Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo, UAE
Few attractions in the world combine urban scale, marine biodiversity, and immersive design as convincingly as the Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo. Embedded within The Dubai Mall in Downtown Dubai, this landmark is not just a leisure stop—it is a carefully engineered ecological showcase, a tourism anchor for the city, and one of the most visited aquariums globally, welcoming around five million visitors annually.
With its 10-million-litre suspended tank, record-breaking acrylic viewing panel, and layered underwater ecosystems, Dubai Aquarium plays a defining role in how Dubai positions entertainment, conservation awareness, and experiential tourism within a single urban environment.
As a trusted Dubai travel and lifestyle resource, aboutdubai.online presents this guide as a semantically complete, experience-driven overview—designed for first-time visitors, families, and travelers planning a Downtown Dubai itinerary.
History and Development: How Dubai Aquarium Became a Global Icon
The Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo officially opened on November 4, 2008, alongside the inauguration of The Dubai Mall. The project was developed by Emaar Properties, the master developer behind Downtown Dubai, Burj Khalifa, and Dubai Fountain.
At the time of launch, the aquarium earned a Guinness World Record for having the largest acrylic viewing panel in a shopping mall, instantly positioning it among the world’s most ambitious public aquariums. The facility was designed not merely as an attraction but as a permanent urban landmark integrated into Dubai’s retail, tourism, and public realm.
In 2010, a minor structural crack led to a temporary evacuation of the tank. The issue was resolved swiftly by specialist divers and engineers, reinforcing confidence in the aquarium’s safety protocols and advanced marine engineering standards.
Location and Urban Context
Where Is Dubai Aquarium Located?
- Address: Ground Floor & Level 2, The Dubai Mall
- District: Downtown Dubai
- Parking: P2, Grand Parking
- Nearby Landmarks:
Burj Khalifa, Dubai Fountain, Souk Al Bahar, Dubai Opera
The aquarium occupies a central visual axis inside The Dubai Mall, meaning visitors can see the main tank for free while walking through the mall—one of its most distinctive urban design features.
The Underwater Zoo, however, is located on Level 2 and requires a ticketed entry.
This integration reflects Dubai’s broader urban planning philosophy: blending public spectacle, accessibility, and premium experiences within a single mixed-use zone.
Architectural and Technical Scale
The Dubai Aquarium is among the largest suspended aquariums in the world, defined by extraordinary engineering metrics:
- Tank Capacity: 10 million litres of water
- Dimensions:
- Length: ~51 metres
- Width: ~20 metres
- Height: ~11 metres
- Viewing Panel:
- Width: 107 feet
- Height: 27 feet
- Visibility: Viewable from three levels inside Dubai Mall
This scale allows for naturalistic movement of large marine species while maintaining clarity and safety for visitors.
Recommended: Global Village
Marine Biodiversity and Exhibits
Species and Ecosystem Diversity
The aquarium houses over 33,000 animals across more than 140 species, making it the largest aquarium in Dubai and one of the most biologically diverse in the Middle East.
Key marine residents include:
- Sand tiger sharks (largest known collection globally)
- Giant groupers
- Stingrays and eagle rays
- Reef fish, schooling fish, and pelagic species
- Moray eels and invertebrates
The Aquarium Tunnel Experience
One of the most immersive features is the 48-metre-long, 270-degree acrylic tunnel, which passes directly through the heart of the main tank.
Walking through the tunnel places visitors below sharks and rays, creating a full fish-eye perspective that mimics deep-sea immersion. For many visitors, this 15–30 minute experience alone justifies the visit.
Recommended: Mall of the Emirates
Underwater Zoo: Three Ecological Zones
Located above the main tank on Level 2, the Underwater Zoo expands the experience beyond marine life into coastal and freshwater ecosystems.
1. Rainforest Zone
- Piranhas
- Giant catfish
- Reptiles and amphibians
2. Rocky Shore Zone
- Otters
- Seals
- Crustaceans adapted to tidal environments
3. Living Ocean Zone
- Gentoo penguins in a controlled Antarctic-style habitat
- Jellyfish and pelagic species
- Educational displays on ocean conservation
King Croc
A highlight of the zoo is King Croc, one of the largest crocodiles in captivity, weighing approximately 750 kg and measuring over 5 metres in length.
