Events, Tourism, Organisations & Operators,

Representatives from more than 80 of the world’s leading travel technology companies are preparing to exhibit at Arabian Travel Market (ATM) 2023, which will take place at Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC) from Monday 1 to Thursday 4 May.
Over 2,000m2 of exhibition space will be dedicated to industry technology during the 30th edition of ATM, representing a 54.7% increase in sector participation compared to last year’s show. ATM 2023’s Travel Tech space will also be supplemented by a brand-new Sustainability Hub, which will shine a spotlight on the latest environmentally responsible travel trends and innovations.
The ATM Travel Tech Stage sponsored by Sabre, will host a selection of in-depth panel discussions that will explore how modern innovations such as artificial intelligence, big data and Web3 are enabling seamless operations, professional development, payments, accessibility, sustainable travel and enhanced customer experiences.
Danielle Curtis, Exhibition Director ME, Arabian Travel Market, said: “My colleagues and I are delighted to see such strong representation from travel technology professionals at this year’s show. Encouraging innovation is especially pertinent to ATM 2023 as it is a crucial component of our theme, ‘Working Towards Net Zero’. It is essential for our industry to support and invest in the most promising technologies today in order to build a better and more sustainable travel sector for future generations.”
Sponsored by Sabre, the ATM Travel Tech Stage will host a series of innovation-centric discussions and events throughout the show. The first session, ‘Technology: The Enabler of Sustainable Travel’, will see industry experts discuss how online tools are making it easier for consumers to mitigate their environmental impact when purchasing and planning trips. Moderated by Shashank Nigam, Founder and CEO of SimpliFlying, the panel will feature insights from Tom Kershaw, Chief Product and Technology Officer at Travelport; Lucas Bobes, Group Environmental Officer and Head of ESG Reporting at Amadeus; and Carlo Olejniczak, Vice President and Managing Director of EMEA at Booking.com.ADVERTISEMENTThe ATM Travel Tech Stage will also provide the backdrop for a selection of other panels,  including ‘The Main Trends Impacting Travel in 2023 and Beyond’. In partnership with Sabre, this session will explore the ways in which our industry has harnessed innovation in the wake of the global pandemic, as well as how technology is likely to drive further advancements over the coming years. Moderated by Abdul-Razzaq Iyer, Vice President – Middle East at Sabre, speakers will include Andy Finkelstein, SVP – Global Agency Sales & Delivery at Sabre; Jason Hooper, Head of Digital Solutions at Dnata; and Dean Wicks, Chief Flights Officer at Wego.
ATM 2023 will feature a Sustainability Hub for the first time in the show’s history. This space will offer a venue for sessions dedicated to the latest sustainable travel trends and innovations while providing the setting for the ATM 2023 Start-up Competition – an event hosted by conference partner Plug and Play, which will see entrepreneurs go head-to-head in a ‘Sustainable Tech Pitch Battle’.
ATM 2023’s technology segment will host a diverse array of other industry-leading exhibitors in addition to those mentioned above, including Itrip, Traveazy DMCC, TBO.com, WebBeds FZ LLC and Expedia Inc, to name but a few. In total, the ATM Travel Tech Stage will feature more than 20 innovation-focused sessions and events during the course of the four-day event.
The 30th edition of ATM will explore the future of sustainable travel in line with its theme, ‘Working Towards Net Zero’. Having officially initiated its journey to net zero, the conference programme will explore how innovative sustainable travel trends are likely to evolve, allowing delegates to identify growth strategies within key vertical sectors, while providing a platform for regional experts to explore a sustainable future ahead of COP28, which will take place in November 2023 at Expo City Dubai.
The conference will also feature a sustainability category at its annual exhibitor awards for the first time. Exhibiting organisations will be recognised based on the extent to which they have considered the environmental impact of their stands, as well as their efforts to reduce their carbon footprint.
ATM 2023 is held in conjunction with Dubai World Trade Centre and its strategic partners include Dubai’s Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) as the Destination Partner, Emirates as the Official Airline Partner, IHG Hotels & Resorts as the Official Hotel Partner and Al Rais Travel as the Official DMC Partner.

