SeaWorld Abu Dhabi opens with star-studded event


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SeaWorld Abu Dhabi oficially opened on Monday with a grand ceremony featuring performances by Emirati superstar Hussain Al Jassmi and Scottish recording artist Red, accompanied by an orchestra of 120 musicians.

The event celebrated the launch of the region's first state-of-the-art marine life theme park.

Hundreds of celebrities and special guests were stunned with sound and light shows at the much-anticipated occasion.

SeaWorld Abu Dhabi, the newest addition to Yas Island's collection of theme parks, was developed by Miral in partnership with SeaWorld Parks and Entertainment, a renowned educational theme park and entertainment company with a strong focus on zoological conservation.

The festivities began in the One Ocean realm, where guests enjoyed an exclusive first viewing of SeaWorld Abu Dhabi's spectacular show, One Epic Ocean.

The immersive production displayed the wonders of the ocean through multimedia presentations and cutting-edge spatial audio technology.

The stage came alive as young marine enthusiasts activated a mesmerising sound and light display, featuring a swirling vortex illuminating the One Ocean globe.

This symbolic moment, representing the connection between the ocean and humanity, marked the official opening of SeaWorld Abu Dhabi.

The audience was then treated to captivating performances by the orchestra and Red, culminating in a special track dedicated to SeaWorld Abu Dhabi, performed by Hussain Al Jassmi.

As a breathtaking finale, three-dimensional silver figures resembling marine animals graced the stage, inviting guests to explore the newly unveiled park.

Mohamed Al Mubarak, chairman of Miral, Scott Ross, chairman of SeaWorld Parks and Entertainment, and Mohamed Al Zaabi, group chief executive of Miral, welcomed Dr Mugheer Al Khaili, chairman of the Department of Community Development, to the event

Government officials and ambassadors to the UAE, from countries including the US, Japan, Singapore and Belgium, also attended the opening.

“Today marks a great milestone for Abu Dhabi as we open SeaWorld Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, a landmark attraction that is unparalleled in the region and the world on every level," Mr Al Mubarak said..

"SeaWorld Abu Dhabi represents the next generation of theme parks, joining the world-class experiences on Yas Island, further positioning it as a top global destination, contributing to the growth of Abu Dhabi’s tourism vision.

"The Park will also play a key role in promoting environmental awareness and protecting marine life in Abu Dhabi, the UAE and the wider region, undoubtedly inspiring guests to care for and protect our precious marine life for years to come.

"Together with our partner, SeaWorld Parks and Entertainment, we are proud to be pushing the limits of science and conservation to create a truly unparalleled knowledge hub, demonstrating our joint commitment to upholding the highest standards of animal care and welfare.

"We look forward to welcoming guests from around the world to showcase the beauty and wonder of the ocean at this one-of-a-kind park.”

