Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo: The Complete Guide 2026

Why Visit the Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo?

The Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo stands as one of the largest and most spectacular indoor aquariums in the world. Located in the heart of The Dubai Mall, this extraordinary attraction houses over 33,000 aquatic animals representing more than 140 species in a colossal 10 million liter tank. The aquarium holds the Guinness World Record for the largest acrylic viewing panel ever built, measuring an astounding 32.8 meters wide and 8.3 meters high.

Whether you want to walk through a 48 meter underwater tunnel surrounded by sharks, meet the legendary 750 kilogram King Croc, interact with playful penguins, or dive alongside majestic rays, the Dubai Aquarium offers unforgettable experiences for visitors of all ages. With approximately 5 million visitors annually, it remains one of Dubai's most beloved attractions and a must visit destination for families, marine enthusiasts, and anyone seeking adventure in the heart of the city.

Key Facts & Specifications

History & Development

Timeline

2008:

• November 4: Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo opens alongside The Dubai Mall
• Receives Guinness World Record for the "Largest Acrylic Panel" in the world
• Designed by Australian firm Peddle Thorp

2010:

• February 25: Tank experiences a minor leak from a small crack
• Mall partially evacuated as six divers assess and repair damage
• Aquarium reopens shortly after with no loss of aquatic life

2012:

• Receives TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence for outstanding visitor reviews

2013 to 2017:

• Continuous expansion of exhibits and experiences
• Introduction of new animal encounters and educational programs

2018:

• King Croc and Queen Croc arrive from Australia
• Specially built enclosure three times larger than WAZA specifications

Present:

• Member of World Association of Zoos and Aquariums (WAZA)
• Continues to offer conservation education and breeding programs
• Attracts approximately 5 million visitors annually

The Aquarium Tank

Engineering Marvel

The main aquarium tank is one of the most impressive feats of aquatic engineering in the world:

• Tank Volume: 10 million liters of water
• Dimensions: 51 meters long, 20 meters wide, 11 meters high
• Viewing Panel: World's largest at 32.8m x 8.3m x 750mm (107.6 ft x 27.2 ft x 2.5 ft)
• Panel Weight: Over 245,000 kilograms
• Acrylic Thickness: 750mm (approximately 30 inches)
• Construction: Laminated acrylic panels bonded together
• Lunar Cyclic Lighting: Ambient lighting changes based on time of day

Marine Life in the Tank

The main tank houses an incredible diversity of marine life:

Sharks (400+ total):

• Sand Tiger Sharks (world's largest collection)
• Reef Sharks
• Leopard Sharks
• Tawny Nurse Sharks
• Bamboo Sharks

Rays:

• Cownose Rays
• Eagle Rays
• Stingrays

Other Marine Life:

• Giant Groupers (up to 300 kg)
• Batfish
• Clownfish
• Moray Eels
• Various reef fish species

The Aquarium Tunnel

A 270 Degree Underwater Experience

The signature attraction is the stunning 48 meter walk through tunnel:

• Length: 48 meters (157 feet)
• Depth: 11 meters below the tank surface
• View: 270 degree panoramic views through acrylic walls
• Experience: Sharks, rays, and thousands of fish swim above and around you
• Similar Design: Comparable to the tunnel at Georgia Aquarium
• Duration: 15 to 30 minutes to walk through

The tunnel creates an immersive experience where visitors feel completely surrounded by marine life. Schools of colorful fish dart overhead while massive sharks glide past just inches from the glass.

The Underwater Zoo

Located on Level 2 above the main aquarium tank, the Underwater Zoo features 40 individual display tanks showcasing three distinct ecological zones.

Rainforest Zone

Explore freshwater ecosystems from the world's tropical rainforests:

Animals:

• Asian Small Clawed Otters (including Diego the grandfather)
• Piranhas
• Giant Catfish
• Water Rats
• Arapaima
• Paddlefish
• Cichlids
• Caiman Crocodiles
• Colorful amphibians and reptiles

Rocky Shore Zone

Discover creatures adapted to rugged coastlines where land meets sea:

Animals:

• Gentoo Penguins (16 penguins including Rain the adventurer)
• Giant Spider Crabs
• Seahorses
• Touch pool inhabitants (hands on experience)
• Coastal marine life

Living Ocean Zone

Venture into the mysteries of the open ocean and deep sea:

Animals:

