Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo: Get up Close with Aquatic Life

• World's largest suspended aquarium housing over 33,000 marine animals across 140 species, including the largest collection of sand tiger sharks globally.
• Three distinct experiences await visitors: the main aquarium tank, a 48-meter underwater tunnel, and a multi-zone underwater zoo with penguins, crocodiles, and interactive exhibits.
• Adventure activities available for all skill levels, from cage snorkelling and shark diving to VR experiences and educational programs for children.
• Located in Dubai Mall with easy metro access, open daily with timed entry tickets starting from AED 120 for adults.
• Best visited early morning or during golden hour to avoid crowds and capture stunning photography opportunities.

The Dubai Mall is home to one of the largest marine aquariums in the world, the Dubai Aquarium. The legendary aquarium boasts over 33,000 aquatic animals across 140 species, including the famous King Croc, sharks and rays. In addition to its sheer magnitude, this beauty brings exceptional experiences that cannot be experienced elsewhere. The 48-metre curved tunnel displays a panoramic underwater view and brings you close to the marine ecosystem.

This gigantic suspended tank is located on the ground floor of the Dubai Mall and contains approximately 10 million litres of water. The Main Aquarium Tank contains more than 33,000 marine animals, such as sand tiger sharks and rays. It is incorporated with an amazing acrylic viewing panel, creating the chance to observe the tank from several levels in the shopping mall.

The Dubai Aquarium tunnel walk is a highlight that provides visitors with a walk through a marine ecosystem. This 48-meter-long tunnel is located 11 metres below the surface of the main tank, thereby allowing the visitors to enjoy uninterrupted views of the thousands of aquatic animals swimming around them.

The underwater zoo on level two of Dubai Mall covers numerous themed zones that recreate various marine environments around the world.

Rainforest Zone

This climate-controlled section is home to freshwater species of animals that are found in tropical rainforest conditions. Visitors can encounter piranhas, electric eels and various tropical species in their natural habitat settings that mimic the rivers of the Amazon and Southeast Asia.

Rocky Shore Zone

The Rocky Shore zone demonstrates sea life of coastal areas with penguins, sea otters and other animals living in a climate-controlled area. The penguin display ensures that the temperature is below zero degrees all year round and offers the tourists a rare taste of the Arctic environment in the desert. 

Living Ocean Zone

The Living Ocean Zone is one of the three primary ecological zones within the Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo. It is a recreation of the rich ocean environment and the sophisticated connections between these lifeforms.

Shark Encounter Experiences

Cage Snorkeling

The visitors without any diving experience could snorkel in a secure cage and enjoy the close view of thousands of marine animals like sharks, rays and colourful fish from a safe and secure environment.

Shark Dive Experience

The visitors are also allowed to take a dip into the depths of the aquarium under the supervision of professional dive masters. The experience of swimming in the giant 10-million-litre tank with the Sand Tiger Sharks alongside other species creates an everlasting memory in your mind.

Family-Friendly Activities

Glass Bottom Boat Tours

It is a dry alternative to diving, offering the perspectives under the water without going under the water. Slide over the top of the aquarium in a glass-bottomed boat and get a bird's-eye view of the beautiful aquatic scene below.

Virtual Reality Marine Experiences

Cutting-edge VR technology carries visitors to the natural marine ecosystems of the world. The advanced technology creates immersive simulations of close encounters with endangered animals and marine life.

Location & Getting There

Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo is located within the Dubai Mall, situated in Downtown Dubai. Hence, it is easily accessible through various Dubai transportation services. The large aquarium tank occupies the ground level, while the underwater zoo is located at level 1 of the mall.

• By Metro: The Dubai Mall is accessible via the Dubai Metro. The closest metro station to the Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo is the Dubai Mall/Burj Khalifa station.
• By Taxi or Ride-Share: Request the taxis to be dropped off at the entrance of the gold souk so that you are nearest to the aquarium.
• By Car: The Dubai Mall has various car parking areas at various levels of this building. 

Dubai Aquarium Ticket Prices 2025: Basic, VIP & Package Options

Basic Tickets: Basic passes give ordinary access to the aquarium and underwater zoo.

• Adults: Rs. 4,700 (AED 120)
• Children above 2 years: Rs. 2,200 (AED 95)
• Children below 3 years: Free entry

Luxury Experience Packages: To have an even more impressive experience with additional benefits.

• Ultimate Experience: The price of tickets begins at approximately Rs. 6300-7000 (AED 269-299).
• VIP Pass: The ticket prices are slightly above Rs. 9,300 (AED 399), where the visitors are provided with benefits such as skipping the queues and a glass-bottom boat tour.

Dubai Aquarium Opening Hours & Optimal Visiting Times

Daily Operating Schedule

• Operating Hours: Open daily from 10:00 AM to 11:00 PM (Sun–Thu) and until midnight on weekends, with last entry about one hour before closing
• Ramadan Period: 10:00 AM - 8:00 PM daily
• Last Entry: The last entry is about an hour before closing.

Optimal Visiting Times

• Early Morning: Fewer crowds with good lighting for photography. The marine animals are most active during their feeding time.
• Golden Hour: Dramatic lighting for photography with moderate crowds and comfortable outdoor temperatures.
• Weekday Visits: Tuesday through Thursday typically offer the most comfortable experience with minimal crowds and low waiting times.

The Dubai Mall features more than 1,200 retail shops, and hence the aquarium is a perfect addition to a full day, making it one of the must-visit malls in Dubai. The Dubai Fountain, which stands on the list of the top experiences in Dubai, operates a few minutes away, displays performances every 30 minutes during evenings and the Burj Khalifa observation decks provide stunning views of the city skyline. The Dubai Mall Souk provides traditional shopping facilities, and the fine dining restaurants and quick bites can also be found at the mall.

The Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo provides a world-class experience to tourists who love marine life adventures. Whether you aim for a family-friendly vacation, an exciting adventure activity or experience the captivating underwater scenery, the place offers an incredible experience right in the shopping district of Dubai. Thrilled to make memories at the best places in Dubai? Let PickYourTrail organise your Dubai Tour Package and Dubai Honeymoon Package with a well-designed itinerary that meets your needs.