Inside SeaWorld Abu Dhabi - in pictures

  • Inside the Polar realm at SeaWorld in Abu Dhabi. All photos: Chris Whiteoak / The National
    Inside the Polar realm at SeaWorld in Abu Dhabi. All photos: Chris Whiteoak / The National
  • California Sea Lions in the Rocky Point realm
    California Sea Lions in the Rocky Point realm
  • In addition to the animals, there is also roaming entertainment
    In addition to the animals, there is also roaming entertainment
  • Bottlenose dolphins can be found in the Tropical Ocean realm
    Bottlenose dolphins can be found in the Tropical Ocean realm
  • The Endless Ocean realm has more than 20 viewing points into its large aquarium, including one that is 20 metres deep
    The Endless Ocean realm has more than 20 viewing points into its large aquarium, including one that is 20 metres deep
  • A Clown Nose Ray in the aquarium in the Endless Ocean realm, which is also home to the world's largest multi-species aquarium
    A Clown Nose Ray in the aquarium in the Endless Ocean realm, which is also home to the world's largest multi-species aquarium
  • Puffins are found in the Arctic zone in the Polar Ocean realm
    Puffins are found in the Arctic zone in the Polar Ocean realm
  • The Tropical Ocean realm is the biggest inside SeaWorld Abu Dhabi
    The Tropical Ocean realm is the biggest inside SeaWorld Abu Dhabi
  • The MicroOcean realm is geared towards children
    The MicroOcean realm is geared towards children
  • Walrus are in the Arctic zone of the Polar Ocean realm
    Walrus are in the Arctic zone of the Polar Ocean realm
  • The entrance into the One Ocean realm
    The entrance into the One Ocean realm
  • Sea Otters in the Arctic zone
    Sea Otters in the Arctic zone
  • An authentic souq recreated at the Abu Dhabi Ocean realm
    An authentic souq recreated at the Abu Dhabi Ocean realm
  • The Arctic zone in the Polar Ocean realm is much cooler than the other areas
    The Arctic zone in the Polar Ocean realm is much cooler than the other areas
  • Inside a gift shop at SeaWorld Abu Dhabi
    Inside a gift shop at SeaWorld Abu Dhabi
  • Abu Dhabi Ocean is designed to give a traditional feel of the olden days of the UAE capital, yet with a modern touch.
    Abu Dhabi Ocean is designed to give a traditional feel of the olden days of the UAE capital, yet with a modern touch.
  • The seating section inside One Ocean
    The seating section inside One Ocean
  • The Antarctic zone in the Polar Ocean realm will be home to different species of penguins
    The Antarctic zone in the Polar Ocean realm will be home to different species of penguins
  • The centrepiece inside the One Ocean realm
    The centrepiece inside the One Ocean realm
  • Sea Star is a character who roams around the MicroOcean realm
    Sea Star is a character who roams around the MicroOcean realm
  • The Tropical Ocean is home to dolphins
    The Tropical Ocean is home to dolphins
  • The Tropical Ocean has an Amazon rainforest-inspired decor, with giant banyans and palm trees
    The Tropical Ocean has an Amazon rainforest-inspired decor, with giant banyans and palm trees
  • The MicroOcean realm has rides for children as well as play areas
    The MicroOcean realm has rides for children as well as play areas
  • The amphitheatre in the Tropical Ocean realm can seat up to 2,000 people
    The amphitheatre in the Tropical Ocean realm can seat up to 2,000 people
  • Sea Lion cavern theatre in the Rocky Point realm
    Sea Lion cavern theatre in the Rocky Point realm
  • Walrus live in the Arctic zone
    Walrus live in the Arctic zone
  • The MicroOcean section is themed so that visitors feel like the size of plankton in the ocean
    The MicroOcean section is themed so that visitors feel like the size of plankton in the ocean
  • The Rocky Point is themed after the Pacific North-west in the US with its mountains and waves replicated
    The Rocky Point is themed after the Pacific North-west in the US with its mountains and waves replicated
  • The Manta Coaster goes outside the SeaWorld Abu Dhabi building
    The Manta Coaster goes outside the SeaWorld Abu Dhabi building

Spanning five indoor levels over 183,000 square metres, the park tells a captivating One Ocean story, taking guests on a journey of discovery seamlessly blending learning and fun across eight immersive realms.

At SeaWorld Abu Dhabi, guests of all ages can enjoy unique family-friendly experiences including close-up animal encounters and animal presentations.

The park is also home to entertainment, exciting rides and attractions, and unmatched dining and shopping experiences.

“As the first SeaWorld park to open outside of the United States, SeaWorld Abu Dhabi marks a significant chapter for SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment," Mr Ross said.

"It is with great privilege we celebrate this highly anticipated opening alongside our valued partners at Miral.

"The extraordinary SeaWorld Abu Dhabi marine life theme park was born through years of collaboration and innovation, combining SeaWorld’s nearly 60 years of experience in animal welfare and commitment to marine conservation with Miral’s unprecedented track record as a leading developer of world-class destinations.

"Together, we have created a state-of-the-art marine life theme park unlike anything the world has seen to date, truly representing a next generation SeaWorld experience.

"We have no doubt that guests will be amazed with all that SeaWorld Abu Dhabi has to offer and we are sincerely proud to play our part in inspiring their commitment to marine conservation for years to come.”

SeaWorld Abu Dhabi offers guests a unique experience with its diverse marine-themed realms.

