Abu Dhabi Ocean – inspired by local marine history, with pearl diving shows, touch pools, and an Arabian souk.
- Rocky Point – a Pacific Northwest themed land, complete with multiple sea lion experiences.
- MicroOcean – an underwater playground with four rides aimed at younger Guests.
- Tropical Ocean – the Park’s only land featuring a roller coaster (Manta) as well as dolphins and a rainforest.
- Arctic – a frozen land, cold enough for its resident walruses, interactive research vessel, and unique simulator.
- Antarctica – equally cold, but this time home to penguins.
- Endless Ocean – the center of the world’s largest aquarium, boasting over 68,000 animals.

While one of its attractions – Manta – bears the same name as roller coasters at SeaWorld Orlando and SeaWorld San Diego, this version is totally unique with the world’s first zero-gravity flip-out.
Tickets are available on the SeaWorld Abu Dhabi website and cost 375 AED ($102) for adults and 290 AED ($79) for children.