Sea World Abu Dhabi
Project Brief
In 2022, Sea World Abu Dhabi invited a select group of the world’s leading aquarium design and construction firms to bid on multiple packages for the new attraction. RedFin was asked to propose the design, fabrication, and installation of 22 front-of-house aquariums (including internal rockwork/theming), plus several back-of-house aquaculture systems and additional theming components.
RedFin submitted a competitive bid supported by a detailed technical proposal that demonstrated our approach, quality controls, and delivery programme. We were awarded the contract in 2022, and our design team began work immediately.
Quick Stats:
Date Complete:
24th May 2023
Location:
Abu Dhabi, UAE
Scope:
Design, Build and Install
Supplied:
Acrylic tanks, FRP/Acrylic tanks, Aquaculture Systems, Theming & Substrate
Project Context
With an estimated project value of ~USD 1.2 billion, Sea World Abu Dhabi set out to become one of the largest marine-life attractions in the world, holding ~25 million litres of water and housing more than 68,000 marine animals, including sharks, rays, schooling fish, and sea turtles.
Delivering a project at this scale required strict coordination, exacting standards, and robust quality assurance at every stage—from design through to installation and commissioning.
Design & BIM Coordination
To ensure that every component fit precisely the first time, Building Information Modelling (BIM) was used throughout the design and construction phases. Our scope included:
Creating an intelligent 3D model of each aquarium assembly, internal theming, and all interfaces.
Clash detection with architectural, structural, and MEP trades to prevent site conflicts.
Detailed shop drawings and installation sequences to streamline on-site works.
Tolerance planning for heavy lifts, rigging routes, and final positioning.
While investing additional effort during design, BIM significantly reduced risk during fabrication and installation and helped maintain programme.
Structural Engineering
Aquariums containing live animals and hundreds of tonnes of water must withstand high static and dynamic loads without compromise. Each tank went through rigorous engineering checks, including:
Finite element analysis (FEA) for hydrostatic pressure, live loads (e.g., maintenance), and seismic considerations.
Deflection and settlement criteria to protect acrylic bonds and seals.
Material selection and corrosion protection suitable for marine environments.
Documented factor-of-safety and quality control procedures for long-term performance.
Materials & Aquarium Construction
Each aquarium was designed for a specific zone and species mix, with layouts tailored to animal welfare, viewing quality, and maintenance access.
Viewing panels: High-grade cast acrylic, chosen for clarity, safety factors, formability (including curves), and the ability to be re-polished over time.
Tank structure: Hidden areas typically comprised steel-reinforced panel systems laminated with FRP (Fibreglass-Reinforced Plastic) to create a durable, watertight and corrosion-resistant barrier.
Hardware & coatings: Marine-grade fasteners and specialized protective coatings to withstand saltwater exposure.
Interfaces: Precise allowances for Life Support System (LSS) connections, penetrations, waterstops, and inspection points.
Theming & Habitat Recreation
RedFin designed and built the internal theming—artificial rockwork, reef structures, and habitat features—using marine-safe materials and finishes. The internal sets had to match and align seamlessly with the external theming delivered by another contractor.
High-fidelity 3D modelling drove geometry, texture, and join lines.
Surfaces were sculpted and finished to mimic natural stone and reef forms, with attention to flow dynamics, animal shelter, and long-term cleanability.
Colour and texture processes were specified for underwater clarity and durability.
Back-of-House Aquaculture Systems
In addition to guest-facing displays, RedFin delivered specialist aquaculture systems to support animal health and operations, including:
Quarantine and grow-out tanks designed for biosecurity and ease of husbandry.
Piping, filtration interfaces, and safe equipment access for daily routines.
Materials and coatings selected for long service life in marine conditions.
Installation & Heavy Logistics
Transporting large, delicate structures through a live construction site required precision planning:
Rigging plans and route surveys from the loading bay to final locations, measured to the centimetre.
Use of tower cranes, spider cranes, forklifts, skates, and heavy-duty rollers as appropriate.
Setting, levelling, and grouting to specification before connecting to LSS water and drain lines.
Controlled filling and hydrostatic testing prior to handover.
Testing, Commissioning & Handover
Before opening, each system underwent:
Leak and pressure tests with documented hold periods.
Visual and dimensional checks against shop drawings and BIM models.
Review of acrylic bonds and sealant details.
O&M manuals and training for operations teams.
Opening & Outcome
24 May 2023: Sea World Abu Dhabi opened to the public. Since then, guests have experienced a world-class collection of displays showcasing thousands of healthy marine animals across beautifully themed habitats.