The Dubai Mall is an insanely large shopping mall located in Dubai, UAE, at the base of the Burj Khalifa, the tallest building in the world, and has several “largest” and “firsts” to its name, including a 21-screen multiplex cinema, to an Olympic-sized ice skating rink inside the mall. But most fascinating of all is the 10-million liter Dubai Aquarium tank, located on the Ground Level of The Dubai Mall, the largest suspended aquarium in the world.
The main Aquarium tank measures 51 meters (167ft) in length, 20 meters (66ft) in depth and 11 meters (36 ft) in height. It houses over 33,000 aquatic animals comprising over 140 species. Over 400 Sharks and Rays live in this tank, including the world’s most extensive collection of Sand Tiger Sharks.
The Aquarium offers its visitors various close-up encounters with marine life, ranging from a glass-bottomed boat ride to snorkeling with the fish, shark feeding inside the suspended shark cage, and, best of all, scuba diving inside the main aquarium tank for certified scuba divers.
The Dive lasts 20 – 30 minutes and costs AED 625 ($170), but it is worth the chance to experience so many different varieties of sharks and rays all in one location. Substantial pelagic-like Batfish, Bigeye Trevally clownfish, Giant Grouper, Unicorn Fish, and Scalloped Hammerhead Sharks are constantly circling you inside the tank. For those without dive certification, there is a “learn to dive” package for AED 825 ($225) (includes a preliminary lesson), scuba diving gear rental, DAN diver insurance, and a certificate of participation. A cage snorkeling package costs AED 225 ($61). If you don’t want to undertake full-fledged diving, you can still feel the same thrills in a safe cage setting. You only have to put on snorkeling gear, dive into the secure cage in the aquarium, and watch over 70 different marine species, including some 400 sharks and rays, at close quarters.
A popular Dubai Scuba Shop offers “Specialty Dives” at the Dubai Mall Aquarium, a series of three dives for PADI-certified divers.
- Dive 1 is a session with Sand Tiger Sharks, Reef Sharks, Rays, Scalloped Hammerhead Sharks, and Silvertip Sharks.
- Dive 2 covers information about shark identification as well as an opportunity to learn underwater photography. It includes a 30-minute theory session and photography tips.
- Dive 3 takes place in the shark cage for a shark-feeding frenzy photography session. The Aquarium staff feeds the sharks while you are given this unique opportunity to take photographs inside the safety of the shark cage.
The package costs AED 1,875 (approximately $510) for all three dives. It can be covered in a single day or spread out over several. The Dubai Aquarium provides all underwater camera equipment.
So the next time you plan a vacation in Dubai, check out the Dubai Mall’s Aquarium and take the plunge with 400 sharks and rays in an unforgettable experience of a lifetime.