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The highly anticipated fourth edition of OurAfrica.Travel, the leading digital trade show for the African and Indian Ocean tourism industry, which took place from February 20th to 24th, was a tremendous success, attracting 186 exhibitors and over 440 buyers and media from around the world.
The platform facilitated over 6,500 meetings, 44,192 networking chats, and received more than 85,000 profile views. Feedback from participants has been very positive, affirming the importance of virtual shows on the tourism events calendar.
This year’s show ran for five days, with additional networking opportunities on either side, including a week of destination training hosted by The Africa Hub.
The success of the 2023 event was due in no small part to the collaboration of various industry partners, including Wetu, ATTA, Nightsbridge, Atmosphere Marketing, Inspirational Places and Umlingo Travel PR.
This spirit of ubuntu and partnership is what makes this virtual show such a success, in addition to its B2B nature, affordability in both time and money, accessibility due to it being virtual, and having a carbon-neutral footprint.ADVERTISEMENT“OurAfrica.Travel has once again proven that connecting on a virtual platform is now part of our day-to-day business practice and is the most convenient and opportune way to keep in touch with tourism industryplayers from around the world” said Napier and Hunt.
We are already planning and looking forward to next year’s show (date to be announced), after receiving positive feedback from both our buyers and exhibitors.
GIVING BACK
OurAfrica.Travel is committed to driving sustainable tourism and giving back to both community and conservation projects. This year, 18 worthy causes were given a spotlight during the show, as participants were invited to nominate their favourite charities and grassroots projects.
Nominations included Chefs with Compassion, Conservation South Luangwa, Dambari Wildlife Trust, Giraffe Conservation Fund, Global Sojourns Giving Circle, Good Work Foundation, HERD, How Many Elephants, Ingoma Choir, Meal For Two Project, Mukambi Community School, Nourish Eco Village, Onguma Anti-Poaching Unit, Seahorse Protection by ParCo, The Plaster House, The Rhino Momma Project, Tuk SouthForRangers and Uthando. A vote will be held over the coming weeks to see which causes will win a cash prize.
Organisers Storm Napier and Allie Hunt will be announcing the winners later this month, in the run up to Indaba in Durban, South Africa.
PRIZES GALORE – including a 27-night bucket list bonanza!
Incredibly generous accommodation prizes were donated by exhibitors to reward the most active and engaged buyers. Buyers earned points for participating and the top 300 on the leader board went into a lucky draw to win nine incredible individual holiday combinations for two people sharing. The top 150 from the leader board went into a lucky draw to win the ultimate bucket list prize of 27-nights at some of Africaand the Indian Ocean Island’s most renowned hotels and lodges, showcased by Wetu.
*** Congratulations to the winner of the bucket list prize, Ginny Russell at Cedarberg Africa in the UK, a long- time, loyal supporter of all things Africa.  You can see the full prize list on https://youtu.be/POe5MaTQsxY
AGENT FEEDBACK
“Thanks to Storm, Allie and team for organising another fantastic show – it’s such a great learning experience and lovely to meet new hoteliers, reps and reconnect with people I already know. Flights now booked for November/ December again – can’t wait!” – Fiona Bibby at The Travel Architect, UK
“Such an amazing platform to unlearn, learn, interact and e-meet with some incredible people from across the globe! Such a productive week that we all must’ve had this past week, amidst our other regular busy schedule! Although in-person meeting has its own energy and charm to it, this meeting platform has been truly fab from start to finish. Thanks to each one of you who has interacted with me.  A BIG, BIG THANK YOU to everyone who has been working rigorously behind this show to make it a great success! Thank you OUR AFRICA TRAVEL team for this fantastic work!” – Merlyn Kurian at Evershine Holidays, India
“Another great Our Africa show. So lovely to connect with people again and hear all about changes and positive impacts from the Covid years. Love the show, thanks”– Kirsten Treais at Amazing Adventures Travel at Principle, USA
“It was an intense but prolific week for us….a sort of cheetah run…And before the show being over, on behalf of Australtravels would like to thank the organizers for a great event, to thank the exhibitors, some being old known good friends, other, new contacts we are looking forward to reciprocally develop new businesses, projects and opportunities. Last but not least a thank you to all who made us feeling and enjoying Africa again, from a certain geographical distance and from the commodityof our offices and homes. As our fellow in this picture, we look forward to meet you soon and join on another great OurAfrica event next year. – Octavian Nedea at Australtravels, Spain
For more information about the virtual trade show, visit www.ourafrica.travel.

