The Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo at the Dubai Mall witnessed more than 1.5 million paid visitors this year, the company said in a press release this week.

The visitors toured the walkthrough tunnel for closer encounters of the 33,000 aquatic animals and the underwater zoo and experienced a sample of the world’s marine diversity.  

A year ago, the aquarium 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.  

In a media release this week, 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.  

Amiri said that Emaar Retail has introduced several 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.

The Dubai Aquarium features species like Sand Tiger Sharks, Rays and Giant Groupers, the Underwater Zoo features penguins, otters, seals, alligators, eels and piranhas, among others, all set in a three-zone environment.