Best Aquariums in the UAE: Top Places to See Marine Life Up Close
- iamnishita11
- 2 days ago
- 6 min read
Updated: 2 days ago
The United Arab Emirates is known for its modern cities, amazing skylines, top-notch infrastructure, gorgeous beaches, and luxury like no other. The emirate cities are brimming with an interesting array of tourist attractions, right from museums to theme parks. One of the attractions that is hit with tourists, especially families, is the aquariums. The UAE has numerous aquariums, mostly in Dubai and Abu Dhabi. The aquariums in the UAE are massive, entertaining, and educational. You get to see a whole variety of marine creatures, right from tiny fishes to large sea animals. These aquariums also offer interesting activities, some of which are quite adventurous as well. With this note, let us look at the best aquariums you can visit in the UAE.
Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo
Until a decade ago, Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo was the only popular aquarium in the UAE. While today there are many more aquariums in the country, this one still is a favorite among many. Spread around two floors of the Dubai Mall, Dubai Aquarium welcomes you with a huge 10-million-liter tank built like a tunnel. This tunnel is 48-meter-long and is home to more than 33,000 marine animals among 140 species.
As you walk along the tunnel, you will get to see giant rays, groupers, tropical fish, and even sand tiger sharks swimming all around you. One of the best tips for Dubai Aquarium is to take your time in the tunnel area, as you can spot different species from every angle. The upper level of the aquarium is the underwater zoo, divided into different zones, including Living Ocean, Rainforest, and Rocky Shore. Here, you will get to see an interesting mix of animals like penguins, otters, King Croc, and piranhas.
Interesting Experiences: At the Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo, you also get the chance to meet and interact with some of the animals. The aquarium offers encounters with penguins, rays, otters, King Croc, sloth, reptiles and birds. You also get to feed some of the marine animals, including sharks here. A few adventurous experiences you can enjoy here are cage snorkeling, shark walker cage, scuba diving, shark diving, glass-bottom boat tour, etc. To enjoy special experiences, you will have to pay more than the Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo ticket price.
Location: The Dubai Mall, Downtown Dubai
Timings: 10 AM to 10 PM (Monday to Thursday) and 10 AM to 10 PM (Friday to Sunday)
Ticket Price: AED 197
The National Aquarium Abu Dhabi
The National Aquarium Abu Dhabi is the first aquarium to open in the capital emirate of the UAE. Opened in 2021, this aquarium is home to more than 35,000 marine animals, among 300 species. With the National Aquarium Abu Dhabi tickets, you will get to enter the large aquarium tank and check out numerous underwater animals like sharks, large pelagic fish, stingrays, corals, African Manatee, and more. Apart from these, the aquarium also houses different types of birds, reptiles, amphibians, and mammals. The aquarium itself into 10 zones, each representing the underwater landscapes from different parts of the world. UAE’s Natural Treasures, Atlantic Cave, Red Sea Wreck, Ring of Fire, The Sub, Frozen Ocean, Aqua Magic, Bu Tinah Island, and The Flooded Forest are the zones you will find here.
Interesting Experiences: There is more to The National Aquarium than checking out the aquarium tunnel and the different zones. There are some interesting sets of animal encounters awaiting you here like Ocean Encounter, Arctic Encounter, Jungle Encounter, and Reptile Encounter. Shark Dive, Shark Cage Feeding, and Scuba Diving are a few other things you can experience here. The National Aquarium Abu Dhabi also gives you the chance to greet and feed Capybara.
Location: Al Qana, Rabdan, Al Maqta
Timings: 10 AM to 10 PM
Ticket Price: AED 106
The Lost World Aquarium
Hotel Atlantis the Palm, the crowning glory of Palm Jumeirah, is most popular for Aquaventure Water Park. But you must also know that it is home to one of the best aquariums in the UAE, the Lost World Aquarium. What makes this aquarium different from others in the UAE is it is built on the theme of the fictional lost city of Atlantis. The aquarium has 14 chambers, each of them with ancient ruin-style exhibits. This place is home to more than 65,000 marine animals like sharks, jellyfish, sea cucumbers, starfish, tropical fish, rays, seahorses, and more. The aquarium offers an immersive and interactive experience. You will find touch tanks where you will get to know more about the inhabitants of the aquarium.
Interesting Experiences: One of the most interesting things to do here is the Behind the Scenes Tour, where you will get to know about the workings of the aquarium, including a visit to the fish hospital and food preparation room. You can also follow the expert team to know how they take care of the marine animals. Kids would love to be a Shark Specialist, where they can learn about sharks and also take part in feeding sessions. Sound Healing Meditation, Underwater Yoga, Return of the Trident – Mermaid Show, Poseidon’s Trident, etc., are some other things to enjoy here.
Location: Hotel Atlantis the Palm, Palm Jumeirah
Timings: 10 AM to 9 PM
Ticket Price: AED 160 (approx.)
SeaWorld Abu Dhabi
SeaWorld Abu Dhabi is different from all the aquariums in the country, as it is also a theme park. What makes it unique is that it is the first marine life theme park, complete with rides and rollercoasters along with large aquarium tanks. At the center of the place are the 8 immersive realms that give you a glimpse into the different ocean worlds and how they all are interconnected. With the SeaWorld Abu Dhabi ticket price, you can visit the fascinating realms like One Ocean, Abu Dhabi Ocean, Rocky Point, Antarctica, Arctic, Endless Ocean, Tropical Ocean, and MicroOcean. During your tour of these realms, you will get to see reef fish, sharks, rays, sea turtles, and so much more.
Interesting Experiences: One of the highlights of SeaWorld Aquarium are the numerous marine-themed rides and rollercoaster. Eel Racer, Explorers’ Sea Base, Jelly Plunge, Hypersphere 360o, Kelp Climb, Octozoom, Manta Coaster, Turtle Twist, Penguin Play, Shipwreck Cove, etc., are the best rides in SeaWorld Abu Dhabi. Interactive experiences, live performances, character shows, etc., are also available for entertainment. As SeaWorld Abu Dhabi is dedicated to marine research, rescue, and conservation, you will also get to learn about the underwater world here through guided tours, workshops, and more.
Location: Yas Island
Timings: 10 AM to 6 PM (sometimes till 7 PM)
Ticket Price: AED 385
Conclusion
The aquariums in the UAE are not just for sightseeing. In fact, they are educational, as you get to learn a lot about the underwater world and have some interesting experiences as well. Moreover, it has something for everyone. While visiting the aquariums is one of the best things to do in Abu Dhabi with kids, they also capture the interest of the adults. So, if you are visiting Dubai or Abu Dhabi, do take out time to visit one or more of the best aquariums mentioned here.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Are the UAE aquariums suitable for summer visits?
Yes. All the UAE aquariums are indoor attractions equipped with air conditioners, making it possible to visit them during summers as well.
Q. Should I book the tickets for UAE aquariums online?
Yes, it is best to book tickets for UAE aquariums online, as you save money as well as time. You are likely to get great deals and combo offers online.
Q. What is the best time in the day to visit UAE aquariums?
Weekdays are usually less crowded than weekends. Moreover, early mornings and late evenings are also usually less crowded, making them perfect for a visit.
Q. Can I take photographs inside UAE aquariums?
Yes, most aquariums allow visitors to take photographs. However, flash should not be used for the comfort and safety of the marine animals.
Q. Are UAE aquariums stroller or wheelchair friendly?
Yes, most of the major aquariums in the UAE are stroller and wheelchair friendly.
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