The Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo is a large attraction at the centre of the Dubai Mall. It comprises a large aquarium tank measuring 51 metres long, 20 metres deep and 11 metres high plus an underwater zoo with a variety of marine species in various habitats.
The aquarium is home over 30,000 aquatic animals including over 400 sharks and rays. They can be viewed for free from the mall through the world’s largest acrylic panel.
Visitors purchasing a ticket enjoy a 270 degree view through the 48 metre long aquarium tunnel and also gain access to the Underwater Zoo on Level 2. There are around 40 displays here housing creatures such as piranha, penguins, crocodiles, lizards, snakes, otters, and giant eels. One fascinating species here is the archerfish. These small fish feed by shooting jets of water at insects to knock them into the water. Visitors to the zoo can witness how remarkably accurate they are at hitting their prey.
Additional experiences offered include glass-bottomed boat rides, cage snorkelling, shark dives, and PADI speciality dives.
Standard tickets cost AED 50 and allow access to both the aquarium and zoo. The Platinum Aquarium Package costs AED 75 and, in addition to admission to the aquarium and zoo, also includes the Behind the Scenes Tour. The AED 100 can purchase the Ultimate Aquarium and gain access to the aquarium and zoo, enjoy a ride on the glass-bottom boat, and take part in feeding the fish. There is no discount for children but infants up to 3 years old enjoy free entry. Tickets are valid for one entry only.
Visitors can stay at the attraction for as long as they want, but the average person spends around 20 minutes in the aquarium and 1 hour in the zoo.
Frequent visitors can purchase a membership card and enjoy exclusive privileges. Benefits include unlimited entry to the aquarium and zoo, unlimited glass-bottom boat rides, 15% discount on admission charges for accompanying family members and friends, 15% discount on items for sale in the gift shop, plus discounts on shark dives, cage snorkelling, and PADI courses and dive trips with Al Boom Diving. Membership currently costs AED 250 for one year.
The Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo is open 7 days a week. Opening times are Sunday to Wednesday 10 am to 10 pm, and Thursday to Saturday 10 am until midnight. Last admission to the Aquarium Tunnel is 15 minutes before closing time and the last entry to the Underwater Zoo is 1 hour before closing time.
The entrance to the Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo is located on the Ground Level of the Dubai Mall.
The Rainforest Café is next to the mall and is a great place to take kids for a meal. The themed café features life-sized models of animals such as giraffe, gorilla, crocodile, and snake hidden amongst a recreation of a rainforest. Patrons also enjoy great views of the aquarium tank. Items on the menu include soups and salads, sandwiches and burgers, pasta, plus fish and chicken dishes.
