Description
Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo is located inside The Dubai Mall in Downtown Dubai. The aquarium holds 10 million litres of water in a single suspended tank measuring 51 metres long, 20 metres wide, and 11 metres deep — one of the largest aquarium tanks in the world. Over 33,000 aquatic animals from 140+ species live inside, including 300+ sharks and rays, the world’s largest collection of Sand Tiger Sharks, King Crocodiles, Humboldt Penguins, and Giant Spider Crabs.
Al Baron Tourism provides Dubai Aquarium tickets with instant confirmation and competitive pricing. As a DTCM-licensed tour operator based in Dubai, we handle bookings directly through authorised channels.
What to See at Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo
The attraction is split into two connected areas: the Aquarium on the ground floor and the Underwater Zoo on Level 2.
Aquarium Tunnel (Ground Floor)
The centrepiece is a 48-metre walkthrough tunnel with 270-degree acrylic panels that curve overhead and around visitors. Over 300 sharks and rays swim above, below, and on all sides — including Sand Tiger Sharks that can reach 3.2 metres in length. The tunnel creates a fully immersive underwater experience without getting wet. Walking through takes approximately 30 minutes, though there is no time limit on tickets.
The main tank viewing panel near the Dubai Mall atrium is visible for free from the mall floor. Ticket holders access the tunnel and upper zoo levels for closer encounters and interactive experiences.
Underwater Zoo (Level 2)
The Underwater Zoo organises 140+ species across three ecological zones, each recreating a distinct habitat:
Rainforest Zone — Features Arapaima (among the world’s largest freshwater fish, growing up to 3 metres), piranhas, archerfish, water rats, giant catfish, and reptiles displayed in dense jungle-themed environments with live vegetation and humidity-controlled atmospheres.
Rocky Shore Zone — Home to Humboldt Penguins, sea otters, and coastal marine species. The Penguin Cove exhibit within this zone houses Gentoo penguins in a temperature-controlled Antarctic habitat with underwater viewing windows.
Living Ocean Zone — Showcases open-ocean species including rays, reef sharks, sea turtles, Giant Spider Crabs, Giant Pacific Octopus, garden eels, seahorses, nautilus, and lionfish. African Dwarf Crocodiles are also displayed in this zone.
A dedicated Sea Jelly Lab sits within the zoo — a working laboratory where scientists recreate environmental conditions to encourage jellyfish breeding. Visitors watch the process through glass panels.
Interactive Experiences and Activities
Dubai Aquarium offers several hands-on experiences beyond the standard walkthrough:
Glass-Bottom Boat Tour — A 15–20 minute ride across the surface of the 10-million-litre tank. The transparent hull provides overhead views of sharks and rays swimming directly beneath the boat. Included with Explorer tickets.
Submersible Simulator — A virtual deep-sea dive experience simulating ocean exploration. Included with Explorer tickets.
Cage Snorkelling — Visitors enter a submerged cage inside the main tank for face-to-face encounters with Sand Tiger Sharks and rays. No diving certification required.
Shark Dive Experience — A guided scuba dive inside the main tank alongside 300+ sharks and rays. Available for both certified and non-certified divers. Non-certified divers complete a brief training session before entering the water.
Researcher Experience — Behind-the-scenes access to aquarium operations including feeding stingrays and sharks, water quality testing, and interaction with marine biologists.
Visitor Information and Tips
Opening Hours
Dubai Aquarium follows Dubai Mall operating hours. Sunday to Wednesday: 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM (last entry 9:30 PM). Thursday to Saturday: 10:00 AM to 12:00 midnight (last entry 11:30 PM). Hours may vary during Ramadan and public holidays.
How to Get There
The aquarium is on the ground floor of The Dubai Mall, near the central atrium. The Underwater Zoo entrance is on Level 2 directly above.
By Metro — Take the Red Line to Burj Khalifa/Dubai Mall station. A fully air-conditioned Metro Link Bridge with travellators connects the station directly to the mall. Walking time from the station to the aquarium is approximately 10–12 minutes.
By Car — The Dubai Mall has approximately 14,000 covered parking spaces. Access via Financial Centre Road off Sheikh Zayed Road. Follow aquarium signage inside the mall from any entrance.
