The National Aquarium Abu Dhabi is rightly considered one of the main attractions of the United Arab Emirates and the largest aquarium in the Middle East. It opened its doors to visitors on November 12, 2021 and immediately became a symbol of a new stage in the development of the UAE capital’s cultural and entertainment infrastructure. The aquarium is located in the modern waterfront complex Al Qana, which brings together restaurants, promenade areas, and family spaces, turning the visit into a full-day journey.
Inside the aquarium live about 46 thousand marine and freshwater animals placed in ten themed zones. Among them are more than 200 sharks and rays representing 25 different species. The well-being of all inhabitants is overseen by a team of 80 professional marine fauna specialists, biologists, and veterinarians, which highlights the high level of animal care and the educational mission of the project.
Concept and scale of the underwater world
The National Aquarium Abu Dhabi was conceived not simply as a place for entertainment, but as a large-scale educational center that explains the fragility of ecosystems and the importance of preserving the oceans. The aquarium space is arranged so that visitors gradually move between climate zones and marine regions of the planet, as if making a round-the-world journey underwater.
Each zone is designed with a high degree of realism: lighting effects, soundscapes, and architectural elements are used to create a complete immersion effect. Thanks to this, the aquarium is equally interesting for children, adult tourists, and those who are deeply interested in marine biology.
The UAE’s maritime heritage and the waters of the Arabian Peninsula
One of the aquarium’s key zones is the area dedicated to the natural treasures of the UAE. Here the country’s historical connection with the sea is revealed, including pearl-diving traditions that for centuries formed the basis of the region’s economy. Visitors can see how oysters and pearls form in natural conditions, and also become familiar with the diversity of marine life off the eastern coast of the Arabian Peninsula.
Special attention is given to the zone dedicated to Bu Tinah Island, one of Abu Dhabi’s most ecologically valuable marine areas. This protected region is known for its richness of biodiversity and is an important focus of nature conservation at the national level.
Sunken ships, ocean caves, and underwater technologies
Moving from one zone to another, guests find themselves in the world of sunken ships of the Red Sea, where hundreds of fish and corals hide among the hulls. Next, the route leads to an Atlantic cave formed by millions of years of tectonic movements and erosion. Here you can see rare species adapted to life in semi-darkness and enclosed spaces.
Of special interest is the zone dedicated to submarines. It introduces visitors to underwater research technologies and allows them to look at the ocean not only as a natural element, but also as an object of scientific and engineering exploration.
One of the most spectacular parts of the aquarium provides information about the Ring of Fire — a chain of volcanoes around the Pacific Ocean. Here it is clearly shown how volcanic activity forms unique ecosystems and affects marine life. In contrast to this zone is the “Frozen Ocean,” which features animals of Arctic waters. Visitors learn how seabirds and fish survive in extremely cold conditions of northern latitudes.
The route is complemented by the “Magic of the Ocean” zone, reflecting the complexity and constant variability of marine ecosystems. It emphasizes the interconnectedness of all the planet’s oceans and the impact of human activity on their future.
One of the most unexpected and educational zones is the “Flooded Forest,” dedicated to tropical rainforests. Although they occupy only about 2% of the Earth’s surface, more than 50% of the world’s biodiversity is concentrated there. The aquarium shows how aquatic ecosystems intertwine with forest ecosystems, creating a unique habitat for many species.
Entertainment and visit formats
The National Aquarium Abu Dhabi offers not only a classic walk through the exhibits, but also extended visit formats. Guests can walk across a glass bridge, go behind the scenes of the aquarium, and learn how work with marine animals is organized from the inside. Boat rides with a transparent bottom are especially popular, allowing you to observe marine life from an unusual angle. For those planning to visit the aquarium regularly, an annual pass priced at 449 dirhams is available, which is especially advantageous for families and Abu Dhabi residents.
The aquarium is open daily from 10:00 to 22:00, which is convenient both for morning visits with children and for evening strolls. A basic ticket with access to all ten zones costs 110 dirhams. Extended visit formats cost 140 or 150 dirhams, depending on the selected options. There is also the option to purchase a VIP package designed for 5 guests. Prices start from 2.5 thousand dirhams.
Tickets can be purchased both on site and in advance online via the official website, which helps avoid queues during the high tourist season.
Why you should visit the National Aquarium Abu Dhabi
Today, the National Aquarium Abu Dhabi is not just a tourist attraction but an important educational and environmental project highlighting the UAE’s role in preserving marine nature. It harmoniously combines scale, modern technologies, and deep meaning, making a visit interesting and memorable.
For tourists, it is an opportunity to see the underwater world from all corners of the planet in one place, and for families with children, it is a chance to talk about nature, ecology, and human responsibility toward the oceans in an engaging way. That is why the National Aquarium Abu Dhabi deservedly ranks among the must-visit places in the capital of the United Arab Emirates.
