EllisDon’s Middle East and North Africa (MENA) team’s SeaWorld Abu Dhabi project has been awarded the Building Transformation Innovation Spotlight Global Envoy Award!

The award recognizes a Canadian-based Building Transformations Member working outside of Canada on an international project that demonstrates leadership and innovation through utilizing digital technologies and processes to improve productivity within the context of an international project.

“I am incredibly proud of this recognition and the MENA team’s dedication and hard work to attain this award,” said Wissam Hijazi, EllisDon Senior Director, Innovation MENA. “Leveraging EllisDon’s innovative minds and unique project approaches, we are committed to continually growing the company’s Middle Eastern and North African footprints.”

SeaWorld Abu Dhabi (SWAD) is a world-class, first-of-its-kind, marine life-themed park on Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. This next-generation SeaWorld Abu Dhabi includes the UAE’s first dedicated marine life research, rescue, rehabilitation and return center with world-class facilities and resources for the care and conservation of local marine life.

The marine life-themed park is the first SeaWorld developed without orcas and will integrate up-close animal experiences, mega attractions, and a world-class aquarium, bringing the latest technology in visitor engagement. SWAD is a place that celebrates the wild wonders of the natural world. The park setting will transport guests to beautiful, natural ocean environments, both above and below the ocean surface.

Due to the extreme climate of Abu Dhabi, this will be an indoor experience. Natural places will be rendered using water, sculpture, sound, media and lighting - creating immersive, compelling and transformable environments. Once completed, SWAD will be the new home for 147,000 marine animals.

The Building Transformations Innovation Spotlight Awards recognize the industry's most innovative companies and professionals annually. The Awards help benchmark trends and the technological evolution of Building Transformations’ top firms.