Abu Dhabi just blew my mind!

Published in the Sunday Mumbai Samachar on 18 February, 2024

A big hello! A couple months ago, I was on my way back after an unforgettable weekend in Abu Dhabi with my wife Heta. We were there for the Formula 1, the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix! That was an experience in itself, but while I was there, I witnessed 3 spectacular things! 3 crazy things! 3 things that I had absolutely no idea about.. And I am fairly certain, that you also may not be aware of at least one of these, if not all! So let’s discuss them all:

1. Antarctica 🇦🇶 in Abu Dhabi!

If you have been listening to the Veena World podcast Travel Explore Celebrate Life on Spotify, you will know that Veena World is doing two expeditions to Antarctica in 2024! We also have one expedition in June to the Arctic circle where you get a chance to witness Polar Bears.

This means, in 2024, Veena World guests going on these expeditions are going to set foot on one of the most elusive places on Earth! Polar expeditions to the Arctic and Antarctica offer some of the most thrilling and unique travel experiences on Earth, captivating adventurers with their remote, pristine landscapes and extraordinary wildlife. These journeys provide a chance to step into a world far removed from everyday life, where the raw power and beauty of nature are on full display. In Antarctica, you can engage in activities such as kayaking through icebergs, witnessing the march of penguins, and even taking a polar plunge in the icy waters. The Arctic offers the magical spectacle of the Northern Lights, wildlife safaris to see polar bears and walruses, and cultural encounters with some of the northernmost communities in the world. But for all of us, who don’t have Antarctica plans at least for 2024, let me tell you, there is also an Antarctica closer to India 🇮🇳! And that’s in Abu Dhabi!

Presenting, the newly opened Sea World Abu Dhabi! Most of us know that there’s a new Sea World in Abu Dhabi! And I have been to the ones in Orlando and San Diego, and trust me, those are great, but this one is nothing like anything I have been to before. Why do I say that, well three reasons:

• You will find endless species of marine life here.
• It’s indoors, which means it’s fully air conditioned or at the right temperature for marine life and even for you, even if the temperatures in Abu Dhabi soar during the summers
• And finally it has Antarctica in addition to everything else! How you may ask, so here’s how...

So the layout of Sea World has been done in such a way that there are multiple oceans in the park (Abu Dhabi Ocean, One Ocean, Rocky Point, MicroOcean, Endless Ocean, Tropical Ocean, Polar Ocean, Arctic and Antarctica). And as explorers will see, Antarctica here too has penguins. Massive penguins. And for the penguins to survive, temperatures have to be sub-0. And this is what you will find at Sea World! Sub-zero temperatures and lots of penguins! I was in shorts, so I couldn’t last more than 3 minutes in the Antarctica 🇦🇶 zone, but it gave me such an adrenaline shot, that I was jumping on my feet, exploring all the other oceans at Sea World! So yes, that’s Antarctica in Abu Dhabi! Now if that wasn’t enough, let’s move onto the second thing.

2. Flamingoes in the desert

As we were walking around Sea World, we also stumbled across flamingoes. And instead of writing about it, let me just show you a photo! Incredible isn’t it... The flamingoes at SeaWorld Abu Dhabi are part of the park's diverse marine and avian life, offering visitors a glimpse into the beauty of these elegant birds. Situated within the Tropical Ocean realm, alongside dolphins, rays, and other colorful fish, the flamingoes add to the vibrant atmosphere with their striking pink hues. This area of the park is designed to mimic a natural habitat, featuring a crystal-clear lagoon where these birds can thrive. The presence of these birds alongside a variety of other species underscores the park's mission to showcase the interconnectedness of ocean life.

So imagine, penguins, flamingoes.. and to add to that hundreds of other marine species including sea snakes, dolphins, the world’s largest multi-species marine life aquarium, manta rays, walruses, sea otters, hundreds of birds, just to name a few!

So that’s Sea World! And the reasons I am speaking so much about it is only and only because, I think we all know that Sea World exists in Abu Dhabi. But only a visit told me how incredible it actually was! So those were my first two things. For the third thing, let’s go next door to Warner Bros. World on Yas Island.

3. Tom & Jerry to Batman - Relive your favourite super heroes and cartoon characters

After the Formula 1, we decided to go to Warner Bros Studios. Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi stands as a captivating tribute to the legacy of Warner Bros., inviting visitors into a world where their favorite characters and stories come to life. It's a realm divided into six immersive lands: Gotham City, Metropolis, Cartoon Junction, Bedrock, Dynamite Gulch, and Warner Bros. Plaza, each meticulously crafted to evoke the worlds of iconic Warner Bros. characters, from the adrenaline-packed escapades of Batman to the whimsical journeys of Bugs Bunny. Inside, the park features over 29 state-of-the-art rides and attractions, interactive family activities, and unique live entertainment, providing a comprehensive entertainment experience for visitors of all ages. Whether it's the high-speed thrills of Gotham City, the futuristic landscapes of Metropolis, or the nostalgic charm of Bedrock, Warner Bros. World offers a diverse array of adventures.

One of the good things about going super early in the morning was shorter queues! And, here’s a travel tip for you, just like our 5 Minute Travel Tips podcast on Spotify. If you look at the map of Warner Bros World theme park, it’s a circular path that takes you through multiple regions like Warner Bros. Plaza, Gotham City, Metropolis, Cartoon Junction, Dynamite Gulch and Bedrock! So if you want to skip the lines, you can certainly opt for the fast pass, but there’s another trick to the shorter lines. Instead of heading right, where everyone is heading, maybe just because the human mind works that way, you should go left! Which means that you will do the park in the reverse direction. And if you are lucky, you will get shorter lines because you are going in the opposite direction to the crowd, and more often than not, you will see it working in your favour!

And what was so cool about Warner Bros. Well, just the very fact that whether you are a Batman fan, or a Flintstones fan, or a Tom & Jerry fan, Warner Bros Studios in Abu Dhabi is a dream come true for all of us. This place has something for everyone. And guess what? It's all under a roof, in an indoor space, ensuring a comfortable and enjoyable visit at any time of the day.

So yup, these were my three newest takeaways from Abu Dhabi (newest because every trip here, you will find something totally new). And if you remember, back in May, when it was boiling hot here in India, it was Ranveer Singh telling us in ads all over, ‘Abu Dhabi: where one summer is not enough!’ Today, after this crazy fun 3 day visit, I tell you, Abu Dhabi: where one trip is not enough! See you next time!