Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo is a powerful marine experience - right in the heart of the Dubai Mall shopping mall. You can see a lot from the mall without paying an entrance fee, but a visit inside the aquarium is highly recommended.
Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo is one of the most booked attractions in Dubai, along with popular experiences such as Burj Khalifa, desert safari, dinner cruise and Aquaventure water park.
It's no wonder Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo is so popular. There are several reasons.
The aquarium is huge, one of the largest in the world, and it offers a myriad of marine life that you can easily stand and watch for a long time.
Ten million litres of water in the aquarium
The numbers are impressive. The 51-metre wide and 11-metre high water tank holds a staggering 10 million litres of water and is home to thousands of marine animals of 140 different species. Among them are more than 300 sharks and rays.
Located inside the huge Dubai Mall, many people take the opportunity to visit both the mall and the Dubai Aquarium at the same time.
The entrance to Dubai's main attraction, At the Top, the viewing floors of the Burj Khalifa, is right next door, also adds to its popularity.
Many choose to buy combination tickets to the Aquarium and Burj Khalifa, saving you a bundle.
Get some water over your head
In addition to the giant aquarium tank, Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo consists of a tunnel with transparent walls and roof, which goes underwater.
The tunnel is 48 metres long and you'll literally be in over your head as you walk through it - enjoying sharks, fish and coral up close.
The Underwater Zoo is located on the second floor, above the aquarium. Here visitors can learn more about the animals that live in rivers and other running water bodies.
The Underwater Zoo is divided into three sections with different ecology: rainforest, rocky beaches and the living sea. You can expect to see animals such as penguins, otters, crocodiles, piranhas, eels and seahorses - just to name a small selection.
Tickets to Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo
More types of tickets are available. Most booked is the usual entrance ticket which gives access to the aquarium, the tunnel and the Underwater Zoo.
Another popular option is Explorer Pass which also includes a ride in a glass-bottomed boat and the Submersible Simulator video simulator.
More tickets and tours including Dubai Aquarium
Good to know before visiting the Dubai Aquarium
- Children under the age of three enter free of charge.
- Opening hours are 10.00 to 24.00. Last entry is 23.30.
- Expect a visit to take anywhere from 30 minutes to a couple of hours, depending on how much you want to see.