The National Aquarium Abu Dhabi is at Al Qana. It’s open 10 AM to 10 PM every day. They have like 46,000 animals there. There’s this tunnel where sharks swim over your head. You’ll probably spend 2 or 3 hours there. If you’re visiting between June and September, it’s easily one of the best summer activities in Abu Dhabi because you stay indoors while still getting a full day out. Go on a weekday morning if you can, and book tickets online before you go.
The place is pretty big. It’s not like a regular aquarium where you walk past a bunch of tanks in a line. Different sections have different stuff. You’ll see coral reefs, then reptiles, then Arctic animals. There’s a tunnel that’s the main thing people talk about. Sharks and rays swim above you in it. It’s long and people spend a lot of time in there just watching.
The whole building has AC, which is good because it gets really hot outside. In the summer especially, being inside is nice.
It’s at Al Qana in Rabdan. That’s about 10 minutes from the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque. Al Qana has restaurants, a cinema, and other stuff to do. I usually end up spending most of the day in the area, then mix it with a few free things to do in Abu Dhabi nearby to make the trip feel more complete.
If you’re driving from Abu Dhabi center, it’s like 15-20 minutes. From Dubai it’s about 90 minutes on the E11. They have parking there but it fills up on weekends and holidays.
You can also just take a taxi or Careem. They drop you right there. That’s easier if you don’t want to worry about parking.
There’s buses too but they’re kind of a pain if you don’t know the system.
10 AM to 10 PM every day. That’s pretty good hours. But check their website during Ramadan because it changes.
Weekday mornings are way less crowded. Tuesday and Wednesday mornings are the best. Weekends are packed. School holidays are even worse. Evenings get busy too.
Tickets aren’t all the same price. You can get a basic one that lets you walk around and see everything. There’s a VIP one with more stuff. You can add animal encounters. And there’s an annual pass if you think you’ll go back.
Prices change so just check their website. If you’re going on a weekend, book online the night before. It’s cheaper sometimes and you don’t wait in line.
They have special encounters where you can get close to animals. You can do reptiles, ocean animals, jungle stuff, or Arctic animals. There’s diving too if you want. The capybara thing is popular. You have to book these ahead because they fill up.
They also have a rescue program for animals from the UAE. The staff can tell you about it if you ask.
It’s inside and air conditioned so that’s good. You can bring a stroller and it works fine. There’s feeding times that keep kids interested. A full walk takes 2-3 hours which is good timing.
The tunnel and dark rooms might scare really little kids so just go slow through those parts. Bring snacks and water. There’s food at Al Qana but snacks help.
Book online the night before if it’s a weekend. Wear shoes that are comfortable for walking. Bring a light jacket because the AC is cold. Check the feeding times when you get there. Spend some time at Al Qana too.
It’s open all year. Summer is busy because it’s so hot outside. Winter is nicer weather but it gets crowded around National Day and school breaks. The AC means you’re comfortable no matter what.
How long does it take to see everything?
2 to 3 hours if you’re not rushing. Longer if you do the animal encounters.
What time is it open?
10 AM to 10 PM. Check during Ramadan.
Where is it exactly?
Al Qana in Rabdan. Near the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque.
Can I bring a stroller?
Yeah, no problem with strollers.
Should I buy tickets ahead?
If it’s a weekend or holiday, yeah buy them online the night before. Weekday mornings you can usually buy there.
How do I get there from Dubai?
E11 for 90 minutes toward Abu Dhabi then follow signs to Al Qana. Parking is there.
What animal encounters can I do?
Capybara meet, shark dives, reptile sessions, Arctic sessions. Book ahead.
Is there an annual pass?
Yeah and it’s worth it if you live there and go back.
Where can I eat?
Al Qana has tons of restaurants and cafes.
Can I take pictures?
Yeah but don’t use flash because it bothers the animals.
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