National Aquarium Abu Dhabi: when does it open and how much will tickets cost?

The newest attraction in the capital is ready to open its doors to the public

The National Aquarium Abu Dhabi opened to the public in November. All photos by Ruel Pableo for The National

It is the first attraction to open in Al Qana, a new waterfront destination.

Inside The Sub, one of 10 zones in the aquarium.

The Red Sea Wreck zone.

The UAE's Natural Treasures zone.

The Ring of Fire zone where guests can learn about volcanic caves and how islands are formed.

Children outside of the National Aquarium on opening day.

Tickets can be purchased at the door or online. Prices start at Dh105 ($28).

Visitors explore the Red Sea Wreck zone.

The National Aquarium Abu Dhabi is set to be joined by other attractions at Al Qana.

The aquarium is home to 46,000 creatures, representing 300 species.

Covering more than 9,000 square metres, it is the largest aquarium in the Middle East.

An underwater tunnel at the National Aquarium Abu Dhabi.

Visitors can book the aquarium tour or a behind-the-scenes tour.

The Flooded Forest zone is home to Super Snake – a female reticulated python, aged 14, that weighs 115 kilograms.

Inside the Red Sea Wreck zone visitors can can come face-to-fin with hundreds of fish.

At the Atlantic Cave zone visitors can discover what really lives beneath the ocean's surface.

The Frozen Ocean zone.

The Ocean Magic zone.

Inside Bu Tinah Island zone.

The Ocean Magic zone contains a car filled with fishes.

The Flooded Forest zone.

The UAE's Natural Treasures zone explores the country's rich pearl diving history.

The National Aquarium Abu Dhabi is the first project to open in Al Qana, a new waterfront destination in the capital that stretches 2.4 kilometres. The attraction is home to 46,000 creatures and 300 species spread across 10 zones.

It will be the biggest aquarium in the Middle East when it opens and the wildlife that live there will be cared for by a team of 80 sea-life experts and specialists. Ahead of its opening, here's a guide to everything you need to know.

When does The National Aquarium open to the public?

The National Aquarium opens to the public this Friday.

What are the opening hours?

The opening hours are 10am to 8pm from Sunday to Wednesday, and 10am to 10pm from Thursday to Saturday.

How much are tickets for The National Aquarium?

There are four tiers of ticketing for the attraction: General Admission (Dh105), Beyond the Glass (Dh130), Bu Tinah Dhow (Dh150) and VIP (Dh200). Annual passes are also available for Dh399. Children under the age of 3 can enter for free.

General Admission offers a tour through the 10 zones of the aquarium.

The Beyond the Glass ticket includes the aquarium tour as well as a behind-the-scenes tour that features a walk on a glass bridge.

The Bu Tinah Dhow ticket has the aquarium journey as well as a glass-bottom dhow tour and fish feeding.

The VIP ticket includes all the aforementioned activities.

Where can I buy The National Aquarium tickets?

Tickets can be purchased at the door or online at thenationalaquarium.ae.

What other experiences can be booked?

The aquatic attraction also offers animal encounters for Dh180. Visitors can choose from swimming with sharks, feeding stingrays or feeding puffins.

How do I get to The National Aquarium?

The aquarium is located in Al Qana off of Khaleej Al Arabi in the Rabdan area near the Maqta Bridge. There are taxi and bus stops around the area as well as 3,000 surface and basement parking spaces for guests.

What are the Covid-19 safety precautions?

Those aged 16 and above will be required to show a green pass on Al Hosn app or a negative PCR test with less than 96 hours validity to enter. Face masks must be worn at all times.

More information is available at www.thenationalaquarium.ae