More SeaWorld Abu Dhabi-style parks to open, CEO confirms

United Parks and Resorts (formerly SeaWorld Parks and Entertainment) – the parent company behind the SeaWorld brand – is planning two new international projects, similar to SeaWorld Abu Dhabi, a top official said from Florida, US, on Thursday.

Marc Swanson, CEO of United Parks and Resorts – an American firm, announced during the company’s second-quarter earnings call that two memorandums of understanding (MoUs) are expected to be signed for overseas expansion.

“On our international opportunities, we are in active discussions with multiple potential partners and expect to have two signed MoUs by the end of the year. More to share in the coming quarters,” he told reporters on the call.

SeaWorld Abu Dhabi, located on Yas Island, is the first SeaWorld park located outside the US. Developed by Abu Dhabi-based Miral in collaboration with United Parks and Resorts (then SeaWorld Parks and Entertainment), it is the world’s largest indoor marine life theme park. Since opening in May 2023, the park has remained a popular tourist destination, attracting visitors of all age groups.

When asked about the nature of the upcoming international projects, Swanson confirmed that they would follow a similar model to Abu Dhabi’s.

“So, you heard me correctly on the MoUs. We would expect to sign two of those, right? And that is related to international opportunities. And I think you can expect probably something in line with how we did Abu Dhabi from a capital-light standpoint,” he said.
The Abu Dhabi model refers to a capital-light partnership, where Miral developed and operates the park, while United Parks and Resorts licensed the SeaWorld brand and provided strategic support.

However, Swanson did not disclose which region may host the next SeaWorld parks.
United Parks and Resorts is a US-based theme park and entertainment company that owns or licenses a diverse portfolio of brands, including SeaWorld, Busch Gardens, Discovery Cove, Sesame Place, Water Country USA, Adventure Island, and Aquatica.

Despite a dip in revenue and income, Swanson expressed optimism, noting that theme park attendance in the US grew marginally in the second quarter.

“We are pleased to have grown attendance in the second quarter despite experiencing amongst the worst weather we have ever experienced in a second quarter. Despite those headwinds, we saw an increase in international and group visitation compared to the prior year in the second quarter.  Additionally, we saw an increase in attendance at all of our Orlando parks, including SeaWorld Orlando, Aquatica Orlando and Discovery Cove,” Swanson added.