Largest Aquarium in Dubai: What You Need to Know Before You Go

When you think of the largest aquarium in Dubai, a massive, immersive marine attraction featuring thousands of aquatic species and one of the world’s longest acrylic tunnels. Also known as Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo, it sits inside The Dubai Mall and holds over 10 million liters of water, making it one of the most visited aquatic exhibits on the planet. This isn’t just a display—it’s an experience that pulls you into a living underwater world, where sharks glide above your head and rays sweep past in silent motion.

The Dubai Aquarium, a flagship marine attraction featuring a 51-meter-long acrylic tunnel and over 33,000 marine animals. Also known as Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo, it connects directly to the Underwater Zoo, a three-level exhibit showcasing ecosystems from rainforests to icy waters, including penguins, otters, and giant crabs. Together, they form a single attraction that blends education, spectacle, and adventure. You can walk through the tunnel, dive with sharks, or even feed the rays—all under the same roof. It’s not just for kids. Adults come for the quiet awe of seeing a 4-meter-long sand tiger shark drift by, or for the thrill of a guided dive that puts you eye-to-eye with a leopard shark.

What makes this place different from other aquariums? It’s the scale, the setting, and the surprises. You’re not just looking at fish—you’re standing inside a 48-meter-long tunnel beneath a 10-meter-high glass ceiling, surrounded by hundreds of sharks and rays. The lighting shifts from day to night, mimicking real ocean cycles. And if you’re hungry, you can dine at Aquarius Restaurant, a luxury underwater dining spot inside the Dubai Aquarium with panoramic views of the tank, where your meal is served as stingrays glide past your table. This isn’t a gimmick—it’s a fully integrated experience built around marine life, not just around tourism.

You’ll find this attraction in the heart of The Dubai Mall, right next to the Burj Khalifa and the Dubai Fountain. That means you can easily combine it with other top sights in one day. Skip the long lines by booking tickets online, and if you’re visiting in the evening, catch the aquarium’s light show—it’s free, silent, and stunning. The whole place is designed so you don’t feel like you’re in a zoo. You feel like you’ve stepped into the ocean.

What’s here? More than 250 species, including the rare giant grouper, the elusive sawfish, and the elusive green sea turtle. The zoo section has reptiles you won’t see anywhere else in the city. The staff know their animals. They’ll tell you which species are endangered, how they feed, and why some are kept in special tanks. This isn’t just a photo op—it’s a chance to learn something real.

Whether you’re here for the spectacle, the science, or the chance to say you swam with sharks, the largest aquarium in Dubai delivers. And with dozens of posts covering nearby luxury hotels, free attractions, and hidden gems in the mall, you’ll find everything you need to plan the perfect day—without the crowds, without the stress, and without missing the best parts.