Abu Dhabi Aquarium: Admission Ticket & Glass Bridge Walk

Summary

Ten immersive zones, glass bridge walk over Bu Tinah Tunnel, conservation tour

You’ll wander through ten distinct aquarium zones in Abu Dhabi, cross a glass bridge above Bu Tinah Tunnel as sharks swim below, and peek behind the scenes at animal care and conservation work. Expect moments of awe (and maybe wobbly knees), plus genuine stories from local guides who know each creature by name.

What’s the experience like?

We walked straight into the National Aquarium Abu Dhabi and honestly, I didn’t expect to feel so small right away — there’s this hush when you first step in, like everyone’s holding their breath. The light is a little blue and soft, and you can hear water moving somewhere above. Our guide, Ahmed, grinned at my wide eyes and said something about “46,000 reasons to look up.” I think he meant the animals — or maybe just the feeling of being surrounded by so much life. It’s split into these ten zones; we started with UAE’s Natural Treasures. There was this faint salty tang in the air that reminded me of the coast outside town.

I kept losing track of time inside the Red Sea Wreck because every few steps there was some new creature just floating by — rays gliding so close you could see their spots. Kids pressed their faces to the glass everywhere (I might’ve done it too). The glass bridge walk above Bu Tinah Tunnel was wild — standing on clear panels with sharks sliding underneath. It only lasts five minutes or so but my knees felt it for longer. Ahmed told us about how they rescue and rehabilitate local wildlife here; he pointed out a turtle that had been released and came back on its own. That stuck with me for some reason.

The behind-the-scenes bit wasn’t what I expected — it smelled faintly of seaweed and rubber boots, not fishy at all. You get to see where they prep food for all those creatures (so many buckets), and one of the staff showed us how they check water quality every day. She laughed when I asked if she ever gets bored; apparently there’s always something new going wrong or right with 200 sharks around. We ended up back in Ocean Magic zone where everything glowed a little neon and people were just quietly watching jellyfish pulse against black water. I still think about that silence sometimes — weirdly peaceful in such a busy place.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore The National Aquarium Abu Dhabi

• Enter The National Aquarium
• Visit ten aquarium zones
• Walk the Glass Bridge
• Take Behind the Scenes tour

Top questions

How long does it take to visit the National Aquarium Abu Dhabi?

Most visitors spend 2-3 hours exploring all ten zones and participating in activities like the glass bridge walk and behind-the-scenes tour.

Is the National Aquarium Abu Dhabi wheelchair accessible?

Yes, all areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible, including transportation options nearby.

What’s included with my admission ticket?

Your ticket includes access to all ten aquarium zones, the glass bridge walk over Bu Tinah Tunnel, and a behind-the-scenes conservation tour.

Are children allowed at the aquarium?

Yes, children of all ages are welcome; infants can ride in prams or strollers inside.

Can I bring a service animal?

Yes, service animals are allowed inside the National Aquarium Abu Dhabi.

Is public transport available to reach the aquarium?

Yes, public transportation options are available nearby for easy access.

Will I see live animal feedings during my visit?

You may catch staff preparing food during your behind-the-scenes tour but regular feedings aren’t guaranteed during every visit.

What’s included

Your admission covers entry to all ten themed aquarium zones plus a short glass bridge boat ride above Bu Tinah Tunnel where you can watch sharks below your feet. You’ll also join a guided behind-the-scenes tour focused on animal care and conservation efforts led by knowledgeable staff—no extra tickets needed for these experiences.