Mac Rating: 5.00 | Votes: 1 | Date: 20/06/2026 20:52:00

Home to the Middle East's largest aquarium, Al Qana is a waterfront lifestyle and entertainment destination along the Khor Al Maqta canal in the Rabdan area of Abu Dhabi. Opened in 2021 and stretching some 2.4 kilometres along the water, it was developed as an integrated open-air destination blending dining, leisure and attractions around a canal-side promenade. The National Aquarium is its anchor attraction, spread across ten themed zones with more than 46,000 marine animals and the longest underwater tunnel in the region. Around it sit a cluster of entertainment venues, including Pixoul Gaming with esports, virtual reality and bowling, the Adrenark adventure park, a multi-screen cinema and an immersive butterfly garden. A wellness hub, a yacht marina and traditional abra boat trips add further dimensions, set among landscaped community spaces designed to encourage people to linger. Dining is a major draw, with dozens of restaurants and cafes lining the waterfront, ranging from casual coffee spots to international and fine-dining venues. Entry to the promenade itself is free, with individual attractions and restaurants charging separately, and the destination is generally open from morning until late. Its mix of attractions, dining and open-air waterfront has made it one of the capital's more popular leisure destinations for residents and visitors. The National Aquarium opened in 2021 as the anchor of the destination and quickly became one of Abu Dhabi's most visited indoor attractions, with conservation and rescue work alongside its public displays. Free parking, waterfront walkways and regular events and markets help keep the promenade busy through the day and into the evening. Its position on the Khor Al Maqta channel places it close to the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque and the bridges linking Abu Dhabi island to the mainland, within easy reach of the city's main sights.