1. First-ever in-mall Shark Dive in the region is a hit with all
2. Hundreds take up Shark Dives offering close encounters with over 33,000 aquatic animals
3. First-time divers now have an easy opportunity to try diving
If strolling into a mall is all about shopping, think again. At The Dubai Mall you could very well be diving into one of world’s largest aquariums and in full diving gear wading amongst Sand Tiger Sharks, Giant Groupers and Sting Rays, among 33,000 aquatic animals.
The Shark Dive at Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo, introduced for the first time in the region at the mall, has become a resounding success with young and old alike taking a fancy for the adrenaline rush offered by this adventure pastime. Visitors from 10 to 68 years of age have experienced the sheer thrill of Shark Dives and have unanimously voted it as “exhilarating.â€
The Shark Dive at Dubai Aquarium is indeed a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Where else do you have the largest collection of Sand Tiger Sharks in the world swimming right next to you while Giant Groupers edge closer and thousands of smaller fish species swim along? After having been an onlooker of the aquatic animals in the aquarium, you now have hundreds of mall visitors who gaze into the tank at you. And the comments from visitors have been varied: “I was surprised at how peaceful it is on the dive,†said one shark diver.
Another added: “You see it on television; sharks circling overhead, but you never appreciate just how spine-tingling that is until they are circling over YOUR head! What an adrenalin rush!â€
Mr Arif Amiri, Chief Executive Officer, Emaar Retail, said: “The Shark Dive is one of the several close encounters of our animals that visitors can experience at Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo. Their response to the experience of diving in the aquarium and spending time with the diverse aquatic animals has been overwhelming.â€
He explained: “This is an experience unparalleled in Dubai or the region. While we do have certified divers who jump into our tank, many participants have no previous diving experience at all and some do not even know how to swim. But, whatever their expertise level, everyone thoroughly enjoys the shark dive.
The Shark Dives are organised in association with Al Boom Diving, which also offer a short course to those who have never dived before to prepare them for the thrilling experience. Apart from being provided the entire diving gear, Shark Divers are given a full briefing session that covers the dos and don’ts of Shark Diving at Dubai Aquarium. Experienced dive masters are present during all dives, assuring safety.
Shark Dives are available three times a day, seven days a week at Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo.
The journey starts at a specially assigned zone in the back of house of Underwater Zoo on Level 2. Here, certified and non-certified divers both are given the Shark Dive briefing, and provided the diving gear. Staff then help them put on their oxygen tanks and they step into the water. The dive experience last approximately 20 minutes, and after watching such a diverse variety of marine species in close quarters, the diver makes his or her ascent.
The entire experience is complete with a Shark Dive certificate awarded to the diver – a keepsake for the feat accomplished. Divers also have the option of having their dive filmed, for an extra charge. They will soon be able to buy souvenir T-shirts as well at a nominal price.
The 51 m x 20 m x 11 m Dubai Aquarium is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Dubai and has the world’s largest acrylic viewing panel. A walk-through tunnel offers visitors close encounters with over 33,000 aquatic animals. The mall will soon open KidZania® and SEGA Republic, two indoor theme parks, and the 22-screen Reel Cinemas, the largest in Dubai, adding to the mall’s leisure spread.
