National Aquarium, Abu Dhabi

The National Aquarium in Abu Dhabi is the largest aquarium in the entire Middle East, and serves as the home of 46,000 animals spread across 10 different themed zones. Located in Al Qana, this aquarium is also the abode of more than 200 sharks and rays of 25 different species, along with animals of hundreds of other species, all of which are cared for by a team consisting of 80 experts. 

It is here where you can get to walk through the largest tunnel in the Middle East, surrounded by divers, and over 22,000 animals, ranging from mammals and reptiles, to marine creatures, amphibians, birds and more. Furthermore, it is here where you can see a variety of habitats, from corals to rainforests, etc. 

Wondering what else you can see here? The aquarium houses hammerhead sharks, bull sharks, tiger sharks as well as black tip reef sharks, eagle rays, and even the Super Snake, which is a seven-metre-long reticulated python, the biggest known living snake in the whole world. From hand-feeding sharks, to enjoying a glimpse of the shipwrecks, rainforests, frozen oceans and other zones, the entire tour of the aquarium takes a couple of hours and guarantees visitors a memorable experience. 

Basic information about The National Aquarium:

Location: Al Qana - Rabdan - Al Maqta' - Abu Dhabi - United Arab Emirates

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• Pay a visit to the largest aquarium in the entire Middle Eastern region
• Spread across 9,000 square metres, the National Aquarium in Abu Dhabi is the home of around 46,000 animals, ranging from marine and freshwater creatures, to mammals, amphibians, reptiles as well as birds of hundreds of different species
• The aquarium is divided into 10 themed zones, including the Jewels of Arabia, the Red Sea Shipwreck, submarine in the Mediterranean, and the areas of the Pacific and Amazon, among others
• Don’t forget to take a walk through the longest tunnel in the Middle East while you are here Catch sights of more than 200 sharks and rays, and get a chance to hand-feed some of them on your visit as well
• For a more exotic experience, head over to see the Super Snake, which is seven metre long, and is said to be the longest living snake in the UAE, if not the whole world
• You can also see and learn about how the different animals, including sharks and turtles and rescued, transported safely and rehabilitated here during your visit

Best Species to See at National Aquarium Abu Dhabi:

1. Sharks: The National Aquarium is home to more than 200 sharks, including the whale shark, hammerhead sharks, tiger sharks, black tip reef sharks and bull sharks, among others. In addition to seeing these beautiful predators, you can also swim with them and hand-feed them on your visit to the aquarium.
2. Stingrays: With over 20 species of stingrays available at the aquarium, including the manta rays and eagle rays, stingrays are some of the most beautiful species that you can see here. They are often known as the dancers of the ocean, owing to their kite-like bodies and huge fins that make them appear to be dancing in the water.
3. Fish: When visiting the Aquarium, you are bound to see some of the most diverse fish species in the world here. From salmon and eels to other fish species, all with different colours, shapes and characteristics, you are sure to find some that are extremely rare here. 
4. Corals: Contrary to popular belief, corals are actually aquatic invertebrates that are found under the surface of seas and oceans. However, they also serve as habitats to tiny animals, fishes and polyps. At The National Aquarium, you can get the chance to witness many different coral reefs, all bright and beautiful, in different shapes and sizes. 
5. Birds: Besides fish species and other marine animals, The National Aquarium is also home to some of the most spectacular species of birds, with beautiful colours, unique feathers, big and small and belonging to different regions around the world. 
6. Reptiles: The National Aquarium of Abu Dhabi also houses some of the most fascinating reptiles in the world, from snakes and lizards, to turtles, geckos, chameleons and more. You can also find the Super Snake here, which is a seven-metre-long python, and is the largest known living snake in the whole world. 
7. Amphibians: Another species of animals that can be found in this aquarium is amphibians, which means creatures that are typically born in water and transition to living on land as terrestrial animals. You can find a lot of different species of frogs, toads, newts and salamanders here. 
8. Mammals: Besides marine animals and birds, the National Aquarium also boasts of a wide range of mammals, such as dolphins, otters, sea lions, etc. You can also find the capybara here, which is the world’s largest living rodent, along with sea lions and many other mammals.

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Preserving UAE Wildlife:

The National Aquarium also aims to preserve the wildlife of the UAE, and has a Wildlife Rescue Program. The main objective of the program is to rescue, rehabilitate and release the native wildlife in the Abu Dhabi Emirate. 

It is under this program that the aquarium has already successfully rescued and rehabilitated hundreds of animals and birds. One such is Jambo, the African Grey Parrot, which was rescued from the aquarium’s construction site in 2020, and now resides in The Flooded Forest by the Waterfall within the aquarium. 

Another such creature rescued and thereafter rehabilitated within the aquarium is Iggy, the Green Iguana, who was rescued from an animal shelter in the UAE, and is one of the endangered species here.

The aquarium also rescued Amal, a loggerhead turtle, which is very rare in the UAE, and was found entangled in a fishing net here. She was then pre-released with other green and sea rescued turtles into the Natural Treasures Zone of the UAE, but was brought back for permanent care into the aquarium. 

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Tips to Visit:



1. It is important to be dressed appropriately while visiting The National Aquarium, since anyone wearing indecent clothing will be prohibited entry
2. Ensure that you do not tamper with any life support systems around the aquarium, failing which can result in fines and penalties
3. It is advisable not to bring any pets or animals of any nature to the aquarium
4. Smoking of cigarettes or e-cigarettes is strictly prohibited inside all of the premises of the aquarium
5. Always make sure that you have sufficient time in hand when visiting The National Aquarium|
6. It is best to keep a vigilant eye of your personal belongings and other property while visiting the aquarium

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