Abu Dhabi has so many amazing attractions but there’s a new player in town that’s about to capture serious attention.
The capital is soon to be home to the largest aquarium in the Middle East, The National Aquarium at Al Qana.
Expected to open early in 2020, the ten-zone giant aquarium will cover a massive 7,000 square metres and will be home to more than 33,000 marine creatures.
Each of the animals has been ethically sourced from around the world, too, and will be cared for by a team of marine experts and specialists.
Themed zones at the attraction will include learning opportunities for visitors to understand conservation efforts to protect marine species in the Gulf and around the world.
Expected to attract 50,000 schoolchildren every year, the centre will offer the chance to learn more about more than 250 species of marine animals from locations including the Pacific, the Amazon, Mediterranean and the Arctic.
Highlighting the waters of the Arabian Gulf, visitors will also be able to learn about native species and the efforts being made to protect species in the waters off of the UAE.
“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,” said Paul Hamilton, general manager of The National Aquarium.
“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 programs and accessible information, people of all ages will be able to understand more about the marine world at The National Aquarium, fostering a deeper appreciation of the creatures, corals and plants that make the underwater realm so fascinating and worth protecting.”
The National Aquarium is part of the overall Al Qana project, which aims to deliver a thriving social community for locals, residents and visitors.
Fouad Mashal, CEO of developers, Al Barakah International Investment, says: “Al Qana is more than just a dining and entertainment waterfront destination. When we conceptualised the project, our objective was to make a social impact and improve the standard and quality of living in Abu Dhabi.
“We want to bring happiness to our community and encourage social interactions between residents and visitors, and support Abu Dhabi’s vision of becoming one of the most liveable cities in the world by 2021.
“With Al Qana, we are keen to deliver a project that is not only 50 percent dedicated to entertainment but also highly-educational. The National Aquarium will be one of the most important components of Al Qana, as it will be celebrating our local heritage through a special dedicated pavilion which will include many species from the UAE and from different part of the world.”
For more information about The National Aquarium, visit www.alqana.ae
