Al Qana is located near Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque and features The National Aquarium, Cinemacity, Pixoul Gaming, and waterfront dining. Aquarium tickets start from AED 105.
Abu Dhabi, alongside its sister emirates in the United Arab Emirates, has been a top tourist destination globally since its amazing transformation over the last decades. With so much to offer its residents and tourists when it comes to luxury, entertainment, and lifestyle, Abu Dhabi continues to impress with more attractions.
One of its newest additions, Al Qana aquarium, officially launched in March 2022, has become one of the premier lifestyle and entertainment destinations across the UAE, and globally. Spanning over 2 kilometers along an artificial canal, Al Qana in Abu Dhabi boasts the largest aquarium in the Middle East, world-class restaurants and cafes, breathtaking views of its marina, amenities, including a state-of-the-art cinema, and many others that can only be found at this prime location.
Al Qana is the premier lifestyle destination for anyone seeking culinary enjoyment, relaxation, park adventures, games, and much more. In this blog, we’ll explore the best of Al Qana in Abu Dhabi together.
What Is There To Do At Al Qana Marina In Abu Dhabi?
Visitors can enjoy waterfront dining, cafés, marina views, shopping, family attractions, and evening strolls along the promenade. Here is list of what you can do while you are there;
1. The National Aquarium
This is currently the largest aquarium in the Middle East, best place to get Al Qana photos. The Al Qana aquarium is home to about 46,000 different creatures and 300 species of fish. It is spread across 10 zones with the fauna and flora being catered to by an expert marine team of 80 personnel.
The aquarium features over 60 exhibitions, scuba diving, high-tech interactive elements and underwater shows, feeding sessions, and a host of other events to keep every member of the family, young and old, entertained.
Tickets cost between AED 105 to 200 AED, with the upper limit allowing an all-access pass for holders.
The National Aquarium at Al Qana opens from 10 AM to 10 PM daily and welcomes all lovers of marine life.
If you are in Abu Dhabi and on a budget, check these free best spots to explore.

2. Cinemacity
Cinemacity is another great attraction at Al Qana in Abu Dhabi for theater lovers. It features one of the largest cinema screens in the capital, spanning 26 meters.
With 15 theaters, including VIP, arthouse, children, and 3DMax theaters, Cinemacity caters to about 9,000 moviegoers. The three VIP theaters feature fully reclining seats with an option for fine dining that includes the services of an on-demand server.
Shows at the theaters include Hollywood, Bollywood, and regional films in English, Hindi, and Arabic.
3. Pixoul Gaming
Pixoul Gaming, an entertainment center specializing in augmented and virtual reality games, is the ideal attraction for gaming enthusiasts. The gaming center opened its doors on November 4, 2022, and features 10 virtual and augmented reality games ranging from roller coasters to first-person shooters, escape rooms, and paragliding.
Pixoul Gaming is also the first-ever spot to have an esports academy in the UAE and holds gaming tournaments for avid players. The esports bar at the center shows Al Qana photos for global gaming events where visitors can watch and relax, while also enjoying great food and drinks.
Opening hours:
- Sundays to Thursdays - 10:00 am to 10:00 pm
- Fridays and Saturdays - 10:00 am to 12:00 am
4. The Bridge
The Bridge is an 8000-square-meter wellness hub at Al Qana. It sits across four floors with a gym, restaurant, spa, shop, nutrition corner, juice bar, indoor running track, and rooftop garden.
It’s more than just a fitness destination. The Bridge seeks to encourage absolute wellness utilizing a holistic approach that connects people through seven specialized offerings: Move, Pause, Taste, Choose, Seek, Expand, and Learn.
5. Adrenark Adventure
This indoor activity space is dubbed the largest indoor entertainment center in the Middle East. It’s a family-friendly indoor complex featuring a large park with a variety of activities for children, including ziplines, a dodgeball court, parkour track, foam pits, and other fun adventures.
Adrenark Adventure provides a safe indoor space for children and adults to exercise, as well as engage in other fun activities.
Discovery Passes which provide access to 6 activities start from AED 135, while the Unlimited Day Pass grants access to over 18 activities from AED 299.
There's also a Graffiti Art House offering freestyle painting and Fluid Bears for lovers of art, but separate pricing applies.
Opening hours:
- Sundays to Thursday - 10:00 am to 10:00 pm
- Fridays and Saturdays - 10:00 am to 12:00 am
6. Cafes and Kiosks
There are a number of places to grab a quick bite at Al Qana. Cafes currently open include Space Cafe, La Ballena, Cartel Coffee Roasters, art cafes Tazas and Notorious, and a multi-concept space known as Tjaarz. Some other cafes are expected to open up as well.
Popular kiosks at Al Qana include Gelato Divino, Nomad Cafe, Turkish restaurant Mado, and AD Cafe. For lovers of Emirati food, sweets, and specialty coffee, Fifty Fifty is the place for you.
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7. Grandiose Supermarket
Grandiose Supermarket is a community-minded gourmet-dining concept featuring a food hall spanning more than 1260 meters. It includes live cooking stations where visitors can get pasta, shawarmas, sandwiches, and pizzas.
Grandiose Supermarket is the ideal culinary hub where you can find everything that delights your taste buds.
Al Qana Abu Dhabi - A Destination that has it All!
Al Qana in Abu Dhabi is a premier lifestyle destination for several reasons. With breathtaking views of the marina, 46,000 creatures at The National Aquarium to be seen, thrilling adventures at Pixoul Gaming, 15 theaters at Cinemacity to cater to over 9,000 moviegoers, on-site restaurants and cafes, shops, and many more, it’s the perfect destination for families, couples or solo adventure seekers.
Plan the ideal weekend getaway by renting a luxury car from Beno, and visit the iconic Al Qana in comfort and style.
FAQs
- Where exactly is Al Qana located in Abu Dhabi?
Al Qana is located on Khor Al Maqta, along Rabaya Al Saadiyat Street, close to Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi.
- Is there an entry fee to visit Al Qana?
No, entry to Al Qana is free. However, attractions like The National Aquarium, Pixoul Gaming, and Adrenark Adventure have separate ticket prices.
- How big is the National Aquarium at Al Qana?
The National Aquarium is the largest aquarium in the Middle East, housing 46,000+ marine animals across 10 themed zones.
- What restaurants are at Al Qana Abu Dhabi?
Popular dining options include Mado, Cartel Coffee Roasters, Space Café, La Ballena, Nomad Café, and Gelato Divino.
- How far is Al Qana from downtown Abu Dhabi?
Al Qana is approximately 10–15 minutes by car from downtown Abu Dhabi, depending on traffic.