Interactive Experiences and Animal Encounters
Beyond passive viewing, Dubai Aquarium offers hands-on and immersive encounters, each designed under international animal care standards:
- Penguin Encounter: Guided interaction with Gentoo penguins
- Ray Encounter & Fish Feeding
- Shark Walker: Walk underwater inside a secure cage
- PADI Scuba Diving with Sharks
- Glass-Bottom Boat Tours
- Snorkelling Cage Experiences
These experiences are popular with adventure travelers and often require advance booking.
Recommended: Ski Dubai
Tickets, Pricing, and Booking Options
Ticket Prices (Indicative)
- Standard Entry: From AED 199 (weekdays)
- Weekend Pricing: Slightly higher (AED 209+)
- Ultimate Experience: Around AED 299 per person
Packages vary by inclusions, such as tunnel access, zoo entry, and encounters.
Tickets can be purchased:
- At the venue
- Online via the official aquarium website
- As combo tickets with attractions like Burj Khalifa At The Top
Booking online is recommended to skip queues, especially during weekends and school holidays.
Opening Hours
- Monday – Thursday:
10:00 AM – 10:00 PM (Last entry: 9:15 PM) - Friday – Sunday:
10:00 AM – 12:00 AM (Last entry: 11:15 PM)
Hours may vary during public holidays and Ramadan.
Accessibility, Amenities, and Family Friendliness
Dubai Aquarium is designed with inclusive access in mind:
- Wheelchair-accessible entrances and pathways
- Accessible restrooms
- Family-friendly layouts
- Stroller-friendly corridors
On-site amenities include:
- Café
- Gift shop
- Educational presentation areas
The attraction is especially popular among families, school groups, and international tourists.
Recommended: Dubai Mall
How to Get to Dubai Aquarium
By Metro
- Take the Dubai Metro Red Line
- Stop at Burj Khalifa/Dubai Mall Station
- Walk via the air-conditioned link bridge
By Bus
Routes serving Dubai Mall include:
27, 28, 29, 30, 50, 81
By Car
- Easy access via Sheikh Zayed Road
- Extensive paid parking at The Dubai Mall
How Long Should You Plan for the Visit?
- Aquarium Tunnel only: 15–30 minutes
- Underwater Zoo: 1–1.5 hours
- Full experience with encounters: 2–3 hours
Many visitors combine the aquarium with nearby attractions such as Burj Khalifa, Dubai Fountain, or shopping at Dubai Mall.
Why Dubai Aquarium Matters in Dubai’s Tourism Landscape
Dubai Aquarium is more than entertainment—it reflects Dubai’s approach to:
- Experiential urban design
- Family-oriented tourism
- Educational storytelling
- Global city branding
It acts as a gateway attraction for Downtown Dubai, introducing visitors to the city’s scale, ambition, and hospitality ethos.
Nearby Attractions to Explore
Visitors often pair the aquarium visit with:
- Burj Khalifa Observation Deck
- Dubai Fountain Show
- Dubai Opera
- Souk Al Bahar
You can explore detailed guides to these landmarks on aboutdubai.online, your reliable guide for navigating Dubai’s neighborhoods and attractions.
FAQs
Is Dubai Aquarium free to visit?
You can view the main tank for free from inside Dubai Mall. Ticketed entry is required for the tunnel and Underwater Zoo.
How many animals are inside Dubai Aquarium?
The aquarium houses over 33,000 aquatic animals across more than 140 species.
Is Dubai Aquarium suitable for children?
Yes. It is one of Dubai’s most family-friendly attractions, with interactive zones and educational exhibits.
Can I dive with sharks at Dubai Aquarium?
Yes. Certified and non-certified visitors can participate in controlled shark diving experiences.
Where exactly is the Underwater Zoo located?
The Underwater Zoo is on Level 2 of The Dubai Mall, above the main aquarium tank.
What is the best time to visit?
Weekday mornings are quieter. Evenings and weekends are busier but offer extended hours.
Final Insight
The Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo is not just a sightseeing stop—it is a cornerstone of Downtown Dubai’s identity, blending conservation storytelling, architectural ambition, and visitor immersion in one seamless experience.
For travelers seeking depth beyond surface attractions, and for families looking to balance education with wonder, this aquarium remains one of Dubai’s most compelling destinations—carefully curated, globally recognized, and unmistakably Dubai.
