Reflections and Gratitude: From Dreams to Reality at SeaWorld Abu Dhabi

November 15, 2023

As Thanksgiving approaches, we reflect on the past year and our journey. Our clients are integral partners in our story, and we’re thankful to them for entrusting us with their dreams. The dedication and ingenuity of our teammates breathe life into countless visions. And we can’t help but take a moment to reflect on the incredible opportunities our recent visit to Abu Dhabi provided. From broadening our perspectives to deepening our bonds to celebrating a project a decade in the making, join us in a moment of reflection and thanksgiving for the collective spirit that propels us and helps create incredible memories. 

SeaWorld Abu Dhabi aerial rendering showing the main building, palm-lined plaza and parking at sunset

SeaWorld Abu Dhabi Aerial Rendering

For over a decade, the dedicated team at PGAV Destinations, including architects, interior designers, and storytellers, poured their energy into creating a park that would transport visitors to different realms and foster a connection to the One Ocean. Along with Miral and SeaWorld Parks and Entertainment, they devoted countless hours to sketching, revising, and dreaming of SeaWorld Abu Dhabi, a marine life park like no other. They stretched their imaginations, pushing the boundaries of what was possible in design.  

Many who worked on the project had only seen the park’s evolution on paper and in photos. Even many on-site during construction had not truly experienced it in all its glory—filled with visitors. SeaWorld Abu Dhabi opened in May, and the entire team longed to see it in person. That became a reality when PGAV traveled to Abu Dhabi to see their newest creation as a team. 

All photos below were taken by PGAV Employees

SeaWorld Abu Dhabi entrance building beyond shade sails and rock landscaping
Traditional wooden dhow boat displayed in a shallow pool beneath a wave-patterned ceiling at SeaWorld Abu Dhabi
Arctic-themed habitat with snowy rockwork, a pool and red-roofed village scenery at SeaWorld Abu Dhabi
Crowd passing under a sandstone archway sign reading Welcome to Your One Ocean Adventure in Arabic and English
Visitors on a wooden boardwalk overlooking a rocky pool habitat with painted mountain scenery at SeaWorld Abu Dhabi
Visitors on a submerged viewing platform inside the vast aquarium at SeaWorld Abu Dhabi

From the moment the team spotted the building in the distance, they saw the tangible realization of their sketches. As they entered the park, they were immediately captivated by the scale and grandeur. The intricate details, vibrant colors, and breathtaking architecture were even more astounding in person. 

Each realm in the park revealed another adventure. They climbed aboard Manta, screaming in delight as the coaster emerged from its start into the bright, hot sun outdoors. They explored an underwater world as schools of fish, manta rays, and sea turtles swam past. They stood at the base of “Endless Vista” and marveled at the stunning scene unfolding before them in the world’s largest aquarium.  

PGAV team members posing with a shark character in a palm-lined plaza at SeaWorld Abu Dhabi
Visitors walking out of the Abu Dhabi Ocean realm entrance with sail-like forms above at SeaWorld Abu Dhabi
Two visitors posing on a glass floor in front of a large aquarium window at SeaWorld Abu Dhabi
Glowing blue and purple immersive ocean gallery with suspended sculptures at SeaWorld Abu Dhabi
PGAV team members posing in front of the SeaWorld Yas Island, Abu Dhabi entrance sign
Two visitors standing in a red submarine-style cockpit before a large aquarium window at SeaWorld Abu Dhabi
Visitors riding an escalator through an underwater aquarium tunnel at SeaWorld Abu Dhabi
Two PGAV team members taking a smiling selfie outside the SeaWorld Abu Dhabi entrance
PGAV team posing with a costumed starfish character in a glowing coral-themed hall at SeaWorld Abu Dhabi
Silhouetted visitors standing before a towering aquarium window in a dark rock canyon at SeaWorld Abu Dhabi

They witnessed the thrill and joy of not only their colleagues but also in the faces of park visitors, witnessing memories in the making. As they stood amidst the magic they had created, they saw their dreams realized. The full impact hit them: countless others visiting the park for years to come would experience the same sense of wonder and delight.  

They are more than just dreamers. They are creators and storytellers who brought a fantastical world to life. The impact is unmistakable. SeaWorld Abu Dhabi is more than a visually stunning, immersive park. It’s a place where extraordinary moments are made and unforgettable memories bloom. 

We’re happy to share a glimpse of our incredible day at SeaWorld Abu Dhabi.


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Date

November 15, 2023

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