Emerge, a joint venture between the UAE’s Masdar and France’s EDF, has signed an agreement with Miral to deploy on-site solar energy systems at the SeaWorld Abu Dhabi theme park currently under construction on Yas Island.
The project, which will have a capacity of 8.2 megawatts (MW), will see rooftop solar photovoltaic (PV) systems installed at the marine-life mega development on Yas Island, including the main building.
Emerge will provide a full turnkey solution, including design, procurement, and construction, as well as operation and maintenance services.
Mohamed Abdalla Al Zaabi, CEO of Miral said, “Our agreement with Emerge marks an important step in SeaWorld Abu Dhabi’s sustainability strategy. The deployment of new solar energy systems is consistent with our progress towards further leveraging the capacity of sustainable sources across our developments. This partnership, a significant environmental milestone, underscores our commitment to sustainability as we strengthen Yas Island’s position as a global destination within the Emirates’ tourism ecosystem.”
Marc Swanson, Chief Executive Officer of SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment, Inc., said, “As an organization we are committed to creating a more sustainable future and encourage all initiatives that help advance that cause. This agreement reflects SeaWorld Abu Dhabi’s alignment with our [] efforts to adopt efficient and innovative solutions across our parks. Working with our partners on the first SeaWorld marine-life theme park outside of the United States, we are excited to share and exchange our experiences with the region and come together for a better environment.”
SeaWorld Abu Dhabi represents the first new SeaWorld marine-life park in more than 30 years and the first outside the US. The marine life theme park will offer unique immersive experiences that engage visitors from the UAE and around the world, broadening their knowledge and appreciation of marine life.
The next-generation park will also include the UAE’s first dedicated centre for marine research and education; its rescue and rehabilitation operations will also be a first for the region with the goal of returning healthy animals back to their native habitats. The centre will support current and upcoming marine life research on native species while contributing to global marine science and knowledge.