The National Aquarium Abu Dhabi, which opened its doors in 2021, has quickly established itself as one of the UAE's premier attractions and the largest aquarium in the Middle East. Located in the vibrant Al Qana waterfront destination, this immersive underwater world spans over 9,000 square meters and houses more than 46,000 animals representing 300+ species.

Journey Through Ten Zones

The National Aquarium takes visitors on a captivating journey through ten carefully themed zones, each offering unique insights into different aquatic environments:

1. UAE's Natural Treasures: Showcasing local marine ecosystems from the Arabian Gulf and highlighting conservation efforts for native species
2. Red Sea Wreck: A fascinating recreation of a shipwreck environment teeming with vibrant Red Sea marine life
3. Atlantic Cave: Mimicking the mysterious underwater cave systems of the Atlantic Ocean
4. The Sub: An innovative submarine-themed area featuring species from the deep ocean
5. Ring of Fire: Representing the volcanic region of the Pacific Ocean with species adapted to these extreme conditions
6. Ocean Magic: Showcasing bioluminescent creatures and other oceanic wonders
7. Frozen Ocean: Highlighting polar marine life and the challenges of survival in freezing waters
8. Flooded Forest: Replicating the Amazon rainforest during its flooded season, complete with freshwater species
9. Bu Tinah Island: Dedicated to Abu Dhabi's protected marine reserve, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve
10. Back of House: Offering glimpses into the aquarium's operations, including animal care and conservation work

Remarkable Exhibits and Inhabitants

Among the aquarium's most impressive features is the enormous main tank, which holds 10 million liters of water and showcases a diverse community of marine life, including hammerhead sharks, bull sharks, and rays. The 10-meter underwater tunnel provides an immersive viewing experience as visitors walk beneath swimming sharks and schools of fish.

Notable inhabitants include:

• Super Snake, one of the largest living reticulated pythons in the world, measuring over 7 meters long
• A collection of rare and rehabilitated sea turtles
• Various species of rays, including the impressive giant manta ray
• Piranha shoals in the Flooded Forest zone
• A mesmerizing wall of jellyfish in specialized cylindrical tanks
• Colorful coral reef communities showcasing the diversity of reef ecosystems

The facility also maintains a dedicated research and rehabilitation center for sea turtles, contributing to marine conservation efforts throughout the region.

Interactive Experiences

The National Aquarium goes beyond traditional viewing to offer numerous interactive experiences:

• Glass Bottom Boat Tours: Glide over the main tank for a unique perspective of the sharks and rays below
• Diving with Sharks: Certified divers can enter the main tank for an adrenaline-pumping encounter with sharks
• Feeding Experiences: Participate in scheduled feeding sessions for various species
• Behind-the-Scenes Tours: Discover the complex operations required to maintain this enormous ecosystem
• Animal Encounters: Hands-on experiences with selected species under expert supervision
• VIP Guided Tours: Personalized tours with marine biologists for in-depth learning

The aquarium also features a unique "Bu Tinah Dhow" experience, where visitors can "sail" through a virtual representation of Abu Dhabi's protected marine reserve, learning about its significance and the species it shelters.

Education and Conservation

Beyond entertainment, The National Aquarium serves as an important educational resource and conservation advocate. Regular workshops, school programs, and interactive displays educate visitors about marine ecosystems, environmental threats, and conservation solutions. The aquarium participates in several breeding and rehabilitation programs, particularly focused on endangered local species and sea turtles.

Practical Information

The National Aquarium is open daily from 10 AM to 10 PM. General admission tickets start at AED 105 for adults and AED 75 for children (ages 4-12), with children under 3 entering free. Various packages that include interactive experiences are available at additional costs.

Located in the Al Qana development along the Khor Al Maqta waterway, the aquarium is approximately 15 minutes by car from downtown Abu Dhabi and easily accessible via taxi. The Al Qana complex offers ample parking and numerous dining options to complete your visit.

For the optimal experience, visit on weekdays to avoid crowds, allowing approximately 2-3 hours to fully appreciate all zones. Photography is permitted throughout most areas, though flash photography is restricted to protect the animals.

The National Aquarium Abu Dhabi represents a world-class addition to the UAE's cultural and educational landscape, offering an entertaining yet meaningful exploration of our planet's aquatic wonders and the importance of preserving them for future generations.