Dubai, renowned for its towering skyline and luxurious lifestyle, also boasts incredible family-friendly attractions. The Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo offers an awe-inspiring journey into the wonders of marine life, where families can marvel at majestic sharks, rays, and thousands of other fascinating sea creatures. Imagine walking through a glass tunnel surrounded by aquatic beauty or discovering exotic animals in the underwater zoo. At Sallet Al Sayad, we believe that every family trip to Dubai should be filled with unforgettable experiences. After an exciting day exploring the depths of the ocean at the aquarium, unwind with a delicious family meal at our restaurant. Sallet Al Sayad provides a warm, welcoming environment, perfect for all ages, with fresh seafood dishes, kid-friendly options, and flavors that everyone will enjoy. Dive into adventure at Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo and savor a delightful dining experience at Sallet Al Sayad to complete your day.
History of Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo
Opened in 2008, Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo has quickly become one of the city’s most iconic attractions, offering a blend of entertainment and education for families and visitors. While it may be younger than some of Dubai’s traditional landmarks, its significance lies in its innovative approach to showcasing marine life. Inspired by leading aquariums around the globe, it features one of the largest suspended tanks in the world, housing thousands of aquatic species. The design, created in collaboration with marine biologists and educational experts, aims to provide an immersive experience where visitors of all ages can marvel at the underwater world while learning about marine conservation and the importance of ocean life.
Points of Interest in Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo
Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo offers a variety of unique experiences across its multiple levels, showcasing the wonders of marine life and much more:
- Aquarium Tunnel: Walk through a 48-meter-long glass tunnel surrounded by thousands of aquatic animals, including sharks, rays, and schools of vibrant fish.
- Shark Encounter: Get up close and personal with some of the ocean’s most fascinating predators in this thrilling cage diving experience.
- King Croc Exhibit: Meet one of the world’s largest reptiles, the King Croc, a massive 750-kg crocodile, along with his companion.
- Penguin Cove: Step into a sub-Antarctic environment and interact with adorable Gentoo penguins in a unique, immersive habitat.
- Underwater Zoo: Explore three ecological zones: Rainforest, Rocky Shore, and Living Ocean, where you can discover a wide range of exotic species from otters to jellyfish.
- Glass-Bottom Boat Ride: View the aquarium from above with a thrilling ride across its surface on a glass-bottom boat, providing a bird’s-eye view of the marine life below.
- Virtual Reality Zoo: Dive into the future with VR experiences that transport you into the heart of the wild with cutting-edge technology.
- Behind-the-Scenes Tour: Gain exclusive insights into the aquarium’s operations, learning about how the animals are cared for and the conservation efforts behind the scenes.
Interesting Facts About Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo
Here are some captivating details about the Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo:
- One of the World’s Largest: The aquarium tank holds over 10 million liters of water, making it one of the largest suspended aquariums in the world.
- Vast Marine Diversity: Home to over 140 species, including more than 400 sharks and rays, making it a hub of marine biodiversity.
- Record-Breaking Crocodile: The King Croc is one of the largest crocodiles in captivity, measuring over 5 meters in length.
- Educational Focus: In addition to entertainment, the zoo promotes marine conservation, offering educational programs to raise awareness about ocean life and the importance of preservation.
- Award-Winning Attraction: Recognized for its immersive experiences, the aquarium has earned multiple awards, including the Traveller’s Choice Award from Tripadvisor.
Advice for Visitors to Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo
To enhance your visit to Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo, keep these tips in mind:
- Buy Tickets in Advance: The aquarium is a popular destination, so purchasing tickets online beforehand can help you avoid long lines and ensure entry.
- Visit Early or Late: To avoid crowds, consider visiting in the morning or during the later hours, especially on weekends or holidays.
- Wear Comfortable Shoes: The aquarium and zoo span multiple levels, and comfortable shoes are a must for walking around and exploring.
- Bring a Camera: Capture stunning photos of the marine life and unique experiences, but be mindful of the no-flash photography rule to avoid disturbing the animals.
- Check for Special Experiences: The aquarium offers various add-ons like shark dives, glass-bottom boat rides, and behind-the-scenes tours, so explore these options to enhance your visit.
- Watch Feeding Times: Plan your visit around the feeding schedules to witness sharks, rays, and other animals being fed, which is an exciting experience for both children and adults.
- Educational Opportunities: Engage with the educational displays and interact with staff to learn more about the fascinating marine life and the conservation efforts underway.
- Pack Light: While there are no heavy restrictions on bags, it’s best to travel light to move easily through the exhibits.
- Stay Hydrated: Exploring the aquarium can take a few hours, so make sure to bring water or take breaks to stay hydrated.
- Explore the Mall: Dubai Aquarium is located in The Dubai Mall, one of the largest shopping centers in the world, offering plenty of dining options and other attractions nearby to extend your day.
Hungry After a Day at the Aquarium?
Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo offers a mesmerizing journey into the depths of the ocean, where families can explore marine life like never before. From walking through the stunning aquarium tunnel to discovering fascinating creatures in the Underwater Zoo, it’s an experience that sparks curiosity and wonder in both children and adults. After an exciting day of exploring the aquatic world, head to Sallet Al Sayad for a family meal that will delight all ages. Our menu features an array of fresh seafood dishes, perfectly suited to satisfy hungry appetites after a day of adventure. Discover the wonders of Dubai – from the captivating marine life at the Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo to the mouthwatering flavors of Sallet Al Sayad. Your family adventure awaits!
Find Us
Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo
- Start at Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo inside The Dubai Mall, Financial Center Road.
- Exit The Dubai Mall and head toward Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Boulevard.
- Turn right onto Financial Center Road/D71.
- Continue straight and take the ramp onto Sheikh Zayed Road/E11 towards Abu Dhabi.
- Take Exit 50A toward Al Karama.
- Keep right at the fork and follow the signs for Al Karama.
- Merge onto Al Kuwait Street/D77 and continue straight.
- Turn right onto 47C Street, and the restaurant will be in the Bin Abdulah, Al Shafar Building on your right.
Sallet Al Sayad
Bin Abdulah, AL Shafar building – 46 47C Street – Al Karama – Dubai