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Asia’s very best bartenders, mixology experts and drinks industry talent will gather in Hong Kong this July as the city hosts Asia’s 50 Best Bars
Asia’s very best bartenders and drinks industry talent will gather in Hong Kong this July as the city hosts Asia’s 50 Best Bars awards ceremony, one of the region’s most authoritative and prestigious surveys of cocktail tastes and trends. For its 2023 edition, the annual awards have partnered with the Hong Kong Tourism Board to bring the event to the city for the very first time on 18 July 2023.
“We are delighted to host this year’s edition of Asia’s 50 Best Bars in July, one of the region’s most significant celebrations of hospitality, which further affirms Hong Kong’s position as Asia’s foremost hub for cocktail experiences. We look forward to inspiring the region’s best bar talent with what Hong Kong has to offer.” Dr Pang Yiu-kai, Chairman of the Hong Kong Tourism Board, says.
Mark Sansom, Director of Content for Asia’s 50 Best Bars, says, “We are very excited to host the awards in Hong Kong this year. The city has one of the most dynamic and diverse bar scenes in Asia, and despite tight border controls in the last three years, it continues to lead with amazingly innovative bar experiences. By bringing the biggest event on Asia’s bar calendar to Hong Kong, wehope to shine the spotlight back on the city’s vibrant nightlife and contribute to driving travel and tourism.”
Hong Kong is a breeding ground for cocktail-making talent and an ideal location for exchange of ideas among industry leaders. Eight Hong Kong bars are featured on Asia’s 50 Best Bars 2022. In the top three, two of which are bars proudly born and bred in Hong Kong, including Mexican inspired bar COA in the No.1 spot, and Argo, at No.3, which serves creative cocktails using Asian sourced ingredients.

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In honor of Manatee Appreciation Day, SeaWorld today shared the story of ‘Reckless’, a catastrophically injured manatee rescued in May 2022 with her newborn calf ‘Churro’ and their continued journey of rehabilitation at SeaWorld Orlando. Over the last ten months of rehabilitation, SeaWorld has taken extraordinary measures to save her life with veterinarians performing a series of nine groundbreaking procedures to repair injuries from a devastating boat strike. Outside experts have also been bought in to help with her innovative treatment regimen. All the while her newborn calf has remained with her under the watchful around-the-clock care of SeaWorld animal care experts. The prognosis is good for Reckless’ full recovery and eventual release back to Florida waters, along with her calf.
Dr. DiRocco, senior veterinarian at SeaWorld Orlando said, “When we first saw her, she was in one of the worst conditions our team had ever seen. She had massive open wounds, an exposed shoulder blade, protruding bones and other serious ailments. All of us felt like her chances of survival, even with help, were very low.” 
Despite her dire condition, the manatee mom retained normal buoyancy – meaning she was able to stay afloat on her own – and she demonstrated a strong will to live, likely to support her healthy newborn. Dr. DiRocco added, “It became clear very quickly she was a fighter. That’s when all of us knew we had to do everything in our power to save her life and give her newborn a chance to grow to adulthood.” 
Dr. DiRocco and other SeaWorld veterinarians performed a total of nine lifesaving procedures and other rehabilitative treatments on Reckless. Some of these procedures are unprecedented for manatee rehabilitation, including:
A complete pectoral flipper amputation, including the shoulder, accomplished over multiple surgical eventsInnovative procedures and techniques to facilitate healing, such as cold laser therapyA combination of steroid injections, physical therapy and massage therapy to assist with return to normal functionThe veterinary team performed several other innovative rehabilitation techniques with Reckless, including wound debridement, abscess removal, gastroscopy, radiographs and steroid injections. Reckless also suffered from kidney failure, so an IV line was placed to give fluid support and flush her kidneys. Reckless is expected to undergo one more procedure in the coming weeks, but SeaWorld veterinarians expect her to make a full recovery.ADVERTISEMENT“This is an extraordinary story of survival and speaks to the power of collective action in addressing the needs of animals in distress,” said Andy Garrett at the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC). “Without the care provided by the SeaWorld team, this animal would not be alive today. With every manatee that we save and return, we are helping to strengthen the resiliency of the population to current and future threats.”
SeaWorld Orlando Rescue Center is one of only five critical care centers in the U.S.
SeaWorld’s five-acre Rescue Center in Orlando is one of the largest spaces available and serves as one of only five critical care facilities in the U.S. for the treatment and care of injured, sick and orphaned animals, including manatees. SeaWorld has helped more than 1,300 manatees in need to date. SeaWorld Orlando’s Rescue Center can care for up to 60 manatees at a time, giving it the largest capacity in the state of Florida and in the U.S. Its facilities have a wide range of critical care amenities including lifting floors, top-of-the-line therapeutic and diagnostic equipment, and expert veterinary staff to rehabilitate manatees in need.
SeaWorld’s innovative and life-saving animal care and treatment methods for manatees include the development of a unique formula for baby manatees that can be customized to meet the specific requirements of each nursing calf, as well as the creation of a hand-held bottle that mimics a mother manatee’s feeding style. SeaWorld has also pioneered several manatee treatment techniques such as ultrasound, X-rays, surgery and thermography. Notably, SeaWorld’s veterinarians were the first to use a cast to treat an injured manatee.

