The Dubai Aquarium located in the Dubai Mall (which is why it is often called Dubai Mall Aquarium) is one of the must-see wonders in Dubai!
Immersed in the futuristic context of the Dubai Mall, the largest shopping center in the world and located right at the foot of the tallest tower in the world, the Burj Khalifa, the Dubai Aquarium with its amazing huge crystal walls will surely leave you speechless.
Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo is home to over 30.000 marine species
Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo is a record-breaking aquarium: its tank is huge and contains 10 million liters of water, making it the second-largest in the world!
A glass of 32.88 m long x 8.3 m high allows you to look out over the incredible underwater environment of the aquarium. This glass has won the Guinness World Record as the largest acrylic glass panel in the world. And the aquarium, located on the second floor of the Dubai Mall, is the largest suspended aquarium in the world.
Visitors passing through the tunnels inside the tanks enjoy a breathtaking view: over 30,000 marine species swim over their heads and alongside them, including over 300 sharks and the largest collection of sand tiger sharks in the world.
This is why the Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo is considered one of the most beautiful and impressive aquariums, capable to amaze anyone, young and old (obviously if you visit it with children they will love it!).
What is the difference between Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo?
In fact none, there is no difference, this fantastic attraction of the Dubai Mall is called Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo because the path passes through different parts:
Dubai Aquarium in the Dubai Mall
It is the gigantic tank with thousands of fish and aquatic animals also visible externally from the Dubai Mall.
Aquarium Tunnel
Walking through a curved crystal tunnel visitors can experience the extraordinary sensation of being inside the fabulous ocean world. This is also the ideal place to take incredible photos: when does it happen to you to take a selfie from the bottom of the ocean?
Underwater Zoo
Continuing beyond the Aquarium Tunnel you get to the Underwater Zoo which is one of the most interesting parts of the visit.
The Underwater Zoo is divided into three environments: Rainforest, Rocky Shore and Living Ocean. In each area you can observe different species of animals typical of that ecosystem, including the Humbolt Penguins, Otters, Lionfish, Piranha and Seahorses.
In addition, here you can also see the incredible African Dwarf Crocodiles and Giant Spider Crabs, species that you will hardly be able to see elsewhere.
Other Interesting Things to Do at Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo
To better discover the Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo it is possible to participate in a series of activities that allow you to get close to marine animals or live extraordinary adventures:
Glass-bottom Boat Experience
This experience allows you to embark on a glass-bottomed boat, in this way it is possible to float on the tank of over 10 million liters and assist while the workers feed the fish. It’s a nice opportunity to enjoy a bird’s eye view of this miniature ocean
Submersible Simulator
The experience of the Submersible Simulator allows you to take a virtual journey into the depths of the oceans and learn many things about the aquatic animals that live in the Persian Gulf.
Dive with sharks and Scuba Diving courses
At the Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo you have the opportunity to take a dip with the sharks or swim in the tank with the fish. The specialized aquarium staff provides all the equipment for this experience and helps you during the dive. In addition, the staff is equipped with underwater cameras to allow you to bring home an unforgettable memory of the experience.
If you are interested in becoming a Scuba Diving specialist, the Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo organizes specialization courses and basic certification courses that allow you to experience diving in the aquarium tanks and also obtain PADI certification.
Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo Tickets and Prices
To visit the Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo there are different types of tickets:
- The Standard Ticket includes a visit to the Aquarium Tunnel and the Underwater Zoo
- The Explorer Ticket allows a complete visit, including the Glass-Bottom Boat, the Submersible Simulator and a guided tour of the areas where scientists take care of the reproduction and feeding of marine animals
The availability of tickets is limited and there is a maximum of people allowed for each time slot. Besides, the ticket line is always very long, so it is recommended to buy your ticket online.
Dubai Aquarium Tickets – Special Offers and Discounts
Depending on the season, there may be special offers that allow you to save on admission to the Dubai Aquarium. You can take a look here, or here.
The availability of discounted tickets is usually very limited.
Most visitors choose to visit the Dubai Aquarium and Burj Khalifa on the same day (since the latter is located right above the Dubai Mall). By doing this, you can get a combo ticket at a rather affordable price. In both cases the access is the basic one, so for the Burj Khalifa it is the one for levels 124 and 125 (in this post I will explain the difference between the levels and between the different types of Burj Khalifa tickets).
A smart choice to fully enjoy Dubai’s top attractions while saving up to 50% is to purchase the iVenture Card Dubai, a sightseeing pass that includes access to most of Dubai’s attractions.
You can choose between the cheapest 3 to 7-Attraction Pass and the most comprehensive and convenient 3 or 5-Day Unlimited Pass.
Another very affordable pass is the Dubai Explorer Pass, which is valid for up to 30 days!
With these passes you have included pretty much all the major attractions in Dubai and so you don’t have to worry about a thing anymore, just go and visit!
How to get to the Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo
The Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo is located in the famous Dubai Mall which is one of the major attractions of Dubai, so getting there is very easy.
By Car
You can get to the Dubai Aquarium by car or taxi. The Dubai Mall has a big free parking available.
By Metro
The closest metro station to the Aquarium is the Burj Khalifa – Dubai Mall Metro Station which is connected directly to the Dubai Mall with a long footbridge (about 5 minutes walk).
By Hop On Hop Off Bus
The double-decker Hop On Hop Off buses stop right outside the main entrance of the Dubai Mall, and from here depart the routes to all the main attractions of the city. So it will be really easy for you to include the Dubai Aquarium in your Dubai sightseeing tour!
Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo Opening Times
The Aquarium is open 7 days a week and the opening hours are from 10.00 am until midnight. Last admission 30 minutes before closing.
Visitors can stay as long as they want, usually the visit takes 20 minutes to the Aquarium and 1 hour to the Underwater Zoo.
Things to see and do around the Dubai Aquarium
When you visit the Dubai Aquarium you cannot help but also visit the huge and fascinating Dubai Mall. Here you can stop for something to eat at one of the excellent restaurants located in the Food Court or on the terraces. You can read my guide to the best restaurants in the Dubai Mall.
Don’t miss the Dubai Fountain show! Go at sunset, and enjoy the breathtaking light, water and sound show! You can choose to see it from the boardwalk (which allows you to get very close to the fountain and capture great shots!) or in the most spectacular way: watching the show from a boat that goes around the lake.
Right above the Dubai Aquarium is Dubai’s most iconic building: the Burj Khalifa, the tallest skyscraper in the world!
The Downtown Dubai area is also a great hub for reaching other iconic landmarks of the city, such as the Dubai Frame and Burj Al Arab.
Planning your trip to Dubai? Then you should check out our GUIDE TO THE BEST THINGS TO DO AND SEE IN DUBAI.