Whenever I engage with anything involving animals, I strive to ensure my support aligns with ethical causes rather than contributing to cruelty.

It’s reassuring to know that the Wildlife Rescue program in Abu Dhabi focuses on ethical practices, aiming to Rescue, Rehabilitate, and Release native wildlife within the Emirate. This approach ensures that animals are not captured from the wild unless they are injured, supporting the preservation of UAE’s natural treasures for future generations.

The National Aquarium Abu Dhabi is one of the largest aquariums in the Middle East, home to 46,000 animals spread across 10 zones. It houses over 200 sharks and rays, representing 25 different species, all cared for by a team of 80 sea-life experts. Education is at the core of The National Aquarium, with a dedicated department focused on learning and environmental awareness, capable of welcoming up to 50,000 students a year.

Sharks are one of the most fascinating fish, having swum in our oceans for over 420 million years (outliving dinosaurs). Despite being feared, they captivate people’s curiosity, leading to numerous movies about them. At the Abu Dhabi Aquarium, you can get up close and personal with many of the over 400 shark species and witness their development from embryo to adult life. Did you know that sharks are under threat? They often get caught in fishing gear and are hunted for their fins. Learn a lot more about sharks and their conservation at the Abu Dhabi Aquarium.

This was the first time I saw not only shark teeth up close but also a shark embryo!

Fish are the most diverse group of vertebrates on the planet, with over 34,000 known species. They inhabit a wide range of aquatic environments, from the deepest ocean trenches to high mountain streams. This diversity is reflected in their varied sizes, shapes, behaviors, and adaptations.

Currently, 1,414 species of fish, or 5% of the world’s known species, are at risk of extinction due to overfishing, habitat destruction, and pollution. To help protect these species, you can limit your fish intake, take your rubbish home from the beach, avoid releasing balloons into the sky, and recycle plastic as much as possible.

Useful Tips

Distance

Located next to The Grand Mosque, the Abu Dhabi Aquarium is about a 25-minute drive from the airport. During a layover, we took a taxi there and back, costing $25 each way.

Parking

There is a large free parking lot in front of the aquarium.

Time Needed

Plan to spend anywhere from 2 to 4 hours at the aquarium, depending on whether you opt for animal encounters and which tours you take. We chose the “Beyond the Glass” tour and passed on the glass bottom boat tour, as the boat area is not large and you can see everything from the regular viewing areas.

Admission

Get your tickets here.

• General admission: 110 AED ($30)
• Beyond the Glass: 140 AED ($38)
• Glass Bottom Boat: 160 AED ($44)
• Kids below 3: Free

Opening Hours

10:00 am – 10:00 pm

Once Inside

Bring a snack for your child if needed. There is a souvenir shop at the end and an ice cream stop. The aquarium is an easy walk with limited seating except in the kids’ play area. It’s definitely worth visiting—our child loved it.

We visited the Abu Dhabi Aquarium during our layover, and it was time well spent. We all had fun and learned something new. The area around the aquarium is also enjoyable to explore. Right next door, you can find Pixoul Gaming and Adrenark Adventure, both indoor spaces for kids and adults. Additionally, there are many restaurants and cafes nearby.

There are a few places nearby where you can eat or get coffee. We crossed the bridge and chose Al Safadi, a Lebanese restaurant chain with vegan options. It was delicious.

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