The National Aquarium is the largest aquarium in the Middle East by number of animals. It sits on the Al Qana waterfront, across the water from Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, with about 46,000 animals from more than 300 species in ten themed zones.
Tickets and prices
What to see
The route starts with a zone on UAE nature and pearl-diving history, then leads through a Red Sea shipwreck, an Atlantic cave, the volcanic Ring of Fire, the Arctic Frozen Ocean and a flooded rainforest. It has the longest underwater tunnel in the Middle East and more than 200 sharks and rays from 25 species. Beyond the fish, there are otters, an African manatee, crocodiles, snakes and chameleons.
Together with the Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi, the aquarium rescues and rehabilitates marine animals, which you can learn about on the Wildlife Rescue tour. Extras include a walk across the glass bridge over the main tank, a glass-bottom boat ride and animal feedings; the feeding schedule is on the website.
Getting there
A taxi is easiest: set your destination to The National Aquarium, Al Qana. Al Qana has more than 1,400 free parking spaces. The waterfront is next to Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, so the two fit well into one day.
Planning your visit
General admission costs AED 110; with the Butterfly Gardens, glass bridge and a tour it is AED 150, with the boat AED 170, and the All Access pass is AED 199. Adults and children pay the same, and children under 12 must be with someone aged 16 or over. An average visit takes about two hours. Afterwards, have dinner on the Al Qana waterfront with a view of the mosque.
Before you go
Buy tickets online on the aquarium's website to plan your time. The Frozen Ocean zone is cold, so bring a light layer. People of Determination and one companion get 50% off.
The National Aquarium, Al Qana, Al Khaleej Al Arabi Street, Rabdan, Abu Dhabi · 24.401977, 54.495854
