The National Aquarium will be a feature of Abu Dhabi’s new Al Qana destination…

A new dining and entertainment destination, set to open in 2020, will be home to the largest aquarium in the Middle East. The National Aquarium, located in Al Qana, Abu Dhabi will be a 7,000 square metre space with ten zones, housing 33,000 marine animals.

While the main destination will be fully complete by the end of 2020, we’re told that the aquarium is 70 per cent complete and will open early next year. Due to the sheer size of the attraction, each visit will take two hours to experience from start to finish, according to those behind the project.

All of the 33,000 creatures are responsibly and ethically-sourced and the facility will have 80 qualified marine experts to answer any and all questions. There will be 250 species on display, including the largest reptile in the UAE, thought to be a seven-metre long python.

ALSO READ: Stunning new Abu Dhabi destination to open in 2020

Paul Hamilton, General Manager of The National Aquarium said: “People across the UAE are becoming more conscious of how they can look after the environment. 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.”

Al Qana’s 2.4 kilometre stretch will also include a range of attractions including a VR park, outdoor skatepark and cinema, as well as a range of dining outlets. It will be located in the heart of the city, near to other popular attractions such as Warner Bros, Ferrari World and Louvre Abu Dhabi.

The destination promises to include landscaped community spaces that are aimed at encouraging social interaction within its seven key districts. Many of the features will be focused towards promoting a healthy, well-balanced lifestyle to improve the happiness of Abu Dhabi’s residents and tourists.

— For the best of Dubai straight to your inbox, sign up for our newsletter.

Images: Supplied