• The National Aquarium in Abu Dhabi will open on Friday, November 12. Leen Alfaisal / The National
    The National Aquarium in Abu Dhabi will open on Friday, November 12. Leen Alfaisal / The National
  • It houses more than 46,000 creatures. Leen Alfaisal / The National
    It houses more than 46,000 creatures. Leen Alfaisal / The National
  • The 10 zones in the aquarium host more than 300 species. Leen Alfaisal / The National
    The 10 zones in the aquarium host more than 300 species. Leen Alfaisal / The National
  • The National Aquarium is home to Super Snake, a 14-year-old female reticulated python. Leen Alfaisal / The National
    The National Aquarium is home to Super Snake, a 14-year-old female reticulated python. Leen Alfaisal / The National
  • Tickets for the National Aquarium start at Dh105 for general admission. Photo: Leen Alfaisal / The National
    Tickets for the National Aquarium start at Dh105 for general admission. Photo: Leen Alfaisal / The National
  • There are more than 200 sharks and rays, representing 25 different species. Leen Alfaisal / The National
    There are more than 200 sharks and rays, representing 25 different species. Leen Alfaisal / The National
  • The National Aquarium has a five-year parternship with the Environmental Agency - Abu Dhabi. Leen Alfaisal / The National
    The National Aquarium has a five-year parternship with the Environmental Agency - Abu Dhabi. Leen Alfaisal / The National
  • The aquarium spans over 9,000 square metres, making it the largest in the MIddle East. Leen Alfaisal / The National
    The aquarium spans over 9,000 square metres, making it the largest in the MIddle East. Leen Alfaisal / The National
  • All the animals are cared for by a team of 80 sea-life experts. Leen Alfaisal / The National
    All the animals are cared for by a team of 80 sea-life experts. Leen Alfaisal / The National
  • Jellyfish at the National Aquarium in Abu Dhabi. Leen Alfaisal / The National
    Jellyfish at the National Aquarium in Abu Dhabi. Leen Alfaisal / The National
  • The National Aquarium in Abu Dhabi is the first project to open in Al Qana. Leen Alfaisal / The National
    The National Aquarium in Abu Dhabi is the first project to open in Al Qana. Leen Alfaisal / The National
  • An average journey through the 10 zones of the aquarium takes about two hours. Leen Alfaisal / The National
    An average journey through the 10 zones of the aquarium takes about two hours. Leen Alfaisal / The National
  • There are 10 different zones that take visitors around the world. Leen Alfaisal / The National
    There are 10 different zones that take visitors around the world. Leen Alfaisal / The National
  • The aquarium is home to a kimono dragon. Leen Alfaisal / The National
    The aquarium is home to a kimono dragon. Leen Alfaisal / The National
  • The aquarium's mission statement is "creating a momet for people to re-connect with nature". Leen Alfaisal / The National
    The aquarium's mission statement is "creating a momet for people to re-connect with nature". Leen Alfaisal / The National

Abu Dhabi's National Aquarium to open on Friday in Al Qana


Evelyn Lau
  • English
  • Arabic

Abu Dhabi's much-awaited National Aquarium is set to open on Friday, it was announced at a press conference on Tuesday.

The new aquarium is based in Al Qana, a new waterfront destination in the capital, and is home to 46,000 creatures and 300 species spread across 10 zones. It will be the biggest aquarium in the Middle East when it opens and the wildlife that live there will be cared for by a team of 80 sea-life experts and specialists.

General manager Paul Hamilton said the National Aquarium "honours the heritage of the UAE".

"We definitely nailed it. It’s better than any other in the Middle East."

Ticket prices start at Dh105 per person and there are four tiers of ticketing including general admission (Dh105), beyond the glass (Dh130), bu tinah dhow (Dh150) and VIP ticket (200).

The family attraction, being developed by the Department of Municipalities and Transport in Abu Dhabi and Al Barakah International Investment, is also set to house the Middle East's largest collection of sharks and rays, as well as Super Snake, a 14-year-old female reticulated python.

The reticulated python is the longest snake breed in the world, regularly reaching more than 6.25 metres long, with the largest yet recorded to be 10 metres (about the size of a school bus). And at seven metres, Super Snake will be one of the largest on display in the world.

