Abu Dhabi: National Aquarium & 46,000 Animals

46,000 Animals in 10 Zones: Abu Dhabi's Aquarium Without the Rush

You get entrance to the world's largest aquarium with 46,000 animals spread across ten themed zones, from sunken wrecks and Atlantic caves to frozen oceans and flooded forests. Your ticket is included, and the layout moves you through naturally without backtracking. Infant seats are available, public transport is nearby, and you set your own pace through over 60 attractions. Arrive early if you want the quieter morning hours.

Step-by-step itinerary

Visit The National Aquarium Abu Dhabi

• Arrive at The National Aquarium
• Explore 10 nautically-themed zones
• See over 46,000 aquatic animals
• Visit UAE’s Natural Treasures zone
• Discover sunken sea wrecks and caves
• Experience flooded forests and volcanoes
• Explore the frozen ocean zone
• Enjoy more than 60 attractions

The experience

"You'll see things here you won't see anywhere else: the sunken ships, the frozen ocean, the way the light hits the coral," one of the staff members told me as I walked in. That's the thing about the National Aquarium Abu Dhabi: it's not just size for size's sake. The place is split into ten different zones, each one designed to feel like you've stepped into a completely different world. You move from the UAE's natural treasures straight into Atlantic caves, then flooded forests, then a volcano section that actually feels like you're standing inside something alive.

The scale hits you immediately. Over 46,000 animals from more than 300 species are in here, and they're not hidden behind thick glass or tucked away in corners. The layout pulls you through naturally. You're not backtracking, not getting lost, just moving from one carefully thought-out space to the next. There are more than 60 individual attractions spread across the zones, so even if you're not the type to read every placard, there's always something new to stop at. The frozen ocean section is the one people seem to linger in longest. The lighting in there is something else.

Getting there is straightforward. The aquarium sits in Al Qana, and public transportation options are available nearby if you're not driving. Your entrance ticket is included, so you walk up and go in: no separate booking for entry, no standing in a separate line. The place is designed so families with young kids, older visitors, and solo travelers all move through at their own pace. If you've got an infant, specialized seats are available, which matters more than you'd think when you're planning a full day indoors.

The whole experience is built around not feeling rushed. You can spend two hours here or five. The zones don't have a time limit, and nothing herds you along. That's the real difference between this and the smaller aquariums you might have visited elsewhere.

What’s included

• Your visit includes entrance to the National Aquarium Abu Dhabi, access to all ten themed zones, and 60+ attractions featuring over 46,000 animals from more than 300 species.
• Specialized infant seats are available if needed.
• The aquarium is located near public transportation options.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery day

AgesAdult (3 and older) · Under 3: can't be booked

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.

Prices and times updated yesterday

Good to know

Low physical effortInfant seats availablePublic transport nearby

Is this one for you?Right for families, solo travelers, and anyone wanting to spend a few hours with thousands of aquatic animals in a well-designed space. The ten zones mean you're never seeing the same environment twice, and your ticket gets you in without a separate entry line.

Traveler reviews

4.50★★★★★★★★★★

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Top questions

How long does it take to see the whole aquarium?

Most visitors spend 2 to 5 hours depending on how much time they spend at each zone. There's no set duration. You move at your own pace.

Is the National Aquarium Abu Dhabi suitable for young children?

Yes. Specialized infant seats are available, and the aquarium is designed for all physical fitness levels. The zones are accessible and family-friendly.

What's included in the ticket?

Entrance to the aquarium and access to all ten zones and 60+ attractions. No additional fees for the main experience.

How do I get to the National Aquarium?

The aquarium is located in Al Qana. Public transportation options are available nearby. You can also drive if you prefer.

What are the ten zones?

The zones include UAE's Natural Treasures, sunken sea wrecks, Atlantic caves, flooded forests, a volcano section, a frozen ocean, and others spread across the 10 nautically-themed areas.

How many animals are in the aquarium?

Over 46,000 animals from more than 300 unique species.

Can I take photos inside?

Photography policies are standard for aquariums. Check with staff at entry for any restrictions on flash or specific zones.