A water theme park in the UAE? At first, it may not seem feasible, as the UAE is a country in the Arabian desert. However, as you know, the UAE is bordered by the Arabian Gulf, and the unique biological diversity of the UAE’s aquatic habitats makes marine water parks particularly apt. Abu Dhabi, in particular, is a primary candidate for marine life destinations.

Marine life protection and conservation are a clear part of Abu Dhabi’s priorities. One of its targets is the restoration of 12,000 hectares of mangroves, coral reefs, and seagrass meadows. It has four marine protected areas (Ras Ghanadah, Saadiyat, Marawah, and Al Yasat), and it is home to the second-largest population of dugongs in the world.

This makes Abu Dhabi the perfect location for SeaWorld™ Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, the largest indoor marine-life theme park in the world according to Guinness World Records™. One of its highlights is a multi-species marine-life aquarium, the region’s largest, which is home to more than 68,000 marine animals.

Why Visit: The Benefits of Visiting a Marine Aquarium

Did you know that humans have a deep, gene-level craving for connection with nature and other living things? This is the biophilia hypothesis, which says that satisfying this need is essential to your well-being.

This is why you want to feel the sun on your skin, stay where there’s an abundance of natural light, and enjoy the sight of sand, dirt, the rain, the sea, the trees, and the sky. It’s why you love the sights and sounds of birds and other animals. Just seeing the colors of nature replicated in living spaces can help lift your mood.

Biophilia is one reason you might want to consider visiting the aquarium at SeaWorld Yas Island, Abu Dhabi. Whether biophilia is true or not, what remains is that contemplating and interacting with marine life brings undeniable benefits.

The Health and Well-Being Benefits of Marine Life Contemplation

A systematic review of studies on the wellness effects of observing fish in aquariums was conducted. It revealed the benefits of appreciating marine life in aquariums. 

• Pain management: Observing fish in an aquarium may increase your pain tolerance and support pain management. In one study, the participants demonstrated significantly increasing pain thresholds at the 5-, 10-, 20-, and 30-minute marks. Their pain thresholds also remained elevated for 10 minutes afterwards. The control group, which stared at a blank wall, did not experience an increase in pain thresholds.
• Nutrition: The presence of an aquarium can also improve nutritional intake. In one study, an aquarium was installed in the dining rooms of a dementia care facility. After two weeks, the amount of food the residents consumed increased and continued to increase. The residents’ body mass also increased.
• Cardiovascular health: There’s also evidence indicating that aquariums can be good for the heart. Four studies found that viewing aquarium exhibits reduced blood pressure, regardless of whether the aquariums were stocked. Observing fully stocked aquariums also lowered heart rates.
• Anxiety and mood: The passive contemplation of aquariums is generally associated with relaxation and reduced anxiety. Multiple studies evaluated the anxiety levels of two control groups who were about to undergo a stressful medical procedure. One group waited in a room with an aquarium, while the other was assigned to a waiting room without an aquarium. Those in the waiting room with an aquarium were less anxious and more comfortable during the medical procedure.

The Benefits of Interacting With Marine Animals

Active interaction can boost favorable feelings for marine animals. In a study, it was found that diving with rays reduced participants’ fear of rays. The activity also enhanced feelings of respect, amusement, and peacefulness towards marine animals, while increasing the desire to join the conservation movement; participants reported they will start recycling their waste.

Why Marine Theme Parks?

Marine theme parks make marine animals and ecosystems more accessible and marine experiences more inclusive.

• The aquariums in marine-life theme parks make observing marine life easier and more economically feasible. Not everyone can go on sea-going expeditions with expert guides and expensive equipment. With marine-life aquariums, you won’t need to visit the Arctic to observe walruses and sea otters. If you’re in Abu Dhabi, you can buy SeaWorld Abu Dhabi tickets.
• The carefully designed and controlled environments make animal encounters easier and empowering for more people. After all, not everyone knows how to swim, and not everyone is physically capable or sufficiently agile to go underwater in uncontrolled environments.
• Marine-life aquariums can also lead to more frequent exposure to marine life and aquatic ecosystems. Since they’re accessible, you can visit frequently and regularly.

Come Closer to Marine Life and Ecosystems

Getting close to nature and other life forms is something humans crave. It also has clear wellness benefits. In Abu Dhabi, you can get close to marine life and enjoy the physiological and psychological benefits of getting close to and interacting with marine animals by visiting a marine-life theme park like SeaWorld Abu Dhabi.