  • The National Aquarium in Al Qana, Abu Dhabi, is set to open on Friday, November 12
    The National Aquarium in Al Qana, Abu Dhabi, is set to open on Friday, November 12
  • The attraction will house more than 200 sharks and rays that represent more than 25 aquatic species
    The attraction will house more than 200 sharks and rays that represent more than 25 aquatic species
  • The new attraction will house the largest collection of sharks and rays in the Middle East
    The new attraction will house the largest collection of sharks and rays in the Middle East
  • Guests will be able experience live feeding demonstrations with both sharks and rays
    Guests will be able experience live feeding demonstrations with both sharks and rays
  • As well as hammerhead sharks (pictured), the aquarium will house sand tiger sharks, lemon sharks, zebra sharks and blacktip reef sharks
    As well as hammerhead sharks (pictured), the aquarium will house sand tiger sharks, lemon sharks, zebra sharks and blacktip reef sharks

Sharks, rays and conservation

The new attraction will be home to the UAE's only scalloped hammerhead sharks and bull sharks, as well as sand tiger sharks, lemon sharks, zebra sharks, blacktip reef sharks, eagle rays, shovelnose rays (or guitarfish), cownose rays and freshwater rays, among others.

Guests will be able experience shark encounter, during which they will hand-feed sharks as large as two metres long. There will also be live feeding demonstrations with sharks and rays.

Rehabilitation and conservation will be a primary focus of The National Aquarium. In July 2020, the aquarium signed a five-year partnership with The Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi, “with the aim to help create the largest and most innovative rehabilitation schemes of its kind to protect and rehabilitate wildlife in the emirate of Abu Dhabi".

Al Qana: Abu Dhabi's new waterfront destination

The waterfront destination spans 2.4 kilometres and is set to be complete by the end of 2021.

The entertainment and dining hub is home to restaurants and cafes and children's recreation centres, as well as the aquarium, which will be its main attraction.

Located on the Khor Al Maqta waterway, Al Qana is spread across seven zones.

Visitors will have access to restaurants spanning the waterfront, offering a prime view of Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque.

It also features scenic walkways, while entertainment options include cinemas, a children's area, an outdoor skatepark and landscaped community spaces.

Al Qana also has a yacht marina, an e-sports and gaming zone, a wellness hub and virtual-reality park.

