Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo

About this activity

Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo: what to know before you book

Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo lets you see a glass tunnel about 48 metres long with sharks and rays gliding around and above you, then the Underwater Zoo upstairs. This guide explains what to expect, who it suits and how to book. We do not sell tickets ourselves: we send you to a trusted partner page, where you choose your date and see the cancellation terms before you pay.

Book this activity

What to expect

The first thing you see is the water. The main tank holds about 10 million litres, and you cross it through a glass tunnel about 48 metres long. Sharks and rays glide past you and over your head.

Upstairs, on Level 2, the Underwater Zoo adds a closer look at individual animals. Guides quote around 33,000 animals in total, though counts vary between sources.

Everything is indoors and air-conditioned, which makes it a reliable plan for the hottest hours. It also sits inside The Dubai Mall, so lunch, shopping or the Burj Khalifa area fit easily around it.

See it before you go

A walking tour of the tunnel and the Underwater Zoo, by the YouTube channel VIRTUAL TOUR.

Who it is for

How to get there

By metro

Take the Red Line to Burj Khalifa/Dubai Mall. An air-conditioned walkway of about 820 metres leads to the mall, roughly 10 to 15 minutes on foot.

By taxi or private car

Ask for “The Dubai Mall”, then follow the Dubai Aquarium signs. The mall is large, so name the entrance you want. It saves a long walk with children or limited mobility.

By car

The Dubai Mall has car parks. Check the mall’s own website for the entrance closest to the aquarium before you leave.

Need a lift? The VIP TOV options are just below.

Map

Access and conditions

Wheelchairs and reduced mobility

The aquarium and tunnel are generally described as wheelchair and stroller friendly. Some areas and special encounters may not be. Before you book, check your exact option on the partner page, and message the partner if you have a specific need.

Strollers and young children

Small children can be taken around in a pram or stroller. Expect more people in the early evening.

Opening hours

The attraction follows The Dubai Mall’s schedule. It opens around 10 am, and closing times vary with events and maintenance. Check your date on the partner page.

Plan your visit

• Allow 1 to 2 hours. The tunnel takes about 15 to 30 minutes and the Underwater Zoo about 45 minutes to 1.5 hours.
• Go earlier in the day. Late afternoon to early evening (about 5 to 7 pm) is the peak, so earlier slots tend to be calmer.
• Build a half-day. Burj Khalifa views, the fountain area and lunch in the mall are all close by.
• With children, arrive before they tire and start with the tunnel.

Is the Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo right for you?

The Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo suits families, couples and first-time visitors. It is also the easy answer when it is too hot outside. On timing: allow 1 to 2 hours. Dates, options and the final conditions are confirmed by the booking partner, so check your exact option on their page before you pay.

Planning more than one day? See also our guides to Burj Khalifa Levels 124 and 125 and Madame Tussauds Dubai.

Ready to go? Check dates and options on our partner’s page.

Book this activity

When to go

Earlier in the day is usually calmer. Visitor guides point to roughly 5 to 7 pm as the busiest period. The aquarium is indoors and air-conditioned, so it suits the hottest hours of summer.

Frequently asked questions