• Sea Dragons
• Jellyfish
• Garden Eels
• Lionfish
• Nautilus
• Bioluminescent creatures
• Various reef species

Special Exhibits

UAE's Night Creatures:

• Arabian Toads
• Fruit Bats
• Giant Camel Spiders
• Desert wildlife adapted to nocturnal life

King Croc & Queen Croc

Dubai's Reptilian Royalty

The undisputed stars of the Underwater Zoo are the legendary crocodiles:

King Croc (Jock):

• Species: Australian Saltwater Crocodile
• Age: Approximately 50 years old
• Length: Over 5 meters (16+ feet)
• Weight: 750 kilograms (1,650 lbs)
• Head Weight: 150 kilograms
• Teeth: 60 razor sharp teeth, each the size of a human finger
• Bite Force: 3,700 pounds per square inch (strongest known)
• Origin: Koorana Crocodile Farm, Queensland, Australia
• Originally known as "Jock the Croc"

Queen Croc (Missy):

• Age: Approximately 85 years old
• Weight: 186 kilograms
• Companion: 20+ years with King Croc

The Enclosure:

• Three times the size specified by World Association of Zoos
• 150 square meter pool
• Temperature controlled: 28 to 30 degrees Celsius
• Humidity and air quality constantly monitored
• Designed under strict Australian authority guidelines

Feeding Schedule: Daily at 4:00 PM (each croc eats approximately 12 pounds of chicken, fish, and beef daily)

Penguin Cove

Meet the Gentoo Penguins

Penguin Cove is home to a charming colony of 16 Gentoo penguins:

Features:

• Temperature controlled Antarctic environment
• Multi level platform for climbing and exploring
• Slide into their pool
• Lighting that mimics Antarctic day/night cycles

Notable Residents:

• Rain: The cheeky adventurer with a sassy personality
• Watch them waddle, slide, dive, and swim

Penguin Encounter Experience:

• Duration: 20 minutes
• Get up close with live penguins
• Learn about their natural behaviors
• Includes educational insights from expert staff

Ticket Prices 2026

General Admission Tickets

Season & Annual Passes

Combo Tickets

Animal Encounters (Add On)

Diving Experiences

Age Policy

Opening Hours 2026

Special Hours:

• December 31: 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM (Last Entry 9:15 PM)
• Open 365 days a year including public holidays

Hours may vary during special events

How to Get There

Address

Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo The Dubai Mall, Doha Street Off 1st Interchange, Sheikh Zayed Road Downtown Dubai, UAE

Exact Location:

Aquarium Tank & Tunnel: Ground Level

Underwater Zoo: Level 2

By Metro (Recommended)

Nearest Station: Burj Khalifa/Dubai Mall (Red Line)

Metro Lines Serving the Station:

M1 (Red Line)

By Bus

Nearest Bus Stop: The Dubai Mall (6 minute walk) Frequency: Every 15 to 30 minutes

By Car/Taxi

Ride Hailing Apps: Uber, Careem, RTA Taxi

Parking

Dubai Mall offers extensive parking:

Parking Rates: First 4 hours free (with Salik), paid thereafter Valet Parking: Available at designated entrances

Daily Experiences & Presentations

Feeding Presentations

Glass Bottom Boat Ride

• Duration: 15 to 20 minutes
• Capacity: Up to 10 people per boat
• Departure: Every 10 to 20 minutes
• View: Marine life directly beneath your feet

Tip: Book in advance to avoid waiting

Animal Encounters

Penguin Encounter:

• Meet Gentoo penguins up close
• Learn about their behaviors and habitat
• Duration: 20 minutes

Otter Encounter:

• Meet Diego and family
• Watch puzzle solving and acrobatics
• Interact in special habitat

King Croc Encounter:

• Meet King Jock and Queen Missy
• Learn about crocodile conservation
• Behind the scenes access

Ray Encounter:

• Hand feed rays under expert guidance
• Touch their velvet smooth bodies
• Learn about Cownose and Eagle rays

Shark Trainer Encounter:

• Train Bamboo and Leopard sharks
• Wear waterproof waders, waist deep in water
• Behind the scenes access

Diving & Snorkeling Experiences

Shark Dive

Experience: Swim alongside Sand Tiger Sharks, Reef Sharks, Leopard Sharks, Tawny Nurse Sharks, Giant Groupers, and Stingrays.

