- First of its kind display of aquatic animals in the GCC
- Four ecological zones offering tailored aqua-education programmes for schools
- Supervised human-animal contact; interactive exhibits
- Safe, unique and engaging environment with educational workbooks
How do sea stars eat? Why do fish stay in schools? Answers to these and other questions will unravel the mysteries of the aquatic world, and can be learned first-hand at Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo at The Dubai Mall. The Ocean School Education Programme was recently launched with students from Dubai International Academy, the first group to experience the highly interactive sessions.
Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo communicates important messages of environmental care in a fun and interactive way. Close-up animal encounters are an important part of creating awareness, and the tailor-made education programmes at Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo has a team of knowledgeable marine specialists ready to help visiting school groups and visitors understand animal behavior.
The Ocean School Education Programmes at Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo are specially designed for students ranging from early childhood to seniors in high school. Covering topics such as adaptation, survival strategies, conservation and reproduction, The Ocean School Education Programmes are already proving to be extremely popular with various schools having booked hundreds of students to partake in these educational sessions. With trained Education Officers, take-home workbooks and an innovative approach to education, The Ocean School Education Programmes at Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo are a fun-filled complement to the school curriculum.
Mr Suresh Bhatia, Chief Executive Officer, Emaar Retail, said: “Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo at The Dubai Mall allows visitors to see, touch, learn and experience the wonders of aquatic animals that they otherwise may never get the opportunity to see. Visitors will be taken on a fascinating journey, learning about eco-systems and interacting with animals in a safe, learning-based environment. Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo offers a truly unique ‘edu-tainment’ experience with positive messages that both children and adults will take away.â€
Mr Yousif Al Ali, General Manager, The Dubai Mall, said: “Sustainable development initiatives and the need to protect the natural habitat are more relevant today than ever before. There is increasing awareness among today’s youngsters on the need to respect, value and conserve nature. Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo has been specifically tailored to enhance awareness on the importance of protecting natural habitats and will appeal to all age-groups.â€
The journey at Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo consists of four ecological zones: Rainforest, Rocky Shore, Living Ocean and Aquarium Tunnel where a variety of aquatic animals feature including Piranhas, Giant Spider Crabs, Water Rats, Giant Catfish, Lizards, Tiger Fish, and Dart Frogs. The experience tells a story following the journey of a raindrop falling from the sky into the Rainforest, crashing into the Rocky Shore, before flowing into the Living Ocean. Curious up-close animal encounters and displays along the way educate students and visitors about the various aquatic eco-systems with marine biologists and trained staff engaging them on a range of activities.
In total Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo will be home to over 33,000 animals, representing some 85 species. All animals at Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo are cared for according to international standards of animal care.
Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo is a key attraction at The Dubai Mall, one of the world’s largest shopping destinations. The main aquarium measures 51m x 20m x 11m and features the Guinness World Record for the largest viewing panel at 32.8m wide x 8.3m high. With the capacity to hold 10 million litres of water, the aquarium illuminates the marvels of the ocean and showcases one of the most diverse collections of aquatic life worldwide. A 270-degree walkthrough tunnel enables visitors to get a surrounding view.
Amongst other world-class attractions at The Dubai Mall are the Olympic-size Dubai Ice Rink; a sprawling Gold Souk, and world famous stores such as Waitrose, Hamleys and Kinokuniya. Other attractions to launch in 2009 include Fashion Avenue; SEGA Republic®, the region’s first SEGA indoor theme park; KidZania®, a unique children’s ‘edu-tainment’ concept; The Grove, an indoor-outdoor streetscape with retractable roof and a 22-screen Cineplex. In addition, there are over 14,000 undercover car park spaces and an adjoining luxury 5-star hotel – The Address, Dubai Mall – with 250 rooms and 450 serviced residences.
