Opening of the Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo: the biggest attraction in the Middle East

Dubai has once again set new standards in the tourism industry with the opening of the Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo, located within the impressive Dubai Mall. This aquarium, one of the largest in the world, contains 10 million liters of water and more than 33,000 marine creatures, including over 400 species of sharks and rays, making it a central part of the tourist content offerings of this futuristic city.

Spectacular structure and interactive attractions

One of the most fascinating features of this aquarium is its 48-meter tunnel, which provides visitors with a 270-degree view of the underwater world. The tunnel, made of special acrylic glass, allows for perfect clarity and enables visitors to feel like part of the marine ecosystem. This experience offers an immediate insight into the lives of numerous species, including tiger sharks, rays, giant groupers, and various other types. The entire complex offers different ecological zones such as tropical forests, coastal rocks, and oceanic ecosystems, ensuring that every visitor can experience a wide variety of the underwater world.

Unique experience: encounters with animals

The Dubai Aquarium offers a range of interactive experiences for all visitors. Among the most interesting encounters is the "King Croc" attraction, where visitors can experience a direct meeting with one of the largest crocodiles in the world. This impressive reptile, measuring over 5 meters and weighing 750 kg, fascinates visitors with its strength and size. In addition to crocodiles, there are also encounters with otters, rays, penguins, and sharks, allowing visitors to interact with animals under expert guidance. These encounters provide not only entertainment but also an educational experience, introducing visitors to marine ecosystems and the importance of their protection.

Additionally, visitors can participate in guided tours through the aquarium, where they will learn how to care for marine animals and participate in feeding fish, penguins, and otters. For those who wish to explore the underwater world up close, activities such as shark cage diving or snorkeling with rays are available, providing a safe experience to observe marine life from close proximity.

Education and conservation of marine ecosystems

Besides entertaining attractions, the Dubai Aquarium places a strong emphasis on education and conservation of marine ecosystems. Programs such as the Ocean School Education program, designed for schools and educational institutions, offer children and adults the opportunity to learn about the basics of marine biology and habitat conservation. Through hands-on workshops and guided tours, visitors can learn more about diverse marine species and the steps taken by experts to ensure their welfare and conservation.

The aquarium also offers an internship program for young people interested in a career in marine biology. These programs allow students to gain practical skills through working with experts and provide them with the opportunity to learn more about conducting research, species conservation, and maintaining aquarium systems. In addition to educational programs, the Dubai Aquarium collaborates with several global marine conservation organizations, further strengthening efforts to preserve marine ecosystems worldwide.

Planning a visit and additional information

The Dubai Aquarium is open daily, and visitors can plan their visits with flexible schedules that suit their needs. The aquarium is open from 10:00 AM to 11:00 PM on weekdays, while on weekends it operates until midnight, ensuring plenty of time to explore all its parts. For those looking to make the most of their experience, VIP packages are available that include fast-track access to the shark tunnel, exclusive tours, and access to special virtual reality experiences.

The aquarium is located within the Dubai Mall, the largest shopping center in the world, allowing visitors to combine their visit with various other attractions. Dubai Mall offers a range of activities, including a VR park, ice rink, cinema, and the famous Dubai Fountain show that visitors can watch right after touring the aquarium. This combination allows visitors to enjoy a full day experience filled with entertainment and education.

Impact on tourism and the local community

By opening such an attraction, Dubai reaffirms its status as a global leader in innovation and tourism offerings. The Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo is already attracting visitors from around the world and is expected to continue growing as one of the key attractions in the city. Its popularity contributes to increasing local tourism and positively impacts the economy, while simultaneously raising awareness of the importance of preserving marine ecosystems.

The aquarium also collaborates with local communities, providing children and families from the UAE access to educational programs at reduced prices or for free. These programs aim to involve as many young people as possible in ecological initiatives and encourage interest in nature conservation. This opening is not only a significant tourist success but also an important step toward sustainable development and educating future generations.