Abu Dhabi National Aquarium, located in Abu Dhabi City, United Arab Emirates, is world-famous as one of the largest and most modern aquariums in the world. The wonderful aquarium has been likened to being home to more than 46,000 marine creatures of 330 different species, from tiny fish to giant whales.
As a marine enthusiast who is passionate about exploring wild nature, you cannot miss the interesting National Aquarium in Abu Dhabi, known as a new underwater paradise that has just welcomed tourists since 2021.
Featuring more than 46,000 creatures belonging to 330 different species, many of which are uncommon in the Middle East, such as puffins, bull sharks, and capybaras, the Abu Dhabi National Aquarium has attracted a huge influx of domestic and international visitors on a yearly basis.
Photo: Gulf
If you have always yearned to walk in the middle of the ocean, surrounded by scary sea creatures like those in science fiction movies, this modern aquarium will make your dream come true. Visitors will stand a chance of getting exposure to the mysterious ocean scenery through beautifully designed giant tunnels, with the participation of more than 200 sharks and rays representing 25 different species.
This is also the only location in the UAE with a “school” of the famous scallop hammerhead sharks. Bull sharks will also make their first appearance in the region. The most hazardous sharks in the ocean and rivers can also be seen by visitors, such as sand tiger sharks, lemon sharks, zebra sharks, black tip reef sharks, eagle rays, shovel rays, cow nose rays, and freshwater rays, among the various sharks and rays present.
Photo: Gulf
Abu Dhabi National Aquarium is divided into 10 areas; each area is a different ocean habitat, the most prominent of which is: Natural Treasure, which displays rare marine species, including fish Manta rays, killer whales, and tiger sharks; Red Sea, this area recreating the Red Sea ecosystem, home to vibrant coral reefs and colorful tropical fish; Atlantic Cave, which gives visitors an exciting adventure on the ocean floor, where there are marine species such as sharks, rays, octopuses, etc.; and the underground area, a destination that recreates the underwater world, where there are caves, caverns, and beautiful coral reefs.
Besides, Abu Dhabi National Aquarium also has many attractive activities for visitors, including:
- Dolphin shows: This show is an opportunity for visitors to admire the wonderful performances of intelligent and friendly dolphins.
- Shark shows: This show will bring visitors exciting experiences when observing sharks swimming right before their eyes.
- Scuba diving experiences: Visitors can participate in a scuba diving experience to explore the ocean world in the most authentic way.
Photo: ZAWYA
According to Paul Hamilton, the National Aquarium’s Director and Project Leader, this massive monument was designed to represent the heritage of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), highlighting the deep relationship between human beings and wildlife.
If you are planning to travel to Abu Dhabi, keep in mind to step into the Abu Dhabi National Aquarium, one of the largest and most modern aquariums in the world, to admire the exclusive marine ambiance, which is challenging to seek out anywhere.