Skip to content

What to Expect at the National Aquarium Abu Dhabi

Discover an underwater world filled of life in the National Aquarium, Abu Dhabi. It was opened in November 2021. it is the National Aquarium has over 46,000 marine animals which makes it the biggest aquarium of its kind in the Middle East (for now!)

Its captivating thematic displays along with interactive technology and many immersive experiences visiting National Aquarium is a must. National Aquarium should be high in the top of your Abu Dhabi ‘to-do list’ particularly if you’re traveling with your family members.

What can you be expecting at the National Aquarium? National Aquarium

It is located inside located in the Al Qana development, Abu Dhabi The National Aquarium is an impressive structure located on the south of the site that is easily seen through Khaleej Al Arabi Street. The aquarium is divided into various zones that you travel through during your journey to the ocean. Here’s a quick overview of what you’ll discover within each.

UAE Natural Treasures

The first area of the National Aquarium is ‘UAE National Treasures’. Visitors enter the area via the walkway which is above an area that is populated by rehabilitationally-rehabilitated sea turtles. The turtles displayed make up the rehabilitation program of the aquarium that highlights the crucial conservation work performed by National Aquarium.

A Wreck from the Red Sea

The second exhibit is called the “Red Sea Wreck”. The exhibit is designed as an underwater sunken vessel with huge openings in the ship’s walls through which the biggest coral reef located in the Middle East can be viewed. The tanks house an amazing collection of vibrant corals as well as massive and stern-looking grouperfish.

The Atlantic Cave

This is where you can explore the deepest parts of the ocean within an stalactite-rich cave. There you will discover the horseshoe crab from prehistoric times among the oldest animals to live on the planet.

The Sub

If you can are hearing the radar ping and you are able to enter the deep sea submarine to observe huge lobsters and the mysterious Nautilus.

Ring of Fire Ring of Fire

Many interactive exhibits in this themed area of the Pacific teach viewers about the creation of volcanic marine environments.

Ocean Magic

The exhibits focus on unique marine creatures, like intricate Sea Dragons and mesmerising jellyfish. The way the exhibits are presented is quite unique and includes an antique British telephone box as well as a Volkswagen Beetle having been transformed into aquariums for fish.

The Frozen Ocean

The temperature begins to drop, and you’re in a zone with creatures that hail from cooler climates. The main attraction is the only Middle East exhibition of puffins. It is possible to get close and personal by peeking at the transparent domes that are beneath their natural habitat, or join in animal encounters for 180 AED.

The Flooded Forest

Beware! Piranhas, Poison Dart Frogs as well as Bird-Eating spiders as well as the Electric Eel all inhabit this area. They’re all safe away from humans in closed cases, in contrast to the numerous tropical birds that fly throughout the exhibit. This zone also features Bella and Rio’s play area which is an interactive area especially designed for kids.

Bu Tinah Island

When you exit the swampy forest and enter an enormous exposition space that has shallow pools to the longest walk-through glass tunnel that is located in the Middle East. Mantarays, zebra sharks , and Hammerhead sharks flutter through the water as you go through their abyssal world.

Behind-the-scenes tour at the National Aquarium

Apart from the zones mentioned above, there’s an option to pay an extra fee and enjoy a behind the scenes tour. Guides are helpful and friendly and behind-the-scenes tours are worth the extra cost.

In the course of guided tours, you’ll go to the hospital for animals and other hidden locations. Visitors will be given a thorough description of the recent rescue of an Whale Shark that had entered the canal system in one of Abu Dhabi’s residential areas as well as a visit to the turtles that live in the aquarium’s rehabilitation center.

For a small fee visitors can feed the fish using an open bridge that spans the tank’s walkway tunnel.

Wildlife Encounters in the National Aquarium

The National Aquarium offers three ‘Animal Encounters. They include the Jungle Encounter includes swimming with freshwater rays. The Arctic Encounter involves feeding the puffins. There is also the option of feeding sharks during the Ocean Encounter.

Each visit cost 180 AED and gives you acces to National Aquarium. For National Aquarium Abu Dhabi tickets visit this website…

In-depth learning opportunities are available in the National Aquarium

Education in the house is the main priority. Students as many as 50,000 can be invited to the aquarium each year during school excursions in the Junior Marine Biologist program.

This after school Marine Biologist programme is designed for children between 5 and 15 years old. It offers various hands-on activities.

Plan your excursion for Abu Dhabi’s National Aquarium, Abu Dhabi

In order to make the most enjoyment from your time at Abu Dhabi’s most recent family-friendly launch, check out important tips to plan your trip:
How do I get to the National Aquarium

The National Aquarium is located in the brand-new Al Qana development in the Khor Al Maqta area of the city. The most convenient way to get to the aquarium is via taxi or private vehicle. There is plenty of parking at the aquarium.

National Aquarium National Aquarium is also located near the bus interchange on Rabdan Khaleej Al-Araibi Street. It is served via bus no. 56, which is located in Downtown Abu Dhabi.

What’s the price of cost the National Aquarium Abu Dhabi cost?

They are needed for customers aged 3 and over.

105 AED General Admission (10 zones)
130 AED beyond The Glass (General Admission plus Aquarium experience, behind-the-scenes tour, and the glass bridge)
150 AED for Bu Tinah Dhow (General Admission, Aquarium Journey with glass-bottom boat tours and feeding of fish)
200 AED All Access (General Admission Aquarium Journey behind-the-scenes experience and glass bridge walk glass-bottom boat cruise and feeding of fish)

There are distinct animal encounter experiences that you can take part in These tickets are included in your General Admission ticket.

180 AED Arctic Entry
180 AED Ocean View

The annual passes can be purchased for $399.

Please note that children who are under 12 years old must be with an adult.

National Aquarium Timings

Open seven days a semaine from 10:00 AM until 10:00 PM

How long do I have to stay in National Aquarium? National Aquarium?

If you are planning to go to the main areas of entry to the aquarium, it could be accomplished in just two hours. The behind-the-scenes experience takes about 30 minutes. There is also time required for Dhow cruises and other animal encounters.

If you’re planning to go during peak hours or on a holiday, be sure to give yourself more time to time as lines for behind-the-scenes tours as well as encounters with animals are more likely.

What visitor amenities are available on National Aquarium? National Aquarium?

The National Aquarium is well-designed with restrooms on every level. Like the majority of tourist attractions, you can exit through an e-shop, where you can purchase various marine-related merchandise in addition to more general souvenirs that are themed around Abu Dhabi.

There’s also a tiny cafe that sells basic snacks on the ground flooring in the National Aquarium. The little marine explorers are bound to be enthralled by the shortbread biscuits with whale designs!

The National Aquarium Abu Dhabi is accessible to wheelchairs and strollers throughout.

What else is included in this development? Al Qana construction?

Al Qana describes itself as a lifestyle idea with wellness and socializing at the heart of its. It extends 2.4 kilometers along the water’s edge the area is home to a range of luxurious restaurants and cafes as well as a huge gym-cum-wellness center. There’s also an upscale cinema as well as a gaming store.