Tickets start at Dh105. For more information, visit thenationalaquarium.ae

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UAE megaprojects 2021

  • The Atlantis The Royal hotel in Dubai. It is set to open in March 2023. Getty Images
    The Atlantis The Royal hotel in Dubai. It is set to open in March 2023. Getty Images
  • The Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park Phase 5 in Dubai. Pawan Singh / The National
    The Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park Phase 5 in Dubai. Pawan Singh / The National
  • The Dubai Urban Tech District is slated to create 4,000 jobs. Photo: URB
    The Dubai Urban Tech District is slated to create 4,000 jobs. Photo: URB
  • Nakheel, the Dubai-based master developer, has unveiled a new vision for Dubai Islands. Photo Nakheel
    Nakheel, the Dubai-based master developer, has unveiled a new vision for Dubai Islands. Photo Nakheel
  • Uptown Tower is a new skyscraper set to open in Dubai later this year. Victor Besa / The National
    Uptown Tower is a new skyscraper set to open in Dubai later this year. Victor Besa / The National
  • Al Quoz Creative Zone meeting to approve the master plan. The zone is to expand on a large scale.
    Al Quoz Creative Zone meeting to approve the master plan. The zone is to expand on a large scale.
  • The AlJurf project on the coast between Abu Dhabi and Dubai. Courtesy IMKAN
    The AlJurf project on the coast between Abu Dhabi and Dubai. Courtesy IMKAN
  • First look at the Mohammed Bin Rashed Library in Al Jaddaf, Dubai. Chris Whiteoak / The National
    First look at the Mohammed Bin Rashed Library in Al Jaddaf, Dubai. Chris Whiteoak / The National
  • The Natural History Museum Abu Dhabi's design alludes to natural rock formations, reflecting on the its mission of engaging the public with the natural world. Photo: DCT – Abu Dhabi
    The Natural History Museum Abu Dhabi's design alludes to natural rock formations, reflecting on the its mission of engaging the public with the natural world. Photo: DCT – Abu Dhabi
  • The Louvre Abu Dhabi Residences by Aldar will come with spectacular views. Photo: Aldar
    The Louvre Abu Dhabi Residences by Aldar will come with spectacular views. Photo: Aldar
  • Reem Hills on Reem Island. Courtesy Q Properties
    Reem Hills on Reem Island. Courtesy Q Properties
  • Masaar is a 19 million square foot project in Sharjah that will include 4,000 villas and townhouses in total. Courtesy Arada
    Masaar is a 19 million square foot project in Sharjah that will include 4,000 villas and townhouses in total. Courtesy Arada
  • Aldar's Saadiyat Island mixed-use development. Credit: Aldar Properties
    Aldar's Saadiyat Island mixed-use development. Credit: Aldar Properties
  • Al Hamra, the leading lifestyle developer and investment company in Ras Al Khaimah, has announced the launch of an exclusive freehold luxury villa project – the Falcon Island - within the award-winning Al Hamra Village residential community. Photo: Al Hamra
    Al Hamra, the leading lifestyle developer and investment company in Ras Al Khaimah, has announced the launch of an exclusive freehold luxury villa project – the Falcon Island - within the award-winning Al Hamra Village residential community. Photo: Al Hamra
  • Museum of The Future lights up in Dubai. Antonie Robertson / The National
    Museum of The Future lights up in Dubai. Antonie Robertson / The National
  • Blizzard’s Bazaar, Snowflake Garden and Flurries’ Mountain are just some of the unique attractions that will welcome visitors at Snow Abu Dhabi at Reem Mall. Wam
    Blizzard’s Bazaar, Snowflake Garden and Flurries’ Mountain are just some of the unique attractions that will welcome visitors at Snow Abu Dhabi at Reem Mall. Wam
  • The steel structure that is Al Wasl Plaza - the heart of the Expo site. Courtesy: Expo 2020 Dubai
    The steel structure that is Al Wasl Plaza - the heart of the Expo site. Courtesy: Expo 2020 Dubai
  • Groundbreaking of Meydan One Mall took place in 2017. Courtesy The Meydan Group
    Groundbreaking of Meydan One Mall took place in 2017. Courtesy The Meydan Group
  • A dining area at Al Qana in Abu Dhabi. The waterfront destination is was about 90 per cent complete during the early months of 2021. Courtesy: Al Barakah International Investment
    A dining area at Al Qana in Abu Dhabi. The waterfront destination is was about 90 per cent complete during the early months of 2021. Courtesy: Al Barakah International Investment
  • The Rixos Marina Abu Dhabi dominates the skyline out towards Marina Mall. Victor Besa / The National
    The Rixos Marina Abu Dhabi dominates the skyline out towards Marina Mall. Victor Besa / The National
  • Jubail Island will eventually house 5,000 residents.
    Jubail Island will eventually house 5,000 residents.
  • SeaWorld AbuDhabi will include six distinct realms which tell a unified and immersive “One Ocean” story and one of the world’s largest and most progressive indoor aquariums. Courtesy Abu Dhabi Government Media Office
    SeaWorld AbuDhabi will include six distinct realms which tell a unified and immersive “One Ocean” story and one of the world’s largest and most progressive indoor aquariums. Courtesy Abu Dhabi Government Media Office
  • Both towers of One Zaabeel in Dubai have been topped out.
    Both towers of One Zaabeel in Dubai have been topped out.
  • The first new hotel to have opened on Yas Island in 12 years, the Hilton Abu Dhabi Yas Island is located on Yas Bay, beside the Etihad Arena. Courtesy Hilton
    The first new hotel to have opened on Yas Island in 12 years, the Hilton Abu Dhabi Yas Island is located on Yas Bay, beside the Etihad Arena. Courtesy Hilton
  • Hatta is being transformed into an attractive local and international destination for business, investment and tourism. Photo: WAM
    Hatta is being transformed into an attractive local and international destination for business, investment and tourism. Photo: WAM
  • Ciel wil be open by 2023 and is set to be the world's tallest hotel. Courtesy The First Group
    Ciel wil be open by 2023 and is set to be the world's tallest hotel. Courtesy The First Group
  • Dubai CommerCity's first phase has been launched. Reem Mohammed / The National
    Dubai CommerCity's first phase has been launched. Reem Mohammed / The National
  • Foundation work and tunnelling is being completed at the Abu Mureikha site in Abu Dhabi of the country's first traditional Hindu stone temple. Courtesy: BAPS Hindu Mandir
    Foundation work and tunnelling is being completed at the Abu Mureikha site in Abu Dhabi of the country's first traditional Hindu stone temple. Courtesy: BAPS Hindu Mandir
  • An artist's illustration of the Abrahamic Family House to be built on Saadiyat Island in Abu Dhabi. Courtesy Edelman
    An artist's illustration of the Abrahamic Family House to be built on Saadiyat Island in Abu Dhabi. Courtesy Edelman
  • The Ruler of Sharjah, Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, opened Khor Kalba Fort and also viewed plans for a new museum. Wam
    The Ruler of Sharjah, Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, opened Khor Kalba Fort and also viewed plans for a new museum. Wam
  • Progress at the Dibba Fujairah Sports Club Stadium project in Al Ras, Dibba Fujairah.
    Progress at the Dibba Fujairah Sports Club Stadium project in Al Ras, Dibba Fujairah.
  • Railroad laying works for the second phase of the Etihad Rail project. Wam
    Railroad laying works for the second phase of the Etihad Rail project. Wam
  • The Guggenheim Abu Dhabi is on track to be completed in 2025. Photo: Guggenheim Abu Dhabi
    The Guggenheim Abu Dhabi is on track to be completed in 2025. Photo: Guggenheim Abu Dhabi

