Abu Dhabi National Aquarium: 46,000 Marine Life & 10 Zones

46,000 Marine Animals Across 10 Zones, From Pearl Diving History to Shark Encounters

You get entry to all 10 zones of the Middle East's largest aquarium, access to 46,000+ marine animals and 300+ species, plus interactive experiences like glass-bottom dhow tours and shark encounters. Your ticket includes all fees and taxes, and optional round-trip hotel transfer if you need it. Spend as long as you want moving through the zones at your own pace.

Step-by-step itinerary

Explore National Aquarium Abu Dhabi

• Get ticket confirmed
• Take photo at entrance
• Enter the aquarium
• See turtles display first
• Follow directions through zones
• Explore UAE’s national treasures zone
• Discover pearl fishing history
• Visit sunken sea wrecks zone
• Explore Atlantic caves zone
• See flooded forest zone
• Visit fiery volcanoes zone
• Explore frozen ocean zone
• Enjoy interactive activities
• Buy photo copy at exit (optional)

The experience

There's something that pulls you in the moment you walk through the doors of the National Aquarium Abu Dhabi: maybe it's the sheer scale of it, or the fact that you're about to see more than 46,000 marine animals in one place. The aquarium opened in November 2021 and it's the largest in the Middle East, which means the tanks are serious. You start with the turtles right at the entrance, and from there the zones unfold: UAE's national treasures dedicated to Arabian pearl fishing, sunken sea wrecks, Atlantic caves, a flooded forest, fiery volcanoes, and a frozen ocean. Each one is designed to tell you something about the water and the life in it, not just show you fish.

What makes this different from other aquariums is that you're not just walking past glass. There are 300+ species on display, but the interactive activities are what stick with you: glass-bottom dhow tours where you're actually on the water looking down, and personal encounters with sharks if you want them. The zones are laid out so you can move through at your own pace, and there are unique displays like a fish tank built into the shape of a vintage car. It's the kind of place where you notice details: the way light hits the water, how the different species move, the scale of what's actually down there in the Arabian Peninsula's waters. Your entry ticket covers access to all 10 zones, and if you want a photo at the entrance, you can buy a copy at the end of your visit for an extra charge.

The aquarium is built around education as much as entertainment. It's part of a larger effort to protect and preserve endangered and rescued marine life, which means what you're seeing matters. The staff takes that seriously, and it shows in how the zones are curated. If you're traveling with young children, infants can sit on an adult's lap, and the whole place is suitable for all fitness levels, so there's no barrier to getting in and spending a few hours there. Public transportation is nearby if you're not using the optional hotel transfer that comes with your ticket.

What’s included

Your ticket includes entry to all 10 zones of the National Aquarium Abu Dhabi, access to more than 46,000 marine animals and 300+ species, all fees and taxes, and optional round-trip hotel transfer if you select it. You can explore at your own pace, participate in interactive activities like glass-bottom dhow tours and shark encounters, and purchase a photo taken at the entrance for an additional charge.

Options for this experience

2 options

Ticket Without TransferNo fixed time

Admission ticket to The National Aquarium Abu DhabiNo fixed timePickup is included

You'll see the exact price of each option when you check availability.See dates and prices

Before you book

Days and timesEvery day

AgesAdult (13 to 90 years) · Child (3 to 12 years) · Infant (under 3): free

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup is optional; you can also go straight 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 today

Good to know

Low physical effortPublic transport nearbyInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Sougat Travel & Tourism LLC

Is this one for you?This works well if you want to spend a few hours exploring marine life without arranging separate transport or worrying about entry logistics: the ticket and optional transfer handle both, leaving you free to move through the zones at whatever pace feels right.

Traveler reviews

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (3 to 12 years); Infant (under 3): free.

How many marine animals are in the National Aquarium Abu Dhabi?

More than 46,000 marine animals representing over 300 species.

What are the 10 zones of the aquarium?

UAE's national treasures (pearl diving history), sunken sea wrecks, Atlantic caves, flooded forest, fiery volcanoes, frozen ocean, and others, each with unique displays and themes.

Are there interactive activities or just viewing?

Yes. You can take glass-bottom dhow tours and have personal encounters with sharks, plus explore interactive displays throughout the zones.

Is hotel transfer included in the ticket?

Round-trip hotel transfer is available as an optional add-on to your entry ticket.

Can I bring infants?

Yes. Infants can sit on an adult's lap. The aquarium is suitable for all fitness levels.

What's included in the entry ticket?

Entry to all 10 zones, access to all displays and interactive activities, plus all fees and taxes.

When did the National Aquarium Abu Dhabi open?

November 12, 2021.

Is there parking or public transport nearby?

Public transportation options are available nearby. You can also arrange hotel transfer as part of your ticket.