Award of Merit, Sports/Entertainment: Seaworld Abu Dhabi

SeaWorld Abu Dhabi

Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates

Award of Merit

Submitted by: AECOM

Owner: Miral

Lead Design Firm | Civil, Structural & MEP Engineer: AECOM

General Contractor: ALEC Engineering and Contracting LLC

Creative Consultant: PGAV Destinations

Animal Life Support Systems & Water Treatment Consultant: Satchell Engineering & Associates

Located on Yas Island, the five-floor marine theme park is dedicated to environmental preservation. It features a One Ocean realm, with six distinct but interconnected areas showcasing different ecosystems, as well as the world’s largest multispecies marine life aquarium, which holds 68,000 animals from 1,800 different species.

Other features include Hypersphere 360°, a six-minute ride, as well as the Arctic Ocean realm, a dome ride theater. Two large windows, a three-story oculus and a five-story Endless Vista were built elsewhere and brought by boat to the project site. In total, the park is home to over 100,000 marine animals and is the first of its kind in the region, says the submission.

The project team created a lighting system to simulate a natural habitat, including the appearance of day, night and seasonal changes and work to conserve energy and water while still ensuring the animals’ comfort.

The site also includes a research and rescue center that is outfitted with laboratory equipment and other tools to research and restore threatened marine ecosystems in the Arabian Gulf. After opening in June 2023, Abu Dhabi Seaworld now is one of the top-rated theme parks in the area.