From sharks to sea life: 100 young patients explore ocean wonders from Abu Dhabi hospital

Abu Dhabi: A heartwarming community initiative brought smiles to the faces of 100 young patients at Sheikh Khalifa Medical City (SKMC) in Abu Dhabi.
Miral – the emirate’s immersive destination creator, in partnership with SeaWorld Yas Island, Abu Dhabi and the Yas SeaWorld Research and Rescue Center, and SEHA, visited the hospital with activities blending fun and education.

Mysteries of ocean
The ‘Miral Cheering Squad: A SeaWorld Experience’ initiative transformed the paediatric outpatient clinic at the hospital into a sea of wonder and discovery. The special event was themed: ‘What’s Beneath the Surface: Arabian Gulf’, offering children the chance to explore the mysteries of the ocean right from their hospital setting.

One of the highlights included a hands-on activity where children searched through a kiddie pool filled with sand and mock seagrass to uncover different types of shark teeth, and learning about the diverse species that inhabit the Arabian Gulf.

Sakina the dugong
Adding a touch of magic to the day, SeaWorld Abu Dhabi’s beloved live character, Sakina the dugong, made a surprise appearance, delighting young patients and spreading cheer throughout the clinic.

Each child received a shark-themed souvenir and gifts, making the experience educational and unforgettable.

This initiative aligns with the UAE’s Year of Community 2025 and falls under Miral’s corporate social responsibility (CSR) pillar of education. It underscores its commitment to enriching lives and fostering meaningful community engagement.