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Everything is ready for the second edition of Sorrento Roads by 1000 Miglia, the event that from Friday 31 March to Sunday 2 April will take the Red Arrow from the Gulf of Sorrento to the Gulf of Naples, to the immensity of the Royal Palace of Caserta and among the steep cliffs of the Amalfi Coast, which among its citrus groves hides glimpses of unique beauty, made even more special by the colours of the sea and mountains.Thirty-five cars will be at the start, from the 1938 BMW 328 to various models from Gilco-Fiat, Ermini, Jaguar, Alfa Romeo, Porsche, Mercedes, O.S.C.A., Triumph, Aston Martin, MG, Chevrolet and Ferrari. There will be thirteen Italian crews but, reflecting the growing popularity of the Roads by 1000 Miglia format, there will be numerous Belgian, German, Dutch, British and Swiss drivers and navigators.
Friday 31 March will be dedicated to the regularity race, with competitors called to test themselves against four blocks of Time Trials: the first on the south-eastern shore of the Gulf of Naples, the second in the majestic setting of the Royal Palace of Caserta and valid for the Trofeo Cento Anni dell’Aeronautica Militare, the third on the Monti Lattari and the final one at Priora on the way back to Sorrento. The Passage Controls will instead be in Maiori, marking the arrival on the Amalfi Coast, and in Sant’Agata dei Due Golfi, overlooking the bays of Naples and Salerno.
Saturday 1 April will begin with the showing of the cars in Piazza Veniero, in the heart of Sorrento’s historic centre: the fascinating liveries spanning more than eighty years of automotive history will be on display for the public and the popular jury’s vote called upon to elect the two favourites, one historic and one modern (post-1980). During the morning, local gastronomic and artistic excellence will delight participants, who will be able to enjoy a demonstration on the indigenous art of milk processing and a visit to the Correale Museum.
With the second edition of the Trofeo Città di Sorrento, 1 vs 1 regularity challenges to the hundredth of a second on the Corso Italia promenade, the sporting activity of the event will come to a close: the winning crew will be guaranteed participation in the Coppa delle Alpi 2024, as will the first classified overall who will also receive a pair of Chopard 1000 Miglia Sorrento Roads limited edition watches.

