Explore Marine Wonders: National Aquarium Abu Dhabi.

6 hours
Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates

About this activity

 Explore the National Aquarium Abu Dhabi, featuring 46,000 marine animals in 10 immersive zones. Enjoy unique animal encounters, conservation insights, and engaging exhibits for a memorable family adventure into the wonders of underwater life.  

Highlights

  • Diverse Marine Life: Home to over 46,000 marine animals, including unique species from the Arabian Gulf and beyond, providing an extensive view of marine biodiversity
  • Immersive Exhibits: The aquarium features themed zones such as the Rainforest, Coral Reef, and Shark Lagoon, each designed to educate and engage visitors with stunning displays​
  • Interactive Experiences: Opportunities for animal encounters allow visitors to engage directly with marine creatures, fostering a deeper understanding and appreciation of marine ecosystems
  • Educational Programs: Offers educational tours and workshops tailored for schools and families, focusing on marine conservation and sustainabilit
  • Cutting-edge Facilities: The aquarium utilizes advanced technology for animal care and visitor experiences, ensuring both a modern and educational atmosphere​

Full description

 The National Aquarium Abu Dhabi, the largest in the Middle East, features over 46,000 marine animals across 10 themed zones. Visitors can journey through diverse global ecosystems—from the Arabian Gulf to the Amazon rainforest—and encounter animals such as hammerhead sharks, sea turtles, and rays. Unique experiences include animal encounters, behind-the-scenes tours, and interactive displays focusing on conservation. Ideal for families and marine enthusiasts, the aquarium also offers educational programs and immersive exhibits that make learning about marine life .

Included / Excluded

  • Scheduled Talks and Presentations: Participation in educational talks and presentations by aquarium staff, where visitors can learn more about marine life and conservation efforts
  • Free Wi-Fi: Complimentary Wi-Fi access throughout the aquarium premises for visitors
  • Rest Areas and Facilities: Access to rest areas, including cafes and bathrooms, to ensure a comfortable visit​
  • Interactive Areas: Engage with interactive displays designed to enhance visitor experience and education​
  • Special Animal Encounters: Interactions with specific marine animals typically require an additional fee beyond general admission​
  • Guided Tours: While general access includes informative displays, structured guided tours like the "Beyond the Glass" experience often incur extra costs​
  • Food and Beverage Purchases: Meals, snacks, and drinks from the aquarium's cafes and restaurants are not included in the ticket price​
  • Souvenirs and Merchandise: Any purchases made at gift shops or kiosks, including souvenirs and educational materials, are separate from the admission fee​
  • Parking Fees: If applicable, parking at the Al Qana development may involve additional charges not covered by the ticket​

Meeting point

Accessibility: The aquarium is designed to be accessible for all visitors, including those with disabilities. There are ramps, elevators, and accessible restrooms available throughout the facility​ THE NATIONAL AQUARIUM ​ ABU DHABI TRAVEL PLANNER . Visitor Experience: Expect a full experience that includes interactive exhibits, educational programs, and engaging displays that make learning about marine life fun and accessible for all ages​ YALLA ABU DHABI . Health Protocols: Be prepared to follow any health and safety measures in place at the time of your visit, including mask-wearing and social distancing as required​ ABU DHABI TRAVEL PLANNER ​ YALLA ABU DHABI . Parking: Ample parking is available at Al Qana, but it can get busy during peak times. Arrive early to secure a convenient spot​ THE NATIONAL AQUARIUM ​ YALLA ABU DHABI . Food and Beverage Options: Various cafes and restaurants are located within Al Qana for dining before or after your aquarium visit. Plan ahead if you prefer specific dining experiences​

Important information

Know before you book

  • Advance Booking: It’s highly recommended to book your tickets online in advance to secure your preferred time slot and avoid long wait times at the entrance​
  • Ticket Options: Various ticket types are available, including general admission and special experiences like animal encounters. Review options to choose what best fits your interests and budget​
  • Cancellation Policy: Familiarize yourself with the cancellation and rescheduling policies. Typically, cancellations made 24 hours in advance are eligible for a refund, while last-minute cancellations may not be refunded
  • Group Bookings: If visiting with a large group, inquire about group rates and availability, as well as any special arrangements that might be needed for larger parties​
  • Experience Duration: Plan for your visit to last approximately 2-3 hours to fully enjoy the exhibits and any animal encounters​

Know before you go

  • Opening Hours: The aquarium is open daily from 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM. It’s advisable to check the official website for any special events or holiday hours.
  • Tickets: Purchase tickets in advance online to avoid long queues. Various ticket options include general admission and animal encounter experiences.
  • Accessibility: The aquarium is fully accessible for visitors with disabilities, with ramps and elevators available throughout the facility.
  • Family-Friendly: There are numerous interactive exhibits suitable for children, making it a great family outing. Kids will enjoy engaging with marine life and educational displays.
  • Photography: Visitors are welcome to take photos; however, flash photography is typically discouraged to avoid disturbing the animals.

Cancellation policy

Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the activity starts

Up to 24 hours before the beginning of the activity: full refund Less than 24 hours before the beginning of the activity or no-show: no refund

Reviews

Google
FMW CORPORATION
Apr 2026
5.0

Best experience of all activities booked by them Highly recommended

Google
Muhammed ashfaq Abdulla
Jan 2026
5.0

Well organized, professional service, and comfortable transport. Covered all major attractions, especially the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque. Highly recommended for a smooth and enjoyable city tour.

Google
Benet Binu
Jan 2026
5.0

Thank you for your service.

Additional information

 
Safety Protocols: The aquarium follows strict safety and hygiene measures. Visitors are encouraged to maintain social distancing where possible, and face masks may be required in certain areas, depending on current health guidelines​


Dress Code: Casual and comfortable clothing is recommended. If you plan to engage in animal encounters or other interactive experiences, consider wearing clothes that you don’t mind getting wet​


Visitor Services: The aquarium offers amenities such as restrooms, baby changing facilities, and lockers for personal belongings. If you have specific needs, check in with staff for assistance​


Sustainability Efforts: The aquarium is committed to conservation and education, highlighting its role in marine life rescue and rehabilitation. Guests can learn more about these efforts through exhibits and interactive displays​


Parking: Ample parking is available at Al Qana, but it can get busy during peak hours. Plan to arrive early to secure a spot​