The National Aquarium Abu Dhabi

The National Aquarium Abu Dhabi is the largest aquarium in the Middle East and is home to 46,000 animals spread across 10 zones spanning from the tropical waters of the Pacific and freshwaters of the Amazon through to the frozen ice caps of the Arctic and the caves of the Mediterranean.

The ten-zone theme hosts more than 300 species The aquarium houses more than 200 sharks and rays, representing 25 different species. All of the animals are obtained according to cites guidelines and are cared for by a team of 80 sea-life experts. A whole department dedicated to education with a capacity to welcome 50,000 school children a year.

The National Aquarium is designed to provide live experiences, community engagement, and hands-on involvement in preserving the local biodiversity and heritage to build a more sustainable future. Join us on a journey around the world and step into the mind of a marine biologist when you get up close and personal with the 46,000 magical creatures in our aquarium!

Through its strategic partnership with the Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi (EAD), The National  Aquarium ambitions to create the largest and one of the most innovative rehabilitation schemes of its kind to protect wildlife in the emirate of Abu Dhabi. The partnership includes the creation of a first-of-its-kind specialized animal rescue vehicle to respond to wildlife emergencies and offer first aid while transporting injured animals to The National Aquarium to receive assessment, treatment, and eventually be released.

• The National Aquarium is spread across 10 zones and covers an area of over 9,000 sq meters, making it the largest aquarium in the Middle East.
• The National Aquarium is home to 46,000 marine and terrestrial animals that are responsibly and ethically sourced.
• The National Aquarium is one of the 11 anchors located in Al Qana Project, a 2.4km social dining and entertainment waterfront destination located in Al Khaleej Al Arabi Street, Rabdan Area, Abu Dhabi UAE.
• The National Aquarium will provide an unrivalled experience, with an average journey lasting around two hours. This is approximately double the length of experience found in other aquariums in the region.
• The National Aquarium caters to all ages and was open to the public last 2021
• We offer our guests a  mobile signage guide which is a free service offered that allows visitors to obtain the information for each exhibit directly on their mobile phones in six languages: Arabic, English, Spanish, Chinese, Hindi & Russian.
• People of determination will be able to enter the aquarium free of charge along with their caretakers.
• Wheelchairs are provided free of charge as long as a valid ID is submitted at the counter.
• Visitors will have access to a number of taxi and bus stops around Al Qana.
• TNA is one of the 11 anchors in Al Qana which will have over 1,400 surface parking free of charge

Operational Hours
Open Sunday to Saturday
10:00 AM – 10:00 PM

The National Aquarium, located at Al Qana in Abu Dhabi, is set to be the largest aquarium in the Middle East and is home to 46,000 creatures spread across 10 zones. The National Aquarium’s mission is to create a memorable moment for people to reconnect with nature. The Aquarium is designed to provide live experiences, community engagement, and hands-on involvement in preserving the local biodiversity and heritage to build a more sustainable future.
Education is at the core of The National Aquarium, with an entire department dedicated to engaging and enhancing the visitor’s experience, and the capacity to welcome up to 50,000 students a year. Tunrivaledlled journey around the world is brought to visitors by a multidisciplinary team of 80 professionals coming from all over the world, including sea life experts, curators, trained educators, and engineers who are specialized in public aquaria.

Beyond the Glass - This ticket grants you access to the 10-themed aquarium zones, including a guided tour by an aquarium educator through the Wildlife Rescue program's official facilities to witness firsthand how hundreds of Sea Turtles recover to return to the ocean.

Bu Tinah Dhow - All aboard the Bu Tinah Dhow!
Discover our 10-zone journey, experience the breathtaking view from our Glass Bottom Boat tour.

Ten themed Zones 

UAE’s Natural Treasures - Discover Pearls Of Wisdom. To pay homage to our historic roots, we’re taking you on a deep-dive into the magical world of Arabian pearl fishing. Witness first-hand how oysters and pearls are naturally formed in nature while exploring the rich diversity of animals that inhabit the coasts of the Eastern Arabian Peninsular

Red Sea Wreck - Unearth Red Sea Ruins. They have the ability to explore some of the most incredible treasures of the sea. To give you a sense of their world, we’re taking you on an underwater exploration through a shipwreck where you can come face-to-fin with hundreds of fish and coral typically found in the Arabian Red Sea

Atlantic Cave - Explore Hidden Treasures. Discover what really lives beneath the ocean. Right across the world cave formations have been created over millions of years through erosion and plate movements. Explore this mystic underwater world to see some of the most amazing creatures hiding in the tiniest nooks and crannies, all looking to find a safe habitat to breed their youngsters.

The Sub - Submerge Your Senses. We’ll take you below the surface so you can discover the operations of a submarine while exploring the magical world beneath the waves. Not only will you witness marine life in its natural habitat, but you might be lucky enough to spot our Nautilus! A Nautilus is a marine mollusk - a distant cousin to squids, octopuses and cuttlefish, however, lives inside its hard, exterior shell. 

Ring of Fire - Feel The Force Of Nature. The Ring of Fire is the longest chain of volcanoes in the world located in the outskirts of the Pacific Ocean. While the force of a volcano has the power to destroy human settlements, it also enriches the earth with nutrients and other chemical components. Explore the fascinating marine life that can be found in this constantly-changing ecosystem.

Ocean Magic - Breathe Beneath The Waves. As beautiful as they are, oceans can be very dangerous and complex systems that force marine animals to be highly adaptable. Discover the marine life that thrives in these ever-changing environments in this awe-inspiring underwater world.

Frozen Ocean - Experience An Arctic Blast. Even though this region is basically a giant ice cap, it’s home to a diverse range of animals, particularly marine life. It also plays an important role in helping the planet maintain its temperatures for animals to breed and thrive happily. Come and discover how animals such as Arctic sea birds and fish live in these icy waters.

Flooded Forest - Wander Through The Rainforest. From the breathtaking canopies, tropical birds and crisp, clean air, Rainforests play an important role in our planet’s ecosystem. In fact, they are home to over 50% of the world’s biodiversity and yet cover only 2% of the Earth’s surface. Step inside the forest floor and discover the many mysteries our rainforests have to offer. 

Bu Tinah Island - Delve Into An Island Oasis. With its shallow waters, seagrass beds, tall mangroves and extensive coral reefs, Bu Tinah Island is where a diverse range of marine life thrives. Explore island life in all its glory while supporting the Environmental Agency of Abu Dhabi to spread the importance of island conservation.

Back of House - Baba Dioum

“In the end, we will conserve only what we love; we will love only what we understand, and we will understand only what we are taught.”

Conservation Education is at the heart of everything we do. That’s why we offer a variety of exciting programs for schools, visitors, and the community, so we can educate as many people as possible about our incredible underwater world. For Public and Private schools in the UAE, we offer our Professor’s Aquademy, a program catered to children from kindergarten right through to high school. Inspired by our animal ambassador “Professor” our friendly water monitor lizard – this program educated kids about the different environments and the importance of learning how we can preserve them for future generations. We take a hands-on, highly interactive approach to keep kids intrigued and inspired by allowing them to ‘meet and greet’ the animals and play games designed for engaged learning. 

Ready to take them on a journey around the world without leaving Abu Dhabi?