Sea World to Addd Two More International Parks as Abu Dhabi Inspires Expansion

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SeaWorld Abu Dhabi is currently the only SeaWorld park located outside the U.S., but this might not be the case for much longer. During their second-quarter earnings call in 2025, United Parks & Resorts CEO Marc Swanson revealed that the company intends to model after the Abu Dhabi park by developing two additional international parks. He also mentioned that they aim to finalize plans for these new parks by the end of 2025.

Swanson discussed the upcoming projects, mentioning that they’re currently engaged in numerous negotiations with prospective international collaborators and anticipate signing two Memorandums of Understanding by the year’s end. Further details will be disclosed in the following periods.

In simpler terms, Sea World Abu Dhabi, situated on Yas Island, boasts unique elements in its operational structure. This attraction is managed and run by Miral, under a license from United Parks & Resorts. Moreover, due to the intense heat in the UAE, it’s an entirely indoor facility.

Expansion Strategy

United Parks & Resorts intends to adopt an expansion strategy like the one used in Abu Dhabi, where a local partner assumes financial and operational duties, while the company offers branding and strategic assistance. Discussions are ongoing, with hopes to solidify partnership agreements, termed Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs), by the year 2025. However, no specific locations have been unveiled as of now.

Lightweight models with minimal initial investments are popular among American entertainment companies since they frequently opt to license brands or outsource crucial infrastructures instead of buying them directly. This strategy lessens financial risk and allows more cash to be available for other purposes. Since these projects have lower capital requirements, they often yield higher profit margins and greater free cash flow.

As a movie critic immersed in the world of theme parks, I’ve noticed a burgeoning trend towards what I call the “light-capital” approach. Companies are reaping significant success with this strategy, and Miral is one such company that has capitalized on it. They boast an impressive trio of parks on Yas Island, with Sea World Abu Dhabi being one of them. Moreover, they’ve announced plans for a Disney Abu Dhabi park, set to open by May 2025.

Background: SeaWorld Abu Dhabi’s Model

In December 2016, plans were made public for constructing SeaWorld Abu Dhabi. This partnership between SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment and Miral aimed to create a marine life-themed park. After seven years of construction, the park finally opened its doors on May 23, 2023. Distinguishing it from other Sea World parks, this one does not house orcas. The park covers roughly 183,000 square meters and consists of five indoor levels. One of its most notable features is said to be the world’s largest multi-species aquarium, with a capacity of 25 million liters and housing over 68,000 marine creatures.

The immense size of Sea World Abu Dhabi qualifies it as the world’s largest indoor aquarium-themed amusement park. As per recent global rankings, its vast tank capacity of approximately 58 million liters positions it among the elite aquarium destinations on a global scale.

The park is divided into eight themed areas: One Ocean, Abu Dhabi Ocean, Rocky Point, MicroOcean, Tropical Ocean, Arctic, Antarctica, and Endless Ocean. Throughout the park, you’ll find more than 150 different species, over a dozen rides, 13 shops, and 17 dining options. The Endless Ocean area features the large aquarium with various species, while One Ocean serves as the central hub offering immersive shows and media experiences.

As I stood before the grand opening of the Yas SeaWorld Research & Rescue Center in February 2023, I couldn’t help but feel a sense of awe. This remarkable facility, the UAE’s first dedicated to marine research, rescue, rehabilitation, and return, is truly a beacon for marine life conservation.

Stepping inside, I marveled at the intricate layout designed to support the welfare of marine animals regionally. The center boasts dry and wet labs, aquaculture facilities, spacious rescue pools, a state-of-the-art veterinary hospital, and even rescue vehicles that could swiftly respond to emergencies.

But it’s not just about the science and technology; the Yas SeaWorld Research & Rescue Center offers educational programs for visitors who make reservations. These opportunities allow us to gain a deeper understanding of these incredible creatures and the vital role they play in our world.

In short, the Yas SeaWorld Research & Rescue Center is more than just a facility; it’s a testament to our commitment to marine life conservation and a reminder that each one of us plays a crucial part in their survival and protection.

Significance and Outlook

SeaWorld Abu Dhabi represents a shift in strategy, moving away from the standard orca-centric shows and focusing more on interactive marine conservation and educational experiences instead.

The internal layout and focus on collaborations within regions demonstrate a flexible approach to growth. If agreements for two additional parks can be finalized by the end of 2025, this will suggest that SeaWorld is planning a wider global expansion through United Parks & Resorts.

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2025-08-17 20:58