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Carnival in Jamaica is back and invites you to experience the incredible atmosphere across the island during the weeklong celebrations between the 12th – 18th April.Witness a sea of colourful, show-stopping costumes, intoxicating music and sizzling street food stalls during the cultural event. ​
Following a three-year hiatus, revellers can enjoy the ultimate carnival experience and dance the day (and night away) at the annual Carnival in Jamaica taking place across Ocho Rios, and Kingston. ​ ​ ​ The main event, the Road March, will take place on the streets of Kingston on Sunday 16th April. ​
High energy and stamina are a must for Carnival. Party go-ers will let loose and dance to reggae, dancehall, soca and calypso music, celebrating the lively Caribbean music genres. The island comes together to embrace the vivacious spirit of Jamaica, with thousands of visitors, including locals and international attendees. In the lead up to carnival, you can enjoy weeklong parties and fetes as part of the countdown celebrations to the main event. From the Black 2 Blue Breakfast Party on 13th April to the XS Sunset Beach Cool Down on 17th. ​
If you truly want to immerse yourself in the celebrations, joining a Mas Band is the best way! Mas bands, short for masquerade bands, are one of the biggest parts of Carnival. Masqueraders dress up and showcase their magnificent costumes, covered in feathers, glitter and plenty of colour. Every year Mas Bands will have a different theme and costumes to match. The bands in Carnival Jamaica 2023 are Bacchanal Ja, Yardmas, Xodus, Ochi Carnival, GenXs and Downtown Carnival. They all offer their own unique experiences, but whichever band you choose to join, being a part of Carnival is the best way to experience the occasion. For all Carnival in Jamaica activities and updates click here.
Tick Carnival in Jamaica off your bucket list with this deal. Staying seven-nights all-inclusive at RIU Negril in Negril Jamaica costs £1,589 per person, saving £276. Return flights with TUI are included, departing from London Gatwick on 13th April. For more information or to book visit TUI. ​ ADVERTISEMENTFor information about Carnival in Jamaica visit https://www.instagram.com/carnivalinjamaica/. To learn more about Jamaica ​ https://www.visitjamaica.com/.

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In 2023, Walt Disney World Resort is the place to embrace thrills of all kinds. Exciting new experiences set to debut this year include one of the fastest coasters at any Disney theme park, a new restaurant to savor, the continued transformation of EPCOT, returning nighttime spectaculars filling night skies throughout the resort and so much more.Walt Disney World 50th Anniversary Continues Through March 31
It’s your last chance to experience a party fifty years in the making as the Walt Disney World 50th Anniversary celebration will conclude March 31, 2023. Make plans to visit now to see Mickey Mouse and his pals in their EARidescent finery one last time and enjoy all the special sights, tastes and merchandise that mark this momentous event.
New and Returning Character Greetings – All Year

New and returning character experiences are sure to thrill guests of all ages. Beginning April 22, Moana will greet fellow voyagers on Discovery Island at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park – just in time for the park’s 25th anniversary. Fans of Figment will get the chance to hug the long-time EPCOT icon at the Imagination! pavilion beginning late summer. Mickey Mouse and friends will also have a new home at Communicore Hall opening later this year as part of the EPCOT transformation. And, at Magic Kingdom Park this fall, Mirabel from Walt Disney Animation Studios’ hit film “Encanto” will greet guests in Fairytale Garden surrounded by whimsical décor inspired by La Familia Madrigal. These new experiences follow the return of several Magic Kingdom character experiences including Pete’s Silly Sideshow, Enchanted Tales with Belle, Ariel in her underwater grotto and the return of character dining at Cinderella’s Royal Table.ADVERTISEMENTRoundup Rodeo BBQ Comes to Disney’s Hollywood Studios – March 23
Yee-haw! Andy’s backyard is preparing to welcome more toys at Roundup Rodeo BBQ opening March 23 in Toy Story Land. Serving barbecue-inspired comfort foods, this one-of-a-kind dining experience is the first “Toy Story” table-service restaurant in the world. A collaboration between Walt Disney Imagineering, Disney Pixar Animation Studios and Walt Disney World Food & Beverage, Roundup Rodeo BBQ will bring more toy-sized, tasty fun to Disney’s Hollywood Studios.
Nighttime Spectaculars Brighten Skies and Warm Hearts at Magic Kingdom Park and EPCOT – April 3
Fan-favorite nighttime spectacular “Happily Ever After” Presented by Pandora Jewelry returns to light up the night sky over Cinderella Castle at Magic Kingdom Park beginning April 3. New this year, the nightly fireworks show will fully immerse guests in heartfelt Disney stories as brand-new projections extend down Main Street U.S.A., adding even more magic to this unforgettable spectacle.
“EPCOT Forever” returns to World Showcase Lagoon starting April 3. Featuring stirring renditions of memorable EPCOT music, the show sparks fond memories from the park’s rich history.
The Grid Awaits on TRON Lightcycle / Run Presented by Enterprise – April 4
Beginning April 4, guests can climb aboard Lightcycles for a thrilling race on TRON Lightcycle / Run Presented by Enterprise. Located in Magic Kingdom Park, it is the fastest coaster attraction in a Disney theme park, alongside its sister coaster at Shanghai Disneyland. The attraction masterfully blends coaster thrills with speed, visual effects, music and a one-of-a-kind ride system to create an experience like no other. A virtual queue will be in place when TRON Lightcycle / Run opens and guests will also have the option to purchase individual Lightning Lane entry for the attraction via the My Disney Experience app on the day of their visit. For details, visit DisneyWorld.com.

Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park 25th Anniversary – April 22
2023 marks a special milestone as Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park celebrates its 25th anniversary. With the return of entertainment such as “Festival of the Lion King” and ”Finding Nemo: The Big Blue…and Beyond!,” there has never been a better time to explore this one-of-a-kind park. It is the place to encounter wild animals, take in high-speed thrills and even journey to a world beyond belief, Pandora – The World of Avatar. Make plans now to visit this special place that celebrates the magic of nature.
EPCOT Transformation Continues – Late 2023
This fall will bring even more exciting experiences as part of the multi-year transformation of EPCOT. Guests will be able to explore the wonders of water when Journey of Water, Inspired by Moana opens.  This fun interactive outdoor trail offers a chance to play and interact with water as it travels from the sky to the oceans and back again. Along the way, guests learn about the importance of water and discover its playful personality – just as Moana did on her heroic voyage.
Fall will also see completion of the new World Celebration neighborhood. As the hub of the park, it will feature different gardens that change with the seasons. It will also be home to the new Communicore Plaza and the new Communicore Hall, the latter offering a place to meet Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse. World Celebration will also anchor the park’s renowned festivals. It is also where guests will discover Dreamers Point, an inspiring overlook showcasing a statue of Walt Disney called “Walt the Dreamer.”

Guests will be treated to the debut of an all-new EPCOT nighttime spectacular later this year. A dazzling display of music, pyrotechnics, lasers and lighting, the show will feature an original composition and evocative selections from the Disney songbook – all woven together to remind us that we are more alike than different.
Disney100 Celebration – Late 2023
Later this year, Walt Disney World Resort will join the global celebration of The Walt Disney Company’s 100th Anniversary – 10 decades of creativity and innovation. Look for more details to come, as EPCOT prepares to host this unforgettable celebration at Walt Disney World.
More Disney Dining Options – Throughout the Year

On April 1, 2023, Narcoossee’s at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa will welcome guests to an exciting new dining experience. This signature-dining restaurant – renowned for its panoramic views of Seven Seas Lagoon – will introduce a new interior along with a refreshed menu offering a perfect balance of updated classics and new culinary delights. Guests can look forward to the return of house specialties such as lobster bisque and new dishes like Blackened Redfish and tasty plant-based options.
Later this year, more dining delights will debut, including Summer House on the Lake at Disney Springs and The Cake Bake Shop at Disney’s BoardWalk.
Experiencing Walt Disney World Theme Parks
To experience all that Walt Disney World theme parks have to offer, guests need both valid park admission and a park reservation on the same date. Guests can visit DisneyWorld.com for more information about planning their visit.

