DUBAI: Work on a marine-life park on Abu Dhabi’s Yas Island that will feature the world’s largest and most expansive marine aquarium is 64 percent complete, Miral and SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment said in a statement.
Expected to be completed in 2022, SeaWorld Abu Dhabi will be home to the aquarium containing 25 million liters of water and housing more than 68,000 marine animals, including sharks, schools of fish, manta rays and sea turtles.
A main focal view of the aquarium will present visitors with the “Endless Vista”, a 20-m-tall vertical window across multiple levels revealing stunning aquatic scenes, the statement said.
Recent major constructions include the completion of the primary steel erection and near finalization of the envelope enclosure of the marine-life park. Additionally, the structure’s façade is currently in progress, as well as over 70 percent of the acrylic panels installed across the park.
The statement said the Yas SeaWorld Research and Rescue Center, which will be developed at the park, will act as an advanced knowledge hub focusing on indigenous Gulf and marine life ecosystems. The facility will be located adjacent to the aquarium and theme park, and will be the first dedicated marine research, rescue, and rehabilitation and return center in the UAE.
Marc Swanson, CEO of SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment, said, “We are honored to partner with Miral to bring SeaWorld’s unforgettable guest experiences and our important mission to Yas Island and the region. SeaWorld Abu Dhabi joins our North American parks in our mission and commitment to conservation efforts worldwide.”
Spanning the floor area of 183,000 square meters (m2), across five indoor levels, SeaWorld Abu Dhabi’s design leverages SeaWorld’s more than 55 years of experience in marine research, conservation, and animal welfare, the statement said.