Mercer, the investment consulting arm of US services company Marsh & McLennan, expects its wealth division to at least double its assets under management (AUM) in the Middle East as wealth in the region continues to grow despite economic headwinds, a company official said.

Mercer Wealth, which globally has $160 billion in AUM, plans to boost its AUM in the region to $2-$3bn in the next 2-3 years from the present $1bn, said Yasir AbuShaban, a Dubai-based principal with Mercer Wealth.

Within the next two to three years, we are looking at reaching $2 to $3 billion as a conservative estimate and we do see an opportunity to do so,” said Mr AbuShaban.

Mercer does not directly make investments, but allocates clients’ money they have discretion to, to professional asset managers. They also provide advice to clients.

“We have buying power. We can negotiate on their (client’s) behalf with asset managers to provide them lower fees than they otherwise would have to get on their own,” he added.

Mercer Wealth’s clients include sovereign wealth funds, family offices, and insurance companies among others.

From its office in Dubai, Mercer also looks after Africa, India and Turkey, where they also see opportunity for growth.

Wealth creation in Middle East and Africa (MEA) grew 8.5 per cent to $8.1 trillion last year from $7.5tn in 2015, higher than last year’s global average of 6 per cent and the second-highest growth in a region after Asia-Pacific which grew 9.9 per cent, according to consultancy Boston Consulting Group (BCG). In the region, where wealth grew just 1.9 per cent in 2015 compared with 2014, a pickup in oil prices has helped in wealth generation.

BCG is forecasting MEA wealth will rise to $12tn by 2021, growing at an annual average of 8 per cent.

Drivers of wealth generation in the region will be split evenly between new wealth creation and growth of performance of existing assets, according to BCG.

Another general trend in the region is clients’ looking for a comprehensive approach to investing, according to Mr AbuShaban.

“Institutional investors or some of the families are seeing a slowdown in the available capital they have to invest and in that sense they are looking at optimizing the way they manage their portfolios and making sure they are not investing haphazardly and different parts of their investment are working together,” said Mr AbuShaban.

Some clients also have a higher appetite for risk, given the low interest-rate environment that does not provide enough yield for some institutional investors. These clients are keen to invest in illiquid assets, such as private equity and infrastructure.

“What we have seen is a desire for higher returns in what has been a low-return environment specifically in various fixed income or bonds,” he said.

“In this environment, we have seen a de facto increase in the risk that clients are taking in things like illiquid investments, private equity investments, infrastructure and private debt, those kind of investments were higher illiquidity results in incrementally higher returns.”

The Abu Dhabi Investment Authority, one of the largest sovereign wealth funds, said in its 2016 report that has gradually increased its exposure in direct private equity and private credit transactions, mainly in Asian markets and especially in China and India. The authority’s private equity department focused on structured equities owing to “their defensive characteristics.”

Updated: November 10, 2021, 5:33 AM