Go behind the scenes at Abu Dhabi's newest attraction, The National Aquarium at Al Qana, which promises a day filled with incredible underwater discoveries.
In the last quarter of 2021, the UAE capital welcomed The National Aquarium Abu Dhabi – the largest of its kind in the Middle East. Situated on the shores of Al Qana, the up-and-coming waterfront destination in the emirate, the aquarium is home to over 46,000 animals from more than 300 unique species.
Spread across 10 nautically-themed zones, visitors can explore more than 60 attractions at the venue, sure to delight the whole family.
Highlights include the UAE's National Treasures, where visitors can discover the region's pearl diving heritage, the Red Sea Wreck featuring ruins unearthed from the ocean floor and the Ring of Fire, which takes guests through an underwater volcanic cave. The journey of discovery continues through flooded forests, caves, submarines, a frozen ocean and an island oasis.
The National Aquarium is the only place in the UAE where visitors can see hammerhead and bull sharks, in addition to shoals of tiger sharks, blacktip reef sharks, eagle rays, cownose rays and more. The aquarium is also home to Super Snake, a seven-metre reticulated python, which is believed to be the biggest known living snake in the world. It weighs 115 kilograms and, when measured, needs 12 people to hold it at full length.
In addition to its spectacular biodiversity, The National Aquarium also boasts an array of engaging experiences.
Visitors will be able to embark on glass-bottom dhow tours, view animal feedings up close, feed sharks that are almost two metres long and also enjoy encounters with puffins and freshwater rays. Those seeking a unique adventure can take on the diving expedition, which enables them to dive with the world’s largest collection of animals in a single tank.