Imagine witnessing the beauty of blue waters, exploring aquatic life closely, and unfolding the mysteries of the underwater world, but without having to step into the sea or ocean. Sounds like an impossible dream? Well, this dream is a reality at The National Aquarium Abu Dhabi.
Yes, you read that right.
The National Aquarium Abu Dhabi stands as the largest aquarium in the Middle East, with its immersive marine wonders.
From what to expect to tickets, here’s your ultimate guide!
The Ultimate Guide To The National Aquarium Abu Dhabi
The National Aquarium Abu Dhabi spans about 9,000 square meters and holds about 10 million liters of water. It houses over 46,000 animals from more than 300 species. This aquarium blends conservation, education, and entertainment.
Basic Information: Timings, Location, And More
Location: Al Qana – Rabdan – RB6 – Abu Dhabi – United Arab Emirates
Timings: Every day, from 10 AM to 10 PM
How To Reach:
- By Public bus: From Abu Dhabi Bus Station: Take bus 110 to Khaleej Al Arabi St/Bus Interchange. From Abu Dhabi Airport: Bus A1 to Al Maqta
- By Car/ Taxi: From the city center, follow Abu Dhabi Corniche to Al Qana. From Dubai: Take E11 to the Abu Dhabi exit, then the local roads will lead you to the aquarium.
Tickets:
- General admission: AED 110 (~INR 2688) per adult and AED 80-90 (~INR 1955) per kid (3 to 12 years). This includes audio guides, exhibits, and shows.
- Beyond the Glass: AED 140 (~INR 3421) per adult. With access to all 10 zones, this ticket includes a behind-the-scenes tour and a glass bridge walk.
- Bu Tinah Dhow: AED 160 (~INR 3910). This includes a glass-bottom boat ride over lagoons with the 10 zones.
- All Access Pass: AED 190 (~INR 4643). This pass bundles everything like tours, boat, and bridge experience for full immersion.
What To Expect At The Abu Dhabi National Aquarium
Themed Zones
The National Aquarium Abu Dhabi features 10 themed zones that actually look like they are replicating various global aquatic ecosystems.
Each zone highlights unique marine life, geology, and conservation themes with over 60 exhibits.
- UAE’s Natural Treasures: Take a look at the Arabian Gulf species like local fish, corals, and pearl diver history in this zone, as it stresses the regional biodiversity.
- Red Sea Wreck: This zone is a dimly lit, atmospheric space that feels like an underwater shipwreck with large holes in the “hull” walls. It reveals the Middle East’s largest coral reef tank, buzzing with tropical fish, red corals, and invertebrates.
- Atlantic Cave: This zone houses dark and mysterious caves with unique nocturnal creatures. This includes moray eels and cryptic Atlantic Ocean dwellers.
- The Sub: This zone feels like you’re inside a mini submarine, diving super deep into the dark ocean. You see weird, glowing creatures that live way down where no light reaches, like alien fish and squid.
- Ring of Fire: Imagine volcano islands in the Pacific with hot, rocky waters full of tough sea life. This zone teaches how active volcanoes create unique homes for ocean animals.
- Ocean Magic: This zone is like an open ocean with schooling fish, sharks, rays, and dynamic displays in large pelagic tanks.
- Frozen Ocean: This is like visiting icy polar waters with chilly fish and cute penguins waddling around. This zone also shows how cold melts ice due to climate change, affecting these animals’ homes.
- Flooded Forest: This zone mimics the Amazon jungle, flooded with rivers, buzzing with frogs, big snakes, and colorful birds.
- Bu Tinah Island: This is a copy of a real UAE protected island with twisty mangroves and sea grass meadows. You can see rescued turtles, fish, and birds swimming under traditional wooden boats.
- Shark Gallery/Rays Lagoon: This zone is a huge area with over 200 sharks and 25 types of rays, including scary bull sharks.
Unique Experiences
- Glass-Bottom Dhow Boat Tour: In this tour, you get to glide over the main lagoon in traditional boats for overhead views of sharks, rays, and fish mere inches below.
- Shark Dive/Encounter: Dive or snorkel in a monitored cage with over 200 sharks (including bull sharks) and rays.
- Beyond the Glass Bridge Walk: This walk offers an exclusive behind-the-scenes tour across a transparent bridge above tanks, providing more information about the operations and animal care areas.
- Touch Pools and Feeding: These are hands-on sessions with rays, puffins, otters, and freshwater stingrays. It also includes guided feedings for sharks and penguins.
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Summing Up
FAQs
Is Abu Dhabi Aquarium Worth Visiting?
Yes, the National Aquarium Abu Dhabi is worth visiting for its immersive zones and more.
How much is the ticket for Abu Dhabi Aquarium?
Adult tickets for Abu Dhabi Aquarium start at AED 110 for general admission.
How Big is the Abu Dhabi Aquarium?
It spans 9,000 square meters with 10 million liters of water.