Each realm represents a different marine environment found around the globe, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in a world of discovery.

The One Ocean realm serves as the core of the park, sharing its story through immersive media.

It also houses the Animal Care Centre and is the gateway to the rest of the park.

The Abu Dhabi Ocean realm invites guests to explore the marine life of the Arabian Gulf, while Rocky Point shows sea lions and harbour seals in a cove inspired by the Pacific north-west.

The Tropical Ocean realm features a vibrant rainforest and a blue lagoon, with dolphins, flamingos, other birds and fish.

In the MicroOcean realm, visitors can explore the microscopic world as plankton, learning about their effects on marine ecosystems.

The Endless Ocean realm has the world's largest multi-species marine life aquarium, while the Polar Ocean realms offer icy seascapes and insights into polar species.

SeaWorld Abu Dhabi offers 10 animal encounters and over 100 animal experiences and presentations, where guests can learn about fascinating marine animals such as dolphins, sharks and sea turtles.

The park also features more than 15 interactive rides and experiences, taking guests on unique journeys beneath the waves.

From the Manta Coaster in the Tropical Ocean realm to the Hypersphere 360º in the Arctic Realm of the Polar Ocean, there are attractions for all ages.

Entertainment is provided throughout the day with live characters and performances.

Dining options include 18 different experiences, ranging from quick snacks to fine dining.

Guests can also find souvenirs and merchandise at the park's 13 retail outlets.

SeaWorld Abu Dhabi has been certified by Global Humane, making it the first centre in the Mena region to achieve this accreditation.

SeaWorld Abu Dhabi joins Yas Island's portfolio of theme parks and attractions, including Warner Bros World Abu Dhabi, Ferrari World Abu Dhabi, Yas Waterworld, and Clymb Abu Dhabi.

Skoda Superb Specs

Engine: 2-litre TSI petrol

Power: 190hp

Torque: 320Nm

Price: From Dh147,000

Available: Now

Company Profile

Name: JustClean

Based: Kuwait with offices in other GCC countries

Launch year: 2016

Number of employees: 130

Sector: online laundry service

Funding: $12.9m from Kuwait-based Faith Capital Holding

What can victims do?

Always use only regulated platforms

Stop all transactions and communication on suspicion

Save all evidence (screenshots, chat logs, transaction IDs)

Report to local authorities

Warn others to prevent further harm

Courtesy: Crystal Intelligence

FIGHT CARD

Fights start from 6pm Friday, January 31

Catchweight 82kg
Piotr Kuberski (POL) v Ahmed Saeb (IRQ)

Women’s bantamweight
Cornelia Holm (SWE) v Corinne Laframboise (CAN)

Welterweight
Omar Hussein (JOR) v Vitalii Stoian (UKR)

Welterweight
Josh Togo (LEB) v Ali Dyusenov (UZB)

Flyweight
Isaac Pimentel (BRA) v Delfin Nawen (PHI)

Catchweight 80kg​​​​​​​
Seb Eubank (GBR) v Mohamed El Mokadem (EGY)

Lightweight
Mohammad Yahya (UAE) v Ramadan Noaman (EGY)

Lightweight
Alan Omer (GER) v Reydon Romero (PHI)

Welterweight
Ahmed Labban (LEB) v Juho Valamaa (FIN)

Featherweight
Elias Boudegzdame (ALG) v Austin Arnett (USA)

Super heavyweight
Roman Wehbe (LEB) v Maciej Sosnowski (POL)

Managing the separation process

  • Choose your nursery carefully in the first place
  • Relax – and hopefully your child will follow suit
  • Inform the staff in advance of your child’s likes and dislikes.
  • If you need some extra time to talk to the teachers, make an appointment a few days in advance, rather than attempting to chat on your child’s first day
  • The longer you stay, the more upset your child will become. As difficult as it is, walk away. Say a proper goodbye and reassure your child that you will be back
  • Be patient. Your child might love it one day and hate it the next
  • Stick at it. Don’t give up after the first day or week. It takes time for children to settle into a new routine.And, finally, don’t feel guilty.  
RACE RESULTS

