Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo
If you are looking for an amazing experience that will take you into the fascinating world of marine life, you should not miss the Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo. This is one of the world’s largest and most impressive aquariums, located inside The Dubai Mall, the world’s largest shopping mall. In this blog post, I will tell you everything you need to know about this incredible attraction, from its history to its species, points of interest, interesting facts, and advice for visitors. Let’s dive in!
History
The Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo was opened in 2008 as part of The Dubai Mall project. Peddle Thorp, an Australian architecture firm specializing in aquariums, designed it. The aquarium tank holds 10 million liters of water and measures 51 meters in length, 20 meters in width, and 11 meters in height. It is home to more than 300 species of aquatic animals, including over 400 sharks and rays. The aquarium also features a 48-meter-long acrylic tunnel that allows visitors to walk through the tank and see the marine life up close.
The Underwater Zoo is located on the second level of the aquarium and showcases three ecological zones: Rainforest, Rocky Shore, and Living Ocean. Here, visitors can learn more about the diverse creatures that inhabit these habitats, such as otters, piranhas, penguins, crocodiles, seahorses, jellyfish, and more. The Underwater Zoo also hosts various presentations and feeding sessions throughout the day.
Species
The Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo boasts a remarkable collection of marine animals representing different regions of the world. Some of the most notable species include:
- Sand tiger sharks: the largest and most prominent sharks in the aquarium. They can grow up to 3.2 meters long and weigh up to 300 kilograms. They have a distinctive appearance with a large mouth full of sharp teeth and a spotted body. They are not aggressive to humans and feed on fish, rays, and crustaceans.
- Giant groupers: These are the heaviest bony fish in the world. They can reach up to 2.7 meters long and weigh 400 kilograms. They have a massive head and mouth that can swallow prey whole. They are usually found near coral reefs and rocky areas.
- King croc: This is one of the largest crocodiles in captivity. He is over 5 meters long and weighs over 750 kilograms. He is estimated to be over 40 years old and has a bite force of over 3700 pounds per square inch. He lives in a specially designed enclosure with his female companion, Queen Croc.
- Otters: These are playful and intelligent mammals that belong to the weasel family. They have a thick fur coat that keeps them warm and waterproof. They are excellent swimmers and divers who can manipulate objects with their paws. They feed on fish, crabs, clams, and other aquatic animals.
Points of Interest
The Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo offers a variety of attractions and activities that cater to different interests and preferences. Some of the most popular ones include:
Glass bottom boat ride
This is a unique way to see the aquarium from above. Visitors can board a boat with a glass floor and glide over the tank while enjoying panoramic views of the marine life below.
Shark dives
This experience is exhilarating for certified divers who want to get up close and personal with the sharks. Visitors can choose from different diving options, such as cage snorkeling, shark walking, or specialty dives.
Ray encounter
This is a fun experience for anyone who wants to touch and feed rays. Visitors can go backstage in the aquarium and meet up to 50 rays of different species.
Shark trainer encounter
This educational experience is for families who want to learn more about shark conservation and care. Visitors can join the shark trainers in their daily tasks, such as preparing food, conducting health checks, and feeding the sharks.
Some interesting facts
Here are some interesting facts about the Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo that you might not know:
- The aquarium tank holds enough water to fill more than four Olympic-sized swimming pools.
- The acrylic panel that separates the tank from the mall is one of the largest pieces of acrylic in the world. It weighs 245 tons and is 75 centimeters thick.
- The aquarium has won several awards and recognitions, such as the Guinness World Record for the world’s largest acrylic panel in 2010, the Images RetailME Award for Most Admired Retailer Leisure & Entertainment in 2012, and the TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence in 2015.
- The aquarium hosts various events and programs throughout the year, such as underwater yoga, weddings, school tours, corporate events, and more.
In need of a tip?
If you plan to visit the Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo, here are some tips and recommendations to make the most of your visit:
- The aquarium is open daily from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. on weekdays and from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 a.m. on weekends. The last entry is 15 minutes before closing time.