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Miral announces the much-anticipated SeaWorld® Yas Island, Abu Dhabi to open its doors on 23 May

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Miral, Abu Dhabi’s leading creator of immersive destinations and experiences, announced today that SeaWorld Abu Dhabi is set to open its doors to the public on the 23rd of May 2023. The next-generation Marine Life Theme Park will tell a captivating ‘One Ocean’ story that uncovers the interconnectivity between life on earth and our ocean. SeaWorld Abu Dhabi will deliver engaging, and immersive family-friendly experiences through eight of its uniquely themed realms, featuring up-close animal encounters, exciting rides, inspiring entertainment, as well as unmatched dining and shopping experiences.
A collaboration between Miral and SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment, SeaWorld Abu Dhabi’s eight realms can be explored across five indoor levels spanning an area of approximately 183,000m2 with the Endless Ocean realm set to be home to the world’s largest and most expansive multi-species aquarium. This innovatively designed aquarium will contain over 25 million liters of water and will be a dynamic habitat for more than 68,000 marine animals, including sharks, schools of fish, manta rays and sea turtles. Located on Abu Dhabi’s Yas Island, in total there will be over 100,000 marine animals including 150 species of birds, fish, mammals and reptiles at the Marine Life Theme Park. Animal habitats in each realm of SeaWorld Abu Dhabi have been custom designed using state-of-the-art technology and the highest standards for animal welfare.
Chairman of Miral, His Excellency Mohamed Khalifa Al Mubarak, said: “We are delighted to announce the opening of SeaWorld Abu Dhabi this May, and proud of our partnership with SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment to bring the region’s next-generation Marine Life Theme Park to Abu Dhabi and to Yas Island. As part of our commitment to the Year of Sustainability, the marine life park will embed Sheikh Zayed’s legacy and profound respect for nature and all its beauty, as well as play a key role in promoting environmental awareness and protecting marine life in Abu Dhabi, the UAE and the wider region. Through its innovative programs and its state-of-the-art facilities, SeaWorld Abu Dhabi aims to inspire the next generation of conservationists and marine life scientists while fostering a deeper appreciation for the natural world. SeaWorld Abu Dhabi’s opening will mark an exciting new chapter in Yas Island and Abu Dhabi’s ongoing efforts to promote tourism, showcase the emirate’s truly unique offerings and position it as a top global destination.”
Designed according to standards set by the Association of Zoos and Aquarium (AZA) and American Humane, SeaWorld Abu Dhabi’s next-generation marine life habitats feature state-of-the art design and technology that will enable animals to live in dynamic habitats alongside other fish, birds, and animals as they would in nature.  Other spaces have been designed to provide flexibility for animal welfare allowing the SeaWorld Abu Dhabi animal care team to recreate social seasonal patterns for animals such as the walrus. Unique systems such as the Advanced Animal Lighting System (AALS) recreate night/day and seasonal light cycles while also providing the health benefits of full spectrum light and the Animal Life Support System (ALSS) that manages water quality to support the diverse array of fish and mammals living together in dynamic environments are some of the cutting-edge features at SeaWorld Abu Dhabi.
Chairman of SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment, Scott Ross shared his thoughts on the occasion, saying: “We’re very excited to share that the highly anticipated SeaWorld Abu Dhabi will open its doors very soon.  We cannot be prouder and more honored to open our first SeaWorld outside of the United States with such dynamic and innovative partners as Miral and the UAE. It is only through the strength of our partnership,  unwavering support, and commitment that we are bringing this incredible experience to Yas Island. Years in the making, SeaWorld’s world-renowned team of animal care specialists, scientists, and engineers have worked alongside the visionary team at Miral, leading architects and designers to develop a next-generation SeaWorld park. By leveraging a fundamental SeaWorld design principle of putting animal well-being and care at the core of the design, SeaWorld Abu Dhabi is set to redefine the standards of excellence for marine life theme parks across the world. The result is an enriching and immersive experience not only for our animals, but also for our guests. Across all eight realms, the enthralling One Ocean story comes alive through realm designs that simulate the natural and dynamic environments found within the ocean alongside fun and educational experiences that inspire guests of all ages to take an interest in our ocean’s future.”ADVERTISEMENTBased on the interconnectivity between all life on earth and our ocean, SeaWorld Abu Dhabi will take guests through its unifying ONE OCEAN story, with stops in the tropics, the rocky coasts of the Pacific Northwest, the Arabian Gulf, the vast ocean and its smaller ecosystems along the way. Situated in the center of the park, the One Ocean realm acts as a portal to the park’s other realms and features One Epic Ocean, an immersive multi-media story shown on a 360◦screen. The realm also offers a glimpse into the Animal Care Center – the heart of SeaWorld Abu Dhabi. There, guests are welcome to observe veterinarians and animal care experts providing animals from the park with around-the-clock care, routine check-ups and treatment when needed.