1. Valtteri Bottas (FIN/Mercedes) 1hr 21min 48.527sec
2. Sebastian Vettel (GER/Ferrari) at 0.658sec
3. Daniel Ricciardo (AUS/Red Bull) 6.012 
4. Lewis Hamilton (GBR/Mercedes) 7.430
5. Kimi Räikkönen (FIN/Ferrari) 20.370
6. Romain Grosjean (FRA/Haas) 1:13.160
7. Sergio Pérez (MEX/Force India) 1 lap
8. Esteban Ocon (FRA/Force India) 1 lap
9. Felipe Massa (BRA/Williams) 1 lap
10. Lance Stroll (CAN/Williams) 1 lap
11. Jolyon Palmer (GBR/Renault) 1 lap
12. Stoffel Vandoorne (BEL/McLaren) 1 lap
13. Nico Hülkenberg (GER/Renault) 1 lap
14. Pascal Wehrlein (GER/Sauber) 1 lap
15. Marcus Ericsson (SWE/Sauber) 2 laps
16. Daniil Kvyat (RUS/Toro Rosso) 3 laps

COMPANY%20PROFILE
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EName%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Carzaty%2C%20now%20Kavak%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EBased%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Dubai%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ELaunch%20year%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3ECarzaty%20launched%20in%202018%2C%20Kavak%20in%20the%20GCC%20launched%20in%202022%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ENumber%20of%20employees%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20140%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ESector%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Automotive%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EFunding%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3ECarzaty%20raised%20%246m%20in%20equity%20and%20%244m%20in%20debt%3B%20Kavak%20plans%20%24130m%20investment%20in%20the%20GCC%3C%2Fp%3E%0A

Mercer, the investment consulting arm of US services company Marsh & McLennan, expects its wealth division to at least double its assets under management (AUM) in the Middle East as wealth in the region continues to grow despite economic headwinds, a company official said.

Mercer Wealth, which globally has $160 billion in AUM, plans to boost its AUM in the region to $2-$3bn in the next 2-3 years from the present $1bn, said Yasir AbuShaban, a Dubai-based principal with Mercer Wealth.

Within the next two to three years, we are looking at reaching $2 to $3 billion as a conservative estimate and we do see an opportunity to do so,” said Mr AbuShaban.

Mercer does not directly make investments, but allocates clients’ money they have discretion to, to professional asset managers. They also provide advice to clients.

“We have buying power. We can negotiate on their (client’s) behalf with asset managers to provide them lower fees than they otherwise would have to get on their own,” he added.

Mercer Wealth’s clients include sovereign wealth funds, family offices, and insurance companies among others.

From its office in Dubai, Mercer also looks after Africa, India and Turkey, where they also see opportunity for growth.

Wealth creation in Middle East and Africa (MEA) grew 8.5 per cent to $8.1 trillion last year from $7.5tn in 2015, higher than last year’s global average of 6 per cent and the second-highest growth in a region after Asia-Pacific which grew 9.9 per cent, according to consultancy Boston Consulting Group (BCG). In the region, where wealth grew just 1.9 per cent in 2015 compared with 2014, a pickup in oil prices has helped in wealth generation.

BCG is forecasting MEA wealth will rise to $12tn by 2021, growing at an annual average of 8 per cent.

Drivers of wealth generation in the region will be split evenly between new wealth creation and growth of performance of existing assets, according to BCG.

Another general trend in the region is clients’ looking for a comprehensive approach to investing, according to Mr AbuShaban.

“Institutional investors or some of the families are seeing a slowdown in the available capital they have to invest and in that sense they are looking at optimizing the way they manage their portfolios and making sure they are not investing haphazardly and different parts of their investment are working together,” said Mr AbuShaban.

Some clients also have a higher appetite for risk, given the low interest-rate environment that does not provide enough yield for some institutional investors. These clients are keen to invest in illiquid assets, such as private equity and infrastructure.

“What we have seen is a desire for higher returns in what has been a low-return environment specifically in various fixed income or bonds,” he said.

“In this environment, we have seen a de facto increase in the risk that clients are taking in things like illiquid investments, private equity investments, infrastructure and private debt, those kind of investments were higher illiquidity results in incrementally higher returns.”

