Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo

حوض دبي المائي

A massive aquarium housing thousands of marine species including sharks, rays, and tropical fish in a 10-million-liter tank visible through an acrylic panel. It's an educational and immersive experience suitable for families and marine life enthusiasts.

Things to do

• Walk through the Underwater Tunnel — Experience the iconic 48-meter long acrylic tunnel where sharks, rays, and groupers swim directly overhead and around you in the 10-million-liter tank.
• Visit the Interactives Touch Pool — Hands-on zone where you can touch and learn about starfish, sea cucumbers, and other shallow-water creatures under staff guidance.
• Watch the Sharks and Rays Feeding Show — Scheduled feeding demonstrations where expert divers explain shark behavior and feeding ecology while large predators are fed in the main tank.
• Explore the Jellyfish and Seahorse Exhibits — Dedicated sections showcasing delicate jellyfish species and tiny seahorses in carefully controlled environments with detailed species information.
• Discover the Ocean Dioramas — Themed habitat displays representing different ocean zones including coral reefs, rocky outcrops, and sandy bottoms populated with region-specific species.
• Book an Underwater Zoo VR Experience — Virtual reality stations that provide immersive deep-sea exploration and educational content about marine conservation.

Food to try

• Shawarma Wrap — Thin flatbread filled with seasoned marinated meat (chicken or lamb), tahini, and fresh vegetables, commonly served at the aquarium's food court.
• Hummus and Pita Bread — Creamy chickpea dip served with warm pita bread, a staple Levantine dish reflecting Emirati dining culture.
• Grilled Fish Plate — Fresh locally-inspired grilled fish served with rice and vegetables, celebrating the region's coastal heritage.
• Zaalouk — North African-style cooked eggplant and tomato dip served as an appetizer or side dish, reflecting Dubai's multicultural food scene.
• Dates and Arabic Coffee — Traditional Emirati combination of sweet dates with strong, cardamom-infused Arabic coffee, offered throughout the venue as a cultural experience.

Local customs & good to know

• Dress Modestly — While the aquarium is indoors and air-conditioned, visitors should wear respectful clothing; loose-fitting pants and covered shoulders align with local customs.
• Greetings Matter — Staff appreciate polite greetings in Arabic ('Assalamu alaikum') or English; this reflects Emirati hospitality and shows cultural respect.
• Photography Etiquette — Photography is generally permitted for personal use, but always ask staff before photographing special events or feeding sessions, and avoid flash photography near sensitive exhibits.
• Peak Hours Are Family-Focused — Weekends and school holidays are busy with families; visit on weekday mornings for a quieter, more educational experience aligned with local family routines.