Abu Dhabi-based developer Miral and the US’ Seaworld Entertainment have formed a partnership to develop a SeaWorld theme park on Yas Island in Abu Dhabi.

Seaworld said in February that its plans for building a theme park in the Middle East were advancing and that it had signed an agreement with a local partner without releasing details, and it is understood that consultants have already been engaged to work on the project.

The marine life themed park will include the UAE’s first dedicated marine life research, rescue, rehabilitation and return centre as well as resources for the care and conservation of local marine life.

SeaWorld Abu Dhabi will be the first new SeaWorld attraction without orcas (killer whales). Captive killer whales has become a controversial issue in the US with campaigners demanding their release.

The Seaworld project is part of Miral’s broader plans to double visitor numbers to Yas Island to 48 million by the year 2022. Its other assets on Yas Island include Ferrari World Abu Dhabi, Yas Waterworld, and a Warner Bros theme park that is due to open in 2018.  Yas Island is also home to Yas Marina Circuit, seven hotels, a golf course, a marina, and Yas Mall.