The Abu Dhabi Investment Authority, one of the largest sovereign wealth funds, said in its 2016 report that has gradually increased its exposure in direct private equity and private credit transactions, mainly in Asian markets and especially in China and India. The authority’s private equity department focused on structured equities owing to “their defensive characteristics.”

Villains
Queens of the Stone Age
Matador

Drivers’ championship standings after Singapore:

1. Lewis Hamilton, Mercedes - 263
2. Sebastian Vettel, Ferrari - 235
3. Valtteri Bottas, Mercedes - 212
4. Daniel Ricciardo, Red Bull - 162
5. Kimi Raikkonen, Ferrari - 138
6. Sergio Perez, Force India - 68

if you go

The flights

Air France offer flights from Dubai and Abu Dhabi to Cayenne, connecting in Paris from Dh7,300.

The tour

Cox & Kings (coxandkings.com) has a 14-night Hidden Guianas tour of Guyana, Suriname and French Guiana. It includes accommodation, domestic flights, transfers, a local tour manager and guided sightseeing. Contact for price.

Avatar: Fire and Ash

Director: James Cameron

Starring: Sam Worthington, Sigourney Weaver, Zoe Saldana

Rating: 4.5/5

Fines for littering

In Dubai:

Dh200 for littering or spitting in the Dubai Metro

Dh500 for throwing cigarette butts or chewing gum on the floor, or littering from a vehicle. 
Dh1,000 for littering on a beach, spitting in public places, throwing a cigarette butt from a vehicle

In Sharjah and other emirates
Dh500 for littering - including cigarette butts and chewing gum - in public places and beaches in Sharjah
Dh2,000 for littering in Sharjah deserts
Dh500 for littering from a vehicle in Ras Al Khaimah
Dh1,000 for littering from a car in Abu Dhabi
Dh1,000 to Dh100,000 for dumping waste in residential or public areas in Al Ain
Dh10,000 for littering at Ajman's beaches 

MATCH INFO

Uefa Champions League semi-final:

First leg: Liverpool 5 Roma 2

Second leg: Wednesday, May 2, Stadio Olimpico, Rome

TV: BeIN Sports, 10.45pm (UAE)

UAE%20athletes%20heading%20to%20Paris%202024
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EEquestrian%3C%2Fstrong%3E%3Cbr%3EAbdullah%20Humaid%20Al%20Muhairi%2C%20Abdullah%20Al%20Marri%2C%20Omar%20Al%20Marzooqi%2C%20Salem%20Al%20Suwaidi%2C%20and%20Ali%20Al%20Karbi%20(four%20to%20be%20selected).%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EJudo%3C%2Fstrong%3E%3Cbr%3EMen%3A%20Narmandakh%20Bayanmunkh%20(66kg)%2C%20Nugzari%20Tatalashvili%20(81kg)%2C%20Aram%20Grigorian%20(90kg)%2C%20Dzhafar%20Kostoev%20(100kg)%2C%20Magomedomar%20Magomedomarov%20(%2B100kg)%3B%20women's%20Khorloodoi%20Bishrelt%20(52kg).%3Cbr%3E%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ECycling%3C%2Fstrong%3E%3Cbr%3ESafia%20Al%20Sayegh%20(women's%20road%20race).%3Cbr%3E%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ESwimming%3C%2Fstrong%3E%3Cbr%3EMen%3A%20Yousef%20Rashid%20Al%20Matroushi%20(100m%20freestyle)%3B%20women%3A%20Maha%20Abdullah%20Al%20Shehi%20(200m%20freestyle).%3Cbr%3E%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EAthletics%3C%2Fstrong%3E%3Cbr%3EMaryam%20Mohammed%20Al%20Farsi%20(women's%20100%20metres).%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
'Will%20of%20the%20People'
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EArtist%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EMuse%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ELabel%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EWarner%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ERating%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%202.5%2F5%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
The Vile

Starring: Bdoor Mohammad, Jasem Alkharraz, Iman Tarik, Sarah Taibah

Director: Majid Al Ansari

Rating: 4/5

Updated: May 23, 2023, 8:52 AM