Abu Dhabi will have the largest aquarium in the Middle East

The UAE is always one to go big or go home, from the tallest buildings, to the biggest hotels, to the largest aquariums. Abu Dhabi is expected to open the largest aquarium in the Middle East by next year.

The aquarium will be home to more than 33,000 marine creatures from around the world. Named The National Aquarium, the venue will be led by a world-class team of 80 marine experts and specialists, creating the most enjoyable experience possible.

The aquarium, similar in size to an entire football pitch, will have 10 zones, each covering different marine life and a different journey for visitors. The aquarium was made partly to highlight the importance of marine conservation and protection of the planet.

Through themed zones of learning, the journey will highlight the conservation required to protect the planet. It is expected that more than 1,000,000 people will venture to the aquarium every year.

Commenting on the progress of the project, general manager of The National Aquarium Paul Hamilton said: “This is the 12th public aquarium that I’ve worked on and probably the most exciting, in terms of the scale, uniqueness and attention to detail. This will bring the excitement and wonder of the oceans to the doorsteps of Abu Dhabi’s community and to visitors from all around the world.

“People across the UAE are becoming more conscious of how they can look after the environment around them, to ensure that the habitats and ecosystems of animals are safeguarded for generations to come. Through accredited educational programmes and accessible information, people of all ages will be able to understand more about the marine world at The National Aquarium,” he added.

The National Aquarium, which is now 70% complete, will have a space to welcome 50,000 school children every year and have facilities so guests can learn about more than 250 species of marine line.

It will open at Al Qana in Abu Dhabi, with Al Qana itself getting worked on as a waterfront destination in the UAE’s capital.

The aquarium is being developed by Al Barakah International Investment and is set to fully open by the final quarter of 2020.