The guest journey begins in the ABU DHABI OCEAN realm, where guests will be carried to the shallow shores of the Arabian Gulf to learn more about the UAE’s historic seafaring tradition of pearl diving and trading. Abu Dhabi Ocean will allow guests to experience up-close encounters with animals native to the emirate and wider region. This realm features several dining options including Matbakh Ummi, a signature dining experience with Arabic cuisine, and is also home to retail outlets in a Souk paying homage to Abu Dhabi’s heritage and its profound connection with the Arabian Gulf. Abu Dhabi Ocean will also be the first touchpoint for guests to enroll in SeaWorld Abu Dhabi’s parkwide interactive game – S·E·A Guardian.
POLAR OCEAN houses two unique realms taking visitors from the icy expanse of ANTARCTICA to the rich, bio-diverse tundra of the ARCTIC, illustrating how these distinct and extreme environments of Polar Ocean form an essential chapter of the One Ocean story. In these realms, guests can enjoy the colorful Juhani village and its harbor, depicting life in the North Pole, where walruses can be seen exploring their dynamic state-of-the-art habitats. The coldest of all realms will also simulate the temperatures that can be found in our planet’s polar regions – creating an environment well-suited for animals like penguins and walruses. At the Polar Ocean realm, guests can enjoy an immersive ride, indulge in dining options, explore retail outlets and visit a massive research vessel filled with fun interactive ways to learn more about these diverse regions and their inhabitants.
When visiting the MICROOCEAN realm, small is BIG and small is IMPORTANT as guests will be swept by the ocean tides and feel shrunk to the size of plankton. In this realm, guests will have the chance to explore the ocean’s smaller wonders in a burst of colors and an immersive design highlighting the vital role of the ocean’s smallest marine-life. MicroOcean features family-friendly rides, play areas for the little ones, whimsical characters and performers, a playful retail outlet, and dynamic experiments taking young explorers on an unforgettable educational journey. 
Beyond the little wonders of the ocean, lies the expanse of the ENDLESS OCEAN realm. Home to the largest multi-species aquarium in the world, stunning observation decks and a beautiful glimpse from a 20m viewing window, aptly named the Endless Vista, in a sea cave, this realm’s possibilities are truly endless. There will be over 68,000 animals within its awe-inspiring habitat including sharks, rays, eels and many more inspiring guests to explore the endless beauty and diversity of the vast ocean. Endless Ocean offers delectable dining options, including one fine dining option with mesmerizing views of the aquarium and one retail outlet.
Bask in the warm sun along the sandy shores of the TROPICAL OCEAN, the largest realm in SeaWorld Abu Dhabi, in a magnificent medley of colors, dancing waterfalls and a crystal-clear lagoon. In Tropical Ocean guests will be able to see dolphins, flamingos and tropical birds including toucans in their lush rainforest aviary. Tropical Ocean also offers a thrilling roller-coaster ride, as well as retail outlets and delicious dining options with multiple viewing areas, both above and below water.
Moving from the sun-kissed tropics to the USA’s rugged Pacific Northwest, the ROCKY POINT realm features a beautiful hidden cove with nesting sea lions and once-in-a-lifetime opportunities to interact with these animals. Not as cold as the Arctic and Antarctic, Rocky Point will also include dynamic habitats for the sea lions with a climate that emulates the Pacific Northwest. The realm also includes a boardwalk-inspired snack stand.
Adjacent to SeaWorld Abu Dhabi, the park is home to Yas SeaWorld Research & Rescue Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, the first-of-its-kind 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 in the UAE and wider region. Yas SeaWorld Research & Rescue opened in February 2023.

For more information or to pre-book your tickets, please visit: seaworldabudhabi.com

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