By Bus — RTA bus routes 27 (from Deira Gold Souk) and 29 (from Ghubaiba Bus Station) stop at The Dubai Mall.
Best Time to Visit
Weekday mornings between 10:00 AM and 12:00 PM are the quietest periods. Late evenings after 8:00 PM on weekdays also see fewer crowds. Avoid Thursday to Saturday evenings, when both the mall and aquarium are busiest. The aquarium is fully indoor and air-conditioned, making it ideal during Dubai’s summer months when outdoor attractions become uncomfortable.
How Long to Spend
A complete visit takes 2–3 hours: approximately 30 minutes for the aquarium tunnel, 60–90 minutes for the full Underwater Zoo across all three zones, and 20–30 minutes for the glass-bottom boat ride if using Explorer tickets. The Sea Jelly Lab and VR Zoo add another 20–30 minutes.
Tips for Families
The 270-degree tunnel is wheelchair and stroller accessible. Young children enjoy the Rainforest Zone most — the Arapaima and piranha exhibits are particularly engaging for kids. The only age restriction applies to certain Explorer activities: infants under 2 are not permitted on the glass-bottom boat. Ask for the shark feeding schedule at the entrance — feeding sessions happen daily at rotating times and are one of the most dramatic moments in the aquarium.
Nearby Attractions
Dubai Mall is home to several world-class attractions within walking distance. House of Hype Dubai is an immersive entertainment experience located inside the mall. The Burj Khalifa observation deck (At The Top) is accessible from the mall’s lower ground floor. Dubai Fountain shows run every 30 minutes from 6:00 PM and are visible from the mall’s waterfront promenade. AYA Universe at WAFI City Mall is another immersive digital experience featuring 12 interactive zones — a different style of attraction that pairs well with the aquarium for visitors who enjoy interactive experiences.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a time limit on Dubai Aquarium tickets?
No. All ticket types allow unlimited time inside the aquarium and Underwater Zoo. Visitors can stay as long as they wish.
Can I see the aquarium tank without buying a ticket?
The main tank viewing panel near the Dubai Mall atrium is visible for free from the mall floor. Tickets are required for the 48-metre walkthrough tunnel, the Underwater Zoo on Level 2, and all interactive experiences.
Is the glass-bottom boat tour worth the upgrade?
The Explorer ticket adds the glass-bottom boat, submersible simulator, and back-of-house tour. The boat ride gives a completely different perspective — looking down through the hull at sharks swimming beneath. The difference between standard and Explorer tickets is relatively small, and families with children particularly enjoy the added experiences.
Are shark dive experiences safe for non-swimmers?
Cage snorkelling requires basic comfort in water but no diving certification. The shark dive experience provides training for non-certified divers before entering the tank. All activities are supervised by trained marine staff. Participants must be at least 10 years old for cage snorkelling and at least 10 years old (with guardian) for the shark dive.
What is the best ticket option for families with young children?
The Explorer ticket gives the most complete family experience — the glass-bottom boat and submersible simulator are popular with children aged 3 and above. Children under 2 enter free with a standard ticket but cannot join certain Explorer activities.
How does Dubai Aquarium compare to Lost Chambers at Atlantis?
Dubai Aquarium has the larger tank (10 million litres vs approximately 11 million litres across multiple exhibits at Atlantis) and the 48-metre walkthrough tunnel. Lost Chambers Aquarium at Atlantis The Palm offers an Atlantis-themed experience with 21 exhibit chambers and 65,000 marine animals. Both are worth visiting — they offer different experiences rather than competing directly. Dubai Aquarium is more accessible being located in the city centre inside Dubai Mall.
Can I combine Dubai Aquarium with other Dubai Mall attractions?
Dubai Mall houses multiple attractions that can fill an entire day. The aquarium, Burj Khalifa observation deck, Dubai Fountain, VR Park, KidZania, and the Dubai Ice Rink are all within the same complex. Most visitors combine the aquarium with Burj Khalifa tickets for the best value.
Al Baron Tourism is a DTCM-licensed tour operator based in Dubai, specialising in UAE attraction tickets and tourism services. We provide instant booking confirmation with competitive pricing and dedicated customer support for all Dubai Aquarium ticket options.
