Immerse yourself in the wonders of the underwater world at the National Aquarium Abu Dhabi.

As the largest aquarium in the Middle East, it is home to over 46,000 marine animals from more than 300 unique species. Explore the ten nautically-themed zones, each offering a different glimpse into the diverse marine life found in the region and beyond.

From the UAE's Natural Treasures to sunken sea wrecks and Atlantic caves, you'll be captivated by the beauty and diversity of the underwater world. Marvel at the vibrant coral reefs, encounter majestic sharks and rays, and discover rare and exotic species that you've never seen before.

The National Aquarium Abu Dhabi goes beyond just showcasing marine life. It offers engaging and interactive experiences that allow visitors to fully immerse themselves in the marine environment. Take a glass-bottom dhow tour and get a unique perspective of the underwater world. Get up close and personal with sharks, puffins, and freshwater rays during personal animal encounters.

Learn about the vital role the marine environment plays in our wellbeing through innovative video mapping technology and signage guides. Whether you're a marine enthusiast, a family looking for a fun and educational outing, or simply someone who appreciates the beauty of nature, the National Aquarium Abu Dhabi is a must-visit destination. Experience the magic of the underwater world and create memories that will last a lifetime.

Based on 5397 reviews

National Aquarium Abu Dhabi Tour

Pick up from the hotel
Technical stop for deflating tires/toilet break
Dune bashing
Sunset photo stop
Transfer to the safari camp
Short camel ride at the camp
Full course buffet with soft drinks
Live show (belly dancing, Tanoura, Fire Show)
Transfer back to the hotel
Book now

Getting There

By Car

Parking is available at the aquarium.

Timings

Daily: 10AM - 10PM

Google Reviews

Based on 5397 reviews
prince Ayoubi
1 day ago
good experience for kids , well organized and good space
Githin S mohan
1 day ago
We had an amazing family day at the National Aquarium Abu Dhabi.. ! The entire experience was well organized, and the variety of marine life was simply fascinating. Our kids absolutely loved exploring the different themed zones and were excited throughout the visit. It was both entertaining and educational for them. We also visited the Butterfly Garden as part of our trip, and it was a wonderful addition. Walking among the beautiful butterflies made the experience even more memorable for the children. The staff were friendly, the facilities were clean, and everything was well maintained. We left with wonderful memories as a family and would definitely recommend it to anyone visiting Abu Dhabi, especially families with young children. We'll certainly be back.. !
Dr. Hind Al Mazrooei
26 days ago
The National Aquarium Abu Dhabi was one of the highlights of our visit to the city. The aquarium is beautifully designed, exceptionally clean, and very well organized from start to finish. There is an incredible variety of marine life, along with birds, reptiles, and other fascinating animals. Every section is thoughtfully presented, making the experience both educational and entertaining for adults and children alike. The underwater tunnel was especially breathtaking and offered some amazing photo opportunities. We spent around 2–3 hours exploring and never felt rushed. The staff were friendly and helpful, and everything was clearly signposted. If you’re visiting with children, they will absolutely love the interactive exhibits and the chance to learn about ocean conservation in such an engaging way. I highly recommend adding The National Aquarium Abu Dhabi to your itinerary. It’s a wonderful experience for families, couples, and anyone who appreciates nature and marine life. Definitely one of the best attractions in Abu Dhabi!
Chaniksha0702
about 1 month ago
Had a wonderful time at the National Aquarium Abu Dhabi. The exhibits are impressive, well-maintained, and filled with a fascinating variety of marine life from around the world. Every section offers something unique, making the experience both entertaining and educational. The atmosphere is relaxing, the staff are friendly, and the entire facility is beautifully designed. It’s a great place to learn about ocean life while enjoying quality time with family and friends. A memorable experience for both kids and adults, and definitely one of the must-visit attractions in Abu Dhabi. Highly recommended!
Akila Perera
2 months ago
We had an amazing experience at the National Aquarium Abu Dhabi! My kids joined the Junior Marine Biology Program (AED 199), and it was such a fun and educational experience for them. The activities included turtle feeding, boat rides, lab observations, reptile sessions, and even learning about marine rehabilitation. A special thank you to Daniel, who facilitated the program so well. He was incredibly friendly, patient, and very knowledgeable with the kids, making the whole experience engaging and enjoyable. Parents are also allowed to stay with the kids by purchasing the general entry ticket (AED 110), which was great. After the program, the kids also enjoyed snorkeling in the 5-meter tank for AED 199, which was an unforgettable experience. I personally did the diving experience in the same tank surrounded by hammerhead sharks and so many beautiful ocean creatures. With over 350 species and around 46,000 animals, the aquarium is truly spectacular. There are different diving options available, and our dive master Rajan was absolutely incredible — professional, friendly, and made the entire experience safe and exciting. Highly recommended for both kids and adults. A perfect mix of education, adventure, and family fun! 🐠🦈✨
Lorey Mae Yanson
3 months ago
I'm really glad we visited this wonderful place! My family really had a great time, and one of the reasons why we went here is to show my kids the very much alive sea friends inside! My son really enjoyed and was amazed. We also loved the fact that they have a rescue sanctuary inside, and they'll give you a tour around it. It's really worth it.
vitoria fiorentini
3 months ago
The aquarium is an incredible place to visit and offers a truly immersive experience. The variety of marine life is impressive, from colorful tropical fish to fascinating larger species, making every section exciting to explore. The tunnels and displays allow you to feel very close to the underwater world, creating unforgettable moments. It’s both relaxing and educational. A must-visit attraction for anyone who loves nature and unique experiences.
Aneta Stromšíková
3 months ago
I can recommend this place. It's really nice
Shone Jose
5 months ago
Had a fantastic visit to the The National Aquarium Abu Dhabi! The exhibits are beautifully designed, the marine life variety is impressive, and the glass tunnel is a highlight. Very clean, well-organized, and great for families or a fun day out. Highly recommend!
Arundhati Shankar
6 months ago
The National Aquarium in Abu Dhabi was my favorite experience! The aquarium is beautifully designed, with a variety of habitats that truly bring the underwater and wildlife world to life. There are different types of tickets depending on the experience you want — general admission, combo experiences, or premium tickets that include special access to certain exhibits. It’s worth checking their website before visiting to choose what suits you best. The aquarium has a snow section where you can see unique animals and birds in a chilly, simulated environment — very different from the rest of the exhibits. There are also sections representing different habitats, from desert landscapes to coral reefs. My personal favorite was the tropical jungle section — it felt so alive! Birds flying around, turtles moving leisurely, and a variety of plants and smaller creatures made it feel like stepping into a real jungle. Every corner had something new to admire. Overall, it’s educational, fun, and visually stunning. A must-visit for families, nature lovers, or anyone looking for a unique experience in Abu Dhabi.
T
6 months ago
I visited the National Aquarium Abu Dhabi and was absolutely amazed from beginning to end. We bought our tickets online but there wasn't a long queue. The experience is thoughtfully designed and beautifully immersive, with a sequence of themed rooms that take you through dramatic underwater environments, from a broken airplane to a shipwreck, and even a sunken submarine. The scale of the place is incredible. The aquarium is home to around 46,000 animals from more than 300 species, representing marine life from tropical reefs to deep ocean habitats across 10 different themed zones. This includes an astonishing variety of fish, rays, turtles, and many other creatures, so you’re constantly discovering something new as you walk through. About halfway through the visit there’s a small café, perfect for a quick break before you reach the highlight: the large walk-through aquarium. This final section is about five metres deep, with four different species of shark swimming overhead — an unforgettable way to end the journey. Even the smallest details are charming, like the ocean-themed toilets with shell-shaped sinks, which add a fun touch. There were a few groups of screaming overly excited children but they moved on quite quickly. For most of the rooms we were by ourselves. There is wifi and massage chairs which was a bit too rough.We spent about 90 mins here.Whether you love marine life or just enjoy spectacular, thoughtfully curated attractions, the National Aquarium is truly worth a visit.
Neha Sharma Ajbani
6 months ago
We went with our toddler, we throughly enjoyed our time there. Recommend for first time visitor to Abu Dhabi 😀 Various Varity of fishes and aquatic animals are there to see and learn about them.As well as many hands on activities you can choose from while buying tickets from the counter. Day fill with fun & learning 🐠🐟🐡🦈🦦🦭🍤🐢🐚
Katherine Harris
7 months ago
Excellent aquarium in a lovely location. Great variety of different fish, amphibians, birds etc. to see and incredible information on ongoing conservation work both for animals and the environment as a whole. 30 minute taxi ride from the cruise port, I would highly recommend visiting! Unfortunately the butterfly house had not yet opened as it is new to the area and is expected to open 9th January 2026, however from the outside it looked great and just another reason to come back and visit.
Mariam
7 months ago
Such a beautiful and peaceful place. Very quiet and well organized. I visited alone and still enjoyed every moment. A truly unique experience—I saw different kinds of fish, insects, reptiles, plus birds and snakes. Definitely worth the visit!
Paul Ciprian
8 months ago
A very beautiful aquarium! Besides fish you can also see reptiles, insects or you can take a glass bottom boat ride. The price/quality ratio seemed better to me than at the Dubai aquarium. I spent about 90 minutes visiting it.
Ahmed Alkaabi
8 months ago
Our visit to The National Aquarium Abu Dhabi was truly exceptional. The entire experience was educational, engaging, and perfectly designed for families. The exhibits are beautifully arranged, the environment is clean and well-organized, and the variety of marine life is simply impressive. It’s a place where children learn while having fun, and adults enjoy every moment just as much. I would also like to extend special thanks and appreciation to Ms. Hanan, one of the staff members who made our visit unforgettable. She took the time to give my children a detailed explanation about how animals are examined, cared for, rehabilitated, and eventually released back into Abu Dhabi’s natural environment. Her passion, knowledge, and kindness truly stood out. She made the experience more meaningful and inspired my children to appreciate wildlife conservation. Highly recommended for anyone visiting Abu Dhabi—an amazing place with amazing people behind it.
Guntur Indra R.
about 1 year ago
I think this place is a very fun place, especially if you like fish, animal, or nature. Besides the fish and other animals that lives in the water, they also have frogs, birds, snakes, otter, duck, insects, penguin, and many more. My favourite spot is where they have the birds fly freely in one of the room, it's magical and feels like we're actually in the real nature. -June 2025
Faq
Comfortable sportswear is recommended. Sport shoes or flip-flops. In winter, it is desirable to have warm clothes.
Children under 2 years old are not allowed. Children 2-12 years old have a children's rate. Ages 12 and up are considered adults.
It is not allowed to drive an off-road vehicle by law. If you wish to go for a self-drive option, you have to rent a buggy.