Middle East’s largest aquarium opens in UAE capital Abu Dhabi

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Home to more than 45,000 animals across 60 different exhibits, the Middle East’s largest aquarium opened its doors to visitors on (November 12) in the UAE’s capital of Abu Dhabi. Located within the Rabdan Area, the National Aquarium is one of the 11 anchors found within Al Qana.

Mirroring various marine habitats across the globe, the aquarium features 10 different zones and takes about two hours to complete.

With innovations including video mapping technology and signage guides on your personal device, this attraction is expected to quickly take its place among the world’s best aquariums. Iconic species include the world-famous Super Snake, believed to be the longest reptile on display in the world, along with a large school of Hammerhead sharks and many other hero creatures. The facility includes over 60 exhibits across 10 zones and it is expected to take an average of two hours to complete the journey.

Paul Hamilton, General Manager at The National Aquarium says, “We are absolutely delighted to be opening our doors to the public this November 12th, and be able to showcase our gigantic and diverse array of animals and animal-related activities to visitors from around the world. The Emirates has a unique relationship with the Arabian Gulf, and it is our mission to honour this connection by incorporating the UAE’s history into the project. The National Aquarium has been years in the making and we are especially excited to be opening in the same year as the UAE’s 50th Anniversary.”

The only place where you can get some idea of what Bu Tinah might look like is here,” said Paul Hamilton. “We created the seagrass beds, we have hammerhead sharks and an array of different types of fish that you would see in that location.

Some of the aquarium’s most iconic species include the world-famous Super Snake, believed to be the longest reptile on display in the world, Hammerhead sharks, and an Asian Water Monitor Lizard dubbed the “Professor.”

Abu Dhabi’s National Aquarium had been in the making for several months, witnessing a number of challenges and delays amid the coronavirus pandemic until its much-awaited launch.

“It definitely made the process a lot longer and made it a lot more difficult but it didn’t stop us,” said Hamilton.

In addition to its spectacular biodiversity, The National Aquarium boasts an array of unforgettable experiences. Visitors will be able to fully immerse themselves during their visits, with glass bottom dhow tours and personal animal encounters with sharks, puffins and a variety of other fascinating species. Scuba diving with one of the most diverse collections of sharks and rays on earth is also available.

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