KidZania And Dubai Aquarium Underwater Zoo Take Part In Earth Hour 2011

KidZania and Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo, managed by Emaar Retail LLC, participated in Earth Hour 2011 on March 26, to raise awareness on the need to take concrete action on climate change.

The DEWA establishment at KidZania, the unique children’s city located at The Dubai Mall, turned off the lights during Earth Hour, with DEWA mascots providing children with information on the initiative. In addition, a video was displayed explaining the concept of Earth Hour.

KidZania mascots, Urbano and Vita, and DEWA mascots joined the Earth Hour march at Burj Park to support the initiative.

In addition, the home of over 33,000 aquatic animals, Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo dimmed the lights during Earth Hour.
 

Dubai Aquarium Underwater Zoo Unveils The Aquatic World With Behind The Scene Tours And Animal Feeding Sessions

Visitors to Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo at The Dubai Mall can now learn more about the awe-inspiring world of aquatic animals with behind the scenes tours and daily animal feeding presentations. Those who have wondered what it takes to manage the 33,000 aquatic animals in the aquarium can now take the tour and discover various aspects of day-to-day operations including feeding, cleaning and care for the diverse species.

The behind the scenes tour takes guests to the dive platform, food preparation area, laboratory area and quarantine facility. The tour is for a duration of about 15 minutes and is led by specially trained educators. To experience this tour, visitors are to purchase the Platinum Aquarium Package.

Gordon White, General Manager, Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo, said: “Our guests have consistently expressed a desire to know more about the operations of this amazing facility, so we have responded by developing a behind the scenes tour which provides fascinating insights into the scientific best practices that go into managing one of the world’s most significant aquariums.”

He added: “With the newly developed behind the scenes tours and a greatly expanded range of animal feeding presentations, we now offer a unique overview of the complexities associated with the day-to-day activities at Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo.”

Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo, managed by Emaar Retail LLC, has introduced several offers ranging from the Combo Ticket for Aquarium Tunnel and Underwater Zoo access; Platinum Aquarium Package for access to Aquarium Tunnel, Underwater Zoo, behind the scenes tour, and Aquarium gift shop voucher; and the Platinum Aquarium Package for access to Aquarium Tunnel, Underwater Zoo, Glass-bottom Boat Ride, Fish Feeding, and Aquarium gift shop voucher. Visitors can also enjoy the exciting world of unlimited privileges and benefits at Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo with the new Membership Card.

Different aquatic animals and zones are selected for the animal feeding presentations held on the same day allowing visitors to maximize learning on the feeding habits of aquatic animals. Among the aquatic animals selected for the presentations are Humboldt Penguin Rookery, Nutria, Gentoo Penguin, Stringray Bay, Piranhna and Otter exhibit, representing different zones such as Living Ocean, Rainforest and Rocky Shore.

Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo is one of the largest and most diverse aquariums in the world, featuring over 33,000 aquatic animals and the world’s largest acrylic viewing panel. New species are regularly added with recent additions being the exquisite Scalloped Hammerhead Sharks and Silver tip Sharks.

A 270-degree walk-through tunnel experience, Glass Bottom Boat Rides, Shark Dives, Cage Snorkeling Experience, The Ocean School Programme, feeding presentations and the Aquarist Programme are amongst some of the activities that offer an interactive experience for visitors.

Underwater Zoo, located on Level 2 above the main Aquarium tank, presents the bio-diversity in different ecological zones including Rainforest, Rocky Shore and Living Ocean. Apart from Humboldt Penguins and Caiman Crocodiles, the animals featured here include Piranhas, Giant Spider Crabs, Water Rats, Sea Jellies and Clown fish.

In addition to Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo, Emaar Retail LLC manages a strong portfolio of exclusive leisure and retail concepts including the Olympic-sized Dubai Ice Rink; Reel Cinemas, the UAE largest megaplex with 22-screens; KidZania®, the first of its kind edutainment concept in the entire region; and SEGA Republic, the region’s first and largest SEGA indoor theme park – all in The Dubai Mall. Reel Cinemas has also introduced the first ‘premier’ boutique 6-screen Cineplex at Dubai Marina Mall.
 

KidZaniareg; And Dubai Aquarium Underwater Zoo Take Part In Earth Hour 2011

KidZania® and Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo, managed by Emaar Retail LLC, participated in Earth Hour 2011 on March 26, to raise awareness on the need to take concrete action on climate change.

The DEWA establishment at KidZania®, the unique children’s city located at The Dubai Mall, turned off the lights during Earth Hour, with DEWA mascots providing children with information on the initiative. In addition, a video was displayed explaining the concept of Earth Hour.

KidZania® mascots, Urbano and Vita, and DEWA mascots joined the Earth Hour march at Burj Park to support the initiative.

In addition, the home of over 33,000 aquatic animals, Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo dimmed the lights during Earth Hour.
 

Seven New Shark Species Now At Dubai Aquarium Underwater Zoo To Flag Off Unique Shark Fest

Sharks are taking the spotlight at Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo.

One of the most popular leisure destinations in Dubai managed by Emaar Retail LLC within The Dubai Mall, Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo is celebrating an unprecedented ‘Shark Fest,’ until May 15, 2011.

The highlights of the Shark Fest include the introduction of seven new and exotic species of sharks at the Underwater Zoo and the world’s largest collection of Sand Tiger Sharks in the aquarium. With such a diversity of species in one leisure attraction, visitors will have an unprecedented insight into the world of sharks.

The additions will give visitors to Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo an unrivalled opportunity to watch the marvels of the ‘shark world,’ with the seven new species differentiated by their remarkable adaptations and a variety of striking appearances.

The new shark species include Black Tip Shark, White Tip Shark, Spotted Bamboo Shark, Coral Cat Shark, Zebra Horned Shark, Wobbegong Shark and Leopard Shark. With the addition of the seven new species, the total species of aquatic animals in the 33,000-strong family of Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo is now over 260.

Visitors can look forward to much more than shark spotting at the aquarium, as Shark Fest offers a unique opportunity to further understand the shark community, watch feedings of different species of shark and gain an overview of the operations of the aquarium through several interactive events. The festival also features informative talks on environmental conservation that will give fresh insights on natural diversity and how individuals can contribute to the global efforts at sustainability.

The Shark Fest offers the full spectrum of activities from shark dives and shark talks to feeding presentations, shark story time, giveaways for children, and a scavenger hunt for young ones where they stand to win the chance to meet Underwater Zoo animals up close and personal.

The Shark Talks open a wealth of information for the participants marked by a lighthearted presentation while the Dubai Aquarium Tunnel presentation discusses the sustainability of the aquatic world.

The Scavenger Hunt, essentially, features a range of questions that the children have to find answers through fun-driven exploration with a chance to win a shark tooth. The hunt introduces new ways for fun learning, mixing educational content with interactive activities. The winners get the chance to win a Shark Tooth.

An array of children’s fiction on sharks will be showcased giving the little ones more reason to be thrilled. They can also enjoy collecting shark stickers.

Gordon White, General Manager, Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo, said: “Shark Fest is the first of its kind initiative, perhaps, in the entire Middle East region, whereby we are showcasing the myriad aspects of sharks – helping visitors understand these often much misunderstood species. There is so much for everyone – from adults to children – at the Shark Fest, which is aimed at instilling curiosity among the public as well as offering them proof-based insights on the aquatic world.”

Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo is one of the largest and most diverse aquariums in the world, featuring the world’s largest acrylic viewing panel. New species are regularly added to the aquatic animal community with recent additions being the exquisite Scalloped Hammerhead Sharks and Silver Tip Sharks.

A 270-degree walk-through tunnel experience, Glass Bottom Boat Rides, Cage Snorkeling Experience, The Ocean School Programme, feeding presentations and the Aquarist Programme are some of the activities that add to the interactive experience for visitors.

Underwater Zoo, located on Level 2 above the main Aquarium tank, presents the bio-diversity in different ecological zones including Rainforest, Rocky Shore and Living Ocean. Apart from Humboldt Penguins and Caiman Crocodiles, the animals featured here include Piranhas, Giant Spider Crabs, Water Rats, Sea Jellies and Clown fish.

In addition to Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo, Emaar Retail LLC manages a strong portfolio of exclusive leisure and retail concepts including the Olympic-sized Dubai Ice Rink; Reel Cinemas, the UAE largest megaplex with 22-screens; KidZania®, the first of its kind edutainment concept in the entire region; and SEGA Republic, the region’s first and largest SEGA indoor theme park – all in The Dubai Mall. Reel Cinemas has also introduced the first ‘premier’ boutique 6-screen Cineplex at Dubai Marina Mall.
 

Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo Enriches Diving Experience With Underwater Photography And Shark Feeding

The excitement gets better at Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo, the popular leisure attraction owned and managed by Emaar Retail LLC.

After introducing ‘Shark Dives,’ ‘Cage Snorkelling Experiences’ and ‘Glass-bottom Boat tours’ for closer encounters with the 33,000 aquatic animals, Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo is introducing a special package that will appeal to seasoned divers who can enrich their diving experiences with underwater photography, gain closer insights into shark feeding, and also work towards getting their PADI Master Certification.

The all-new Dubai Aquarium Speciality Dive is a three-dive initiative that offers PADI certified visitors over the age of 10 years, the opportunity to take their diving experiences to a whole new level of exploring the marvels of underwater photography and joining in the excitement as aquarium experts feed the Sand Tiger Sharks in Dubai Aquarium.

The added advantage of this pre-approved PADI Distinctive Specialty Course is that it ensures that divers receive a PADI Certificate Card on completion, which counts towards their PADI Master Scuba Diver rating.

Open to all PADI certified divers, ‘Speciality Dives’ will treat the adventurous, in Dive 1, to a swimming session with Sand Tiger Sharks, Reef Sharks, Rays and the newest members of the Aquarium aquatic family, the Scalloped Hammerhead Sharks and Silvertip Sharks.

Dive 2 teaches enthusiasts to identify shark species and practice underwater photography. A 30-minute theory and tracking session briefing will precede the photography tips. Dive 3 takes them inside the Cage for a Shark Feed photography session, where they are offered the rare and spine-thrilling opportunity of coming within inches of numerous sharks while staff divers carry out the feed.

The three exhilarating ‘Speciality Dive’ experiences can be enjoyed either on the same day or on different days, as per the convenience of the visitors.

Mr Damian Prendergast, General Manager, Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo, said: “We are always finding ways to push the envelope in offering unprecedented adventures at Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo. For novice divers, our Cage Snorkelling Experiences and Shark Dives are a great introduction to the underwater world. We are now looking to enhance and improve the experiences for seasoned divers. The Dubai Aquarium Specialty Dive offers them an amazing opportunity to achieve their PADI Master Dive certification in such a unique setting as an aquarium within a mall, in the presence of thousands of onlookers.”

Participants in the Speciality Dive sessions can use modern underwater photography equipment provided by Dubai Aquarium, and potentially get their photographs selected for the Top 10 Best Photos to be displayed at Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo.

The ‘Speciality Dives’ are organised in association with Al Boom Diving, which also supports the ‘Shark Dives’ and ‘Cage Snorkelling Experiences’ in the aquarium. All participants are briefed thoroughly on the do’s and don’ts of diving in the 10 million litre tank, as well as details of the three dive sessions. Experienced dive masters accompany the participants, ensuring their safety and wellness.

The 3-dive Dubai Aquarium Speciality is priced at AED 1,875. For bookings, customers can call +9714 342 2993 or email dives@thedubaiaquarium.com

Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo is one of the largest and most diverse aquariums in the world, also featuring the world’s largest acrylic viewing panel. New species are regularly added, with recent additions including the exquisite Scalloped Hammerhead Sharks, Antarctic Gentoo Penguins, and Silvertip Sharks.

A 270-degree walk-through tunnel experience, Glass Bottom Boat Rides, Shark Dives, Cage Snorkelling Experiences and The Ocean School Programme are amongst some of the activities that offer an interactive experience for visitors to Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo.

Underwater Zoo, located on Level 2 above the main Aquarium, presents the bio-diversity in different ecological zones including Rainforest, Rocky Shore and Living Ocean. The animal species here also include Humboldt Penguins, Caiman Crocodiles, Piranhas, Giant Spider Crabs, Water Rats, Giant Catfish, Clown fish and Dart Frogs.

Other leisure attractions at The Dubai Mall include the Olympic-size Dubai Ice Rink; SEGA Republic, the region’s first and largest SEGA indoor theme park; the 22-screen Reel Cinemas; and KidZania®, a unique children’s edutainment concept.
 

UAE Ministry Of Education Signs Agreement With Emaar Retