Global recognition, millions of visitors in first year for Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo

The spectacular showcase of the marine world acts as one of the centre pieces of The Dubai Mall. Just one year ago it received global recognition from the Guinness Book for the 'World's Largest Acrylic Panel' and has already been viewed by over 30 million visitors to the mall.

Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo has also welcomed more than 1.5 million paid visitors, who toured the walkthrough tunnel for closer encounters of the 33,000 aquatic animals and the Underwater Zoo for a touch-and-feel experience of the world's amazing marine diversity.

Mr Arif Amiri, Chief Executive Officer of Emaar Retail, which manages the aquarium and underwater zoo, said the original showcase of the diversity of the marine world has helped strengthen awareness of the wonders of the sea amongst visitors and has helped bring a unique shopping experience.

"One year on and we still retain the Guinness Record for the 'World's Largest Acrylic Panel'. The engineering and design feats accomplished to develop this aquarium, which houses 10,000 litres of water and is suspended on a floor with hundreds of retail outlets below, remains unmatched in the industry. Dubai Aquarium has achieved the recognition of being one of the region's most sought-after tourist destinations - a testament to our commitment to add value to the local economy,"

he added.

Mr Amiri said that Emaar Retail has introduced several value-added features during the past 12 months to assure visitors a more engaging experience.

"These are first of their kind initiatives in the world in a mall environment and help ensure we offer a distinctive edge. The Dubai Mall is redefining the shopping mall experience and Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo is one of the central components which offer visitors a unique shopping experience."

The new features as well as the sheer wealth of marine species - over 220 of them forming a family of 33,000 aquatic animals - continue to attract thousands of visitors to the leisure facility every day.

"We plan to launch several new initiatives that will be educational as well as entertaining for visitors," said Mr Amiri.

Dubai Aquarium's acrylic viewing panel continues to hold the world record for being the largest acrylic panel, highlighting the cutting edge technology that Emaar Retail has employed in developing it.

While Dubai Aquarium features species like Sand Tiger Sharks, Rays and Giant Groupers, the Underwater Zoo is a must-visit destination to watch penguins, otters, seals, alligators, eels and piranhas, among others, all set in a three-zone environment. Each zone represents a natural eco-system and the aquatic animals associated with it, thus offering a hands-on learning on Mother Nature's bio-diversity for all its visitors.

The Dubai Aquarium walk-through tunnel is located on the Ground Floor and the Underwater Zoo is located directly above the aquarium on Level 2.

Emaar Retail also manages the other retail attractions in The Dubai Mall including the Olympic-sized Dubai Ice Rink; the city's largest megaplex - the 22-screen Reel Cinemas; the Middle East's first and largest of its kind theme park - SEGA Republic; and the soon-to-open children's edutainment facility, KidZania.