- The aquarium and underwater zoo tickets are sold separately. You can buy them online or at the ticket counter. The prices vary depending on the package and the activity you choose. You can also buy a combo ticket with access to attractions in The Dubai Mall, such as the Burj Khalifa, the VR Park, or the Dubai Ice Rink.
- The aquarium and the underwater zoo suit all ages and abilities. There are elevators, ramps, and wheelchairs available for visitors with special needs. There are also restrooms, lockers, and baby changing facilities on site.
- The aquarium and the underwater zoo are located inside The Dubai Mall, one of Dubai’s main attractions. You can easily reach it by car, taxi, bus, or metro. There is ample parking space available in the mall. The nearest metro station is Burj Khalifa/Dubai Mall on the Red Line.
- The aquarium and the underwater zoo are surrounded by many other shops, restaurants, cafes, and entertainment options in the mall. You can spend a whole day exploring the mall and enjoying its various offerings.
Landmarks in Dubai
Dubai driving trip from Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo to Sallet Al Sayad Seafood Restaurant
Direction 1: Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo
Downtown Dubai – Dubai – United Arab Emirates
1. Get on Al Khail Rd/D68 from Dubai Mall service road (3 min, 2.4 km)
a. Head southeast on Acces to Dubai Mall Main Entrance (51 m)
b. Keep left to continue toward Dubai Mall service road (80 m)
c. Continue onto Dubai Mall service road (900 m)
d. Keep left at the fork, follow signs for Bur Dubai/City Center/Deira/E66/Business Bay Cr/D71/DXB Airport, and merge onto Al Khail Rd/D68 (1.3 km)
2. Get on Al Ain – Dubai Rd/Oud Maitha Rd/Oud Metha Rd/E66 (2 min, 2.8 km)
a. Merge onto Al Khail Rd/D68 (650 m)
b. Take the E66 W/2nd Zaa’beel St/D73 ramp to Oud Maitha Rd (300 m)
c. Keep left at the fork to continue toward Al Ain – Dubai Rd/Oud Maitha Rd/Oud Metha Rd/E66 (1.0 km)
d. Keep left at the fork, follow signs for Oud Maitha Rd/E66 W/Bur Dubai/Latifa Hospital (450 m)
e. Keep left at the fork to continue toward Al Ain – Dubai Rd/Oud Maitha Rd/Oud Metha Rd/E66 (190 m)
f. Keep left at the fork, follow signs for E66 W/Oud Maitha Rd/Bur Dubai/Latifa Hospital, and merge onto Al Ain – Dubai Rd/Oud Maitha Rd/Oud Metha Rd/E66 (220 m)
3. Continue on Al Ain – Dubai Rd/Oud Maitha Rd/Oud Metha Rd/E66 to Sheikh Rashid Rd/D75. Take exit 1A from Al Ain – Dubai Rd/Oud Maitha Rd/Oud Metha Rd/E66 (3 min, 3.4 km)
a. Merge onto Al Ain – Dubai Rd/Oud Maitha Rd/Oud Metha Rd/E66 (850 m)
b. Take exit 1A for Al Sa’ada St/D86/Sheikh Rashid St/D75/E11 S/Sheikh Zayed Rd toward PR Port/Latifa Hospital/Abu Dhabi (180 m)
c. Keep left at the fork to continue toward Sheikh Rashid Rd/D75 (650 m)
d. Keep right at the fork and follow signs for D75 W/PR Port/Sheikh Rashid St (1.1 km)
e. Keep right to continue toward Sheikh Rashid Rd/D75 (290 m)
f. Keep left at the fork and merge onto Sheikh Rashid Rd/D75 (350 m)
4. Drive along D92 (7 min, 5.1 km)
a. Merge onto Sheikh Rashid Rd/D75 (210 m)
b. Slight left (1.0 km)
c. Merge onto Sheikh Rashid Rd/D75 (700 m)
d. Take the 2nd exit at the roundabout and stay on Sheikh Rashid Rd/D75, heading to Port Rashid (280 m)
e. Turn right onto Al Mina St/D92 (600 m)
f. Continue straight onto Al Khaleej Rd/Al Mina St/D92, and follow Al Khaleej Rd/D92 (500 m)
g. Keep left to stay on al Khaleej Rd/D92 (1.2 km)
h. Slight right (210 m)
i. Merge onto Al Khaleej St/D92 (350 m)
5. Drive to your destination (3 min, 1.2 km)
a. Slight right (350 m)
b. At the roundabout, take the 2nd exit (150 m)
c. Turn right, and the destination will be on the right (700 m).
Direction 2: House of Sheikh Saeed Al Maktoum
779R+72F – Al Fahidi – Dubai – United Arab Emirates
1. Continue to Dubai (3 min, 1.0 km)
a. Head northeast (700 m)
b. Turn left (87 m)
c. At the roundabout, take the 1st exit (200 m)
2. Drive along D92, Sheikh Rashid Rd/D75, 36th St, 2nd Za’abeel Rd/D73, and Al Mustaqbal St/D86 (13 min, 6.9 km)
a. Keep left (1.4 km)
b. Keep right to continue toward Al Khaleej St (160 m)
c. Merge onto Al Khaleej St (260 m)
d. Continue onto Khalid Bin Al Waleed Rd (180 m)
e. Continue straight onto al Khaleej Rd/D92, and follow D92 (450 m)
f. Continue straight onto Al Mina St/D92 (290 m)
g. Keep left to stay on Al Mina St/D92 (22 m)
h. Slight left toward Sheikh Rashid Rd/D75 (100 m)
i. Turn left at the 1st cross street onto Sheikh Rashid Rd/D75 (550 m)
j. Take the 2nd exit at the roundabout and stay on Sheikh Rashid Rd/D75 heading to Za’abeel/E11 (450 m)
k. Turn right toward 36th St (150 m)
l. At the roundabout, take the 2nd exit onto 36th St, go through 3 roundabouts (1.3 km)
m. Continue straight onto Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed St/D88 (280 m)
n. At Trade Centre Roundabout, take the 3rd exit onto 2nd Za’abeel Rd/D73 heading to Za’abeel/D.X.B. Airport/DIFC/Trade Center/Jumeirah Emirates Towers (650 m)
o. Turn right onto Al Mustaqbal St/D86 (400 m)
p. Keep left to stay on Al Mustaqbal St/D86 (18 m)
q. Keep left to stay on Al Mustaqbal St/D86 (270 m)
3. Turn right (28 sec, 180 m)
Direction 3: Dubai World Trade Centre
67FP+8QM – Sheikh Zayed Rd – Trade Centre – Trade Centre 2 – Dubai – United Arab Emirates
1. Continue to Al Mustaqbal St/D86 (3 min, 750 m)
a. Head northwest (260 m)
b. At the roundabout, take the 3rd exit (400 m)
c. Slight right toward Al Mustaqbal St/D86 (76 m)
2. Take Sheikh Zayed Rd/E11 and Al Safa St/D71 to Al Multaqa St (5 min, 3.9 km)
a. Turn right onto Al Mustaqbal St/D86 (250 m)
b. Turn right (signs for Dubai/Abu Dhabi/E11) (1.2 km)
c. Merge onto Sheikh Zayed Rd/E11 (750 m)
d. Take exit 50A for D71 W/Al Safa St toward Jumeira (Toll road, 240 m)
e. Keep right at the fork and merge onto Al Safa St/D71 (750 m)
f. Keep right to stay on Al Safa St/D71 (600 m)
g. Turn left toward Al Multaqa St (76 m)
3. Continue on Al Multaqa St. Drive to Al Madina St (2 min, 550 m)
a. Turn left onto Al Multaqa St (350 m)
a. Turn left onto Al Madina St, The destination will be on the right (180 m).
Direction 4: The Green Planet
City Walk – Al Wasl – Dubai – United Arab Emirates
1. Take Al Madina St to Al Safa St/D71 (2 min, 600 m)
a. Head southeast on Al Madina St toward Happiness St (300 m)
b. Turn left onto Happiness St (300 m)
2. Get on Sheikh Zayed Rd/E11 (2 min, 1.8 km)
a. Turn right onto Al Safa St/D71 (400 m)
b. Take the E11 N ramp to Al Sharjah (1.4 km)
3. Continue on Sheikh Zayed Rd/E11 to your destination (9 min, 7.3 km)
a. Merge onto Sheikh Zayed Rd/E11 (450 m)
b. Keep left to stay on Sheikh Zayed Rd/E11 (3.0 km)
c. Take exit 54A-55 for D79/E66/Oud Maitha Rd toward Al Ain (140 m)
d. Keep right at the fork to continue toward Oud Maitha Rd/Oud Metha Rd/D79/E66 (300 m)
e. Keep left at the fork, follow signs for E11 N/DXB Airport/Sheikh Rashid Rd/Al Sharjah (500 m)
f. Keep right at the fork, follow signs for D79 W/Bur Dubai, and merge onto Oud Maitha Rd/Oud Metha Rd/D79/E66 (1.5 km)
g. Take the exit toward Umm Hurair 2/Floating Bridge (350 m)
h. Keep right at the fork, follow signs for Creek Park/Dr Sulaiman Al Habib/Children’s City/Wonder Land, and merge onto 20th St (Partial restricted usage road, 1.0 km)
4. Turn right (Restricted usage road, destination will be on the right, 34 sec, 86 m)
Direction 5: Dubai Dolphinarium
Riyadh Street, Inside the Creek Park Gate 1 – Dubai Dolphinarium Building – Umm Hurair 2 – Dubai – United Arab Emirates
1. Get on E11 from Riyadh St (4 min, 1.5 km)
a. Head northwest (Restricted usage road, 86 m)
b. Turn left toward 20th St (Partial restricted usage road, 87 m)
c. Continue straight onto 20th St (57 m)
d. Turn left onto Riyadh St/D81 (450 m)
e. Continue straight to stay on Riyadh St/D81 (290 m)
f. Keep right to stay on Riyadh St/D81, and follow Riyadh St (400 m)
g. Take the ramp on the left onto E11 (170 m)
2. Take exit 54 from E11 (3 min, 4.0 km)
a. Merge onto E11 (3.2 km)
b. Take exit 54 toward Zaa’beel St (750 m)
3. Drive to your destination (1 min, 600 m)
a. Continue straight (110 m)
b. At the roundabout, take the 1st exit (230 m)
c. At the roundabout, take the 1st exit onto Al Majlis St, heading to Za’abeel Park/Trade Centre/Al-Satwa/Area B (91 m)
d. Take the exit (180 m)
e. Enter the roundabout (13 m)
Direction 6: Dubai Garden Glow
Zabeel Park, Gate No- 6 & 7 Area – B – Dubai – United Arab Emirates
1. Get on Al Majlis St (1 min, 160 m)
a. Head south (8 m)
b. Exit the roundabout onto the Al Majlis St ramp (160 m)
2. Drive along D78 and Baniyas Rd/D85. Take the exit toward Dhow Wharfage from Baniyas Rd/D85 (9 min, 7.2 km)
a. Merge onto Al Majlis St (500 m)
b. At the Trade Centre Roundabout, take the 1st exit onto the E11 N ramp to General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs/Al Sharjah/DXB Airport (550 m)
c. Merge onto Sheikh Zayed Rd/E11 (240 m)
d. Take exit 54A-55 for D79/E66/Oud Maitha Rd toward Al Ain (140 m)
e. Keep left at the fork to continue on Exit 54B (210 m)
f. Keep left at the fork, follow signs for D78/Umm Hurair St/Deira/D84 N/Zaa’beel St/Bur Dubai (550 m)
g. Keep at the fork to continue toward Umm Hurair Rd/D78 (85 m)
h. Continue onto Umm Hurair Rd/D78 and follow D78 (1.2 km)
i. Keep left to continue on Tariq Bin Ziyad Rd/D78 (Toll road, 1.8 km)
j. Keep right to stay on Tariq Bin Ziyad Rd/D78 (28 m)
k. Take the D85 ramp to City Center/Deira/Al Ras (140 m)
l. Keep at the fork to continue toward Baniyas Rd/D85 (49 m)
m. Keep right at the fork and merge onto Baniyas Rd/D85 (450 m)
n. Keep left to stay on Baniyas Rd/D85 (650 m)
o. Slight left toward Baniyas Rd/D85 (150 m)
p. Sharp left onto Baniyas Rd/D85 (450 m)
q. Take the exit toward Dhow Wharfage (56 m)
3. Drive to your destination (1 min, 290 m)
a. At the roundabout, take the 4th exit (250 m)
b. At the roundabout, take the 1st exit, and the destination will be on the right (43 m)
Direction 7: Dhow Wharfage
7859+85Q – 90 Baniyas Rd – Port Saeed – Riggat Al Buteen – Dubai – United Arab Emirates
1. Get on Baniyas Rd/D85 (4 min, 950 m)
a. Head southwest (650 m)
b. At the roundabout, take the 2nd exit (250 m)
c. At the roundabout, take the 1st exit onto the Baniyas Rd/D85 ramp (45 m)
2. Take D78 and Sheikh Zayed Rd/E11 to your destination (11 min, 10.1 km)
a. Merge onto Baniyas Rd/D85 (110 m)
b. Take the Al Maktoum Br/D78 ramp to City Center/Bur Dubai (Toll road, 350 m)
c. Merge onto Al Maktoum Bridge/Tariq Bin Ziyad Rd/D78 (Toll road, 400 m)
d. Keep left to continue on Tariq Bin Ziyad Rd/D78 (Toll road, 400 m)
e. Keep left to stay on Tariq Bin Ziyad Rd/D78, and continue to follow D78 (1.9 km)
f. Keep left to continue on Umm Hurair Rd/D78 (260 m)
g. Keep left at the fork, follow signs for E11 S/Sheikh Zayed Rd/Abu Dhabi, and merge onto Sheikh Zayed Rd/E11 (1.0 km)
h. Keep left to stay on Sheikh Zayed Rd/E11 (3.3 km)
i. Take exit 50A for D71 W/Al Safa St toward Jumeira (Toll road, 240 m)
j. Keep left at the fork to continue on Exit 50B (650 m)
k. Keep left at the fork to continue toward Financial Center Rd/D71 (180 m)
l. Keep right at the fork, follow signs for The Dubai Mall/Za’abeel/Burj Khalifa/D71, and merge onto Financial Center Rd/D71 (600 m)
m. Turn right onto Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Blvd (signs for D921/Burj Khalifa) (650 m)
3. Turn left (26 sec, 71 m).
Direction 8: Burj Khalifa
Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Blvd – Downtown Dubai – Dubai – United Arab Emirates
1. Continue to Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Blvd (49 sec, 140 m)
a. Head southeast (18 m)
b. At the roundabout, take the 3rd exit (120 m)
2. Get on Sheikh Zayed Rd/E11 (5 min, 2.1 km)
a. Turn right onto Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Blvd (650 m)
b. Turn left onto Financial Center Rd/D71 (450 m)
c. Take the E11 N/Sheikh Zayed Rd ramp (1.0 km)
3. Continue on Sheikh Zayed Rd/E11 to 16th St. Take exit 54A-55 from Sheikh Zayed Rd/E11 (4 min, 5.2 km)
a. Merge onto Sheikh Zayed Rd/E11 (450 m)
b. Keep left to stay on Sheikh Zayed Rd/E11 (3.0 km)
c. Take exit 54A-55 for D79/E66/Oud Maitha Rd toward Al Ain (140 m)
d. Keep left at the fork to continue on Exit 54B (210 m)
e. Keep right at the fork, follow signs for Bur Dubai (500 m)
f. Keep right at the fork to continue toward 16th St (500 m)
g. Keep at the fork to continue toward 16th St (300 m)
4. Continue on 16th St. Take 45B St to 47C Street (2 min, 450 m)
a. Continue onto 16th St (110 m)
b. Turn right onto 45B St (190 m)
c. Turn right onto 20B St (66 m)
d. Turn left to stay on 20B St (21 m)
e. Turn right onto 47C Street, destination will be on the right (70 m)
Direction 9: Sallet Al Sayad Seafood Restaurant
Bin Abdulah, AL Shafar building – 46 47C Street – Al Karama – Dubai – United Arab Emirates
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