Sea World Abu Dhabi
Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
Merit Award
Sent by: AECOM
Owner: look
Leading design company | Civil, structural and MEP engineer: AECOM
General contractor: ALEC Engineering and Contracting LLC
Creative consultant: PGAV destinations
Consultant for animal life support systems and water treatment: Satchell Engineering & Associates
Located on Yas Island, the five-story marine theme park is dedicated to preserving the environment. It features a One Ocean realm, with six distinct but interconnected areas showcasing different ecosystems, as well as the world’s largest multi-species marine life aquarium, containing 68,000 animals from 1,800 different species.
Other features include Hypersphere 360°, a six-minute ride, as well as Arctic Ocean Realm, a dome theatre. Two large windows, a three-story oculus, and a five-story Endless Vista were constructed elsewhere and brought to the project site by boat. In total, the park is home to more than 100,000 marine animals and is the first of its kind in the region, the filing says.
The project team created a lighting system to simulate a natural habitat, including the appearance of day, night and seasonal changes, and works to conserve energy and water while ensuring comfort of animals
The site also includes a research and rescue center that is equipped with laboratory equipment and other tools to investigate and restore threatened marine ecosystems in the Arabian Gulf. After opening in June 2023, Abu Dhabi Seaworld is now one of the top-rated theme parks in the area.