ADM NEWS | WAZA warmly welcomes SeaWorld Yas Island, Abu Dhabi as a new institution member.
Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates – October 15, 2025: SeaWorld Abu Dhabi is a marine life theme park committed to inspiring ocean conservation through its ‘One Ocean’ story. This narrative informs every aspect of the visitor experience, including educational programmes, guided tours, interactive exhibits, and animal habitats.
WAZA CEO Dr Martín Zordan said, “SeaWorld Abu Dhabi’s membership significantly enhances WAZA’s engagement in the Southwest Asia region and reinforces our commitment to marine conservation, habitat protection, and public education on the ocean’s critical role.”
The park highlights the interconnectedness of marine life and seeks to foster a deeper understanding and respect for the ocean and its ecosystems.
SeaWorld Yas Island operates the Yas SeaWorld Research & Rescue Center, the first dedicated marine research, rescue, rehabilitation, and return centre in the MENA region. It supports regional marine conservation efforts and serves as a hub for education and scientific research.
Rob Yordi, General Curator at SeaWorld Abu Dhabi and The Yas SeaWorld Research & Rescue Center, said, “Joining the World Association of Zoos and Aquariums (WAZA) along with our sister SeaWorld parks marks a profound milestone for SeaWorld Abu Dhabi and The Yas SeaWorld Research & Rescue Center. This recognition is not only a validation of our rigorous animal welfare standards, but also a celebration of our deep-rooted commitment to marine conservation, research, and education. It’s an honor to stand among the world’s leading zoological institutions, and we remain dedicated to advancing meaningful impact for the One Ocean.”
SeaWorld Abu Dhabi is also a member of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA).
More information about SeaWorld Yas Island, Abu Dhabi can be found at www.seaworldyasisland.com.
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About SeaWorld® Yas Island, Abu Dhabi
SeaWorld® Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, operated by Miral Experiences, is the World’s Largest Indoor Marine Life Theme Park which tells a captivating ‘One Ocean’ story that uncovers the interconnectivity between life on earth and our ocean, inspiring a deep commitment to conserving our planet. SeaWorld Abu Dhabi delivers fun, engaging, and immersive family-friendly experiences through eight uniquely themed realms, featuring up-close animal encounters, exciting rides, inspiring entertainment, as well as unmatched dining and shopping experiences.
SeaWorld Abu Dhabi is committed to providing the highest standard of animal welfare based on best practices and standards set by internationally recognized animal welfare organizations. SeaWorld Abu Dhabi is the region’s first facility to be certified by Global Humane, the world’s largest certifier of animal welfare and is the region’s third facility to earn the esteemed Association of Zoos & Aquariums (AZA) accreditation. Representing the next generation of zoological care, the animal habitats at SeaWorld Abu Dhabi have been custom designed using state-of-the art technology and a welfare-focused approach. Every day, the SeaWorld Abu Dhabi team of highly experienced and passionate veterinarians, scientists, animal care specialists, and educators devote their lives to caring for animals while also inspiring the next generation to protect and advocate for the ocean.
SeaWorld Abu Dhabi is also home to the Yas SeaWorld Research & Rescue Center Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, the largest dedicated marine research, rescue, rehabilitation and return Center in the region serving as an advanced marine science knowledge hub and a key contributor to marine life conservation. Building on the SeaWorld legacy of being one of the largest marine animal rescue organizations in the world, the Center brings SeaWorld’s over 60 years of experience and knowledge in animal care, rescue, rehabilitation and conservation to the UAE and wider region.
SeaWorld Abu Dhabi aims to inspire the next generation of marine life advocates as it champions the “Admission with a Mission” initiative, where every ticket purchased to the park supports the ongoing conservation efforts of the Yas SeaWorld Research & Rescue Center.
SeaWorld Abu Dhabi was developed by Miral, Abu Dhabi’s leading creator of magnetic experiences in partnership with United Parks & Resorts and is the first new SeaWorld Park in 30 years and the first outside the US. Now operational, this first-of-its-kind indoor Marine Life Theme Park is managed and operated by Miral Experiences, a subsidiary of Miral and a leading operator of world-class theme parks, entertainment experiences and cultural attractions.
For more information, please visit: www.seaworldyasisland.com.