Cage Snorkeling

Experience: Observe 70+ marine species from a secure cage inside the 10 million liter tank.

Shark Walker

Experience: Walk on the tank floor wearing a specialized breathing helmet, keeping your hair dry while surrounded by sharks and rays.

Discover Scuba Diving

No certification? Complete a PADI Discover Scuba Diver program with partner Al Boom Diving and experience the aquarium underwater.

Facilities & Amenities

Inside the Attraction

Dubai Mall Facilities

Being located in The Dubai Mall, visitors have access to:

• 1,200+ retail stores
• 200+ food and beverage outlets
• Dubai Ice Rink
• KidZania
• VR Park
• Cinema complex
• ATMs and currency exchange

Educational Programs

Ocean School Education Programme

Dubai Aquarium is committed to marine conservation and education:

Programs Include:

• Ministry of Education approved curricula
• Guided learning journeys for schools
• Early childhood programs (color, pattern, sequencing)
• Conservation programs (habitat loss, pollution, climate change)
• UAE Habitats programs (mangroves, deserts, wadis)
• Animal adaptation programs

Philosophy: "Do, Find, Think"

• Do: Observe marine life and hands on activities
• Find: Investigate ecological concepts
• Think: Discuss with trained educators

Junior & Senior Aquarist Programs

Internship Program

Students 16 years and above can apply for internship opportunities. Contact: [email protected]

Rules & Guidelines

What's Allowed

• Personal photography and videography (no flash in designated areas)
• Small bags and backpacks
• Strollers
• Wheelchairs

What's NOT Allowed

• Flash photography (harmful to animals)
• Outside food and beverages
• Glassware and alcohol
• Touching the aquarium glass
• Smoking and vaping
• Pets (except service animals)

Age & Height Restrictions

Visitor Conduct

• Respect exhibits and animals
• Follow staff instructions
• Do not tap on glass
• No re entry once exited
• Carry valid photo ID

Best Time to Visit

Best Months

Best Days & Times

Visit Duration

Nearby Attractions

Suggested Itinerary

Half Day (Downtown Dubai):

• Dubai Aquarium (1.5 to 2 hours)
• Burj Khalifa At The Top (1 hour)
• Dubai Fountain Show (30 minutes)

Full Day:

• Dubai Aquarium (morning)
• Lunch at Dubai Mall
• Dubai Mall shopping and entertainment
• Burj Khalifa sunset views
• Dubai Fountain evening show

Awards & Recognition

Conservation & Sustainability

Dubai Aquarium is committed to environmental education and wildlife conservation:

Conservation Efforts

• Member of World Association of Zoos and Aquariums (WAZA)
• Breeding programs for vulnerable species
• Sand Tiger Shark conservation program
• Environmental research initiatives
• Marine biology education programs

Water Management

• Natural seawater used
• Daily water quality monitoring
• Temperature and pH controlled in each zone
• Portion of water replaced daily with fresh seawater

Insider Tips

Before You Visit

1. Book tickets online to avoid queue and often get better prices
2. Choose weekday mornings for smallest crowds
3. Download tickets to your phone for quick entry
4. Check for combo deals if visiting Burj Khalifa or Sky Views
5. UAE residents get 15% discount with valid ID

At the Aquarium

1. Arrive at opening (10 AM) for tunnel photos without crowds
2. Start with the tunnel then head to Level 2 for Underwater Zoo
3. Catch feeding presentations at 10:30 AM (rays) and 2:00 PM (sharks)
4. Book Glass Bottom Boat early as slots fill up
5. Wear comfortable shoes for walking

Photography Tips

• No flash allowed in most areas (harms animals)
• Use existing light and increase ISO settings
• Press camera against glass to reduce reflections
• Visit at opening for crowd free photos in tunnel
• King Croc feeding (4 PM) makes for dramatic shots

Saving Money

• 4 for 3 Family Pass saves AED 209
• Combo tickets save up to AED 100+
• UAE residents always show Emirates ID for discounts
• Season passes worth it if visiting 2+ times in 90 days
• Gold Pass includes boat ride, feeding, and discounts (good value)

For Families

• Children under 2 enter free
• Penguin Cove is a hit with kids
• Rainforest Zone with otters and piranhas engages children
• Touch pool at Rocky Shore allows hands on experience
• Take breaks at Aquarium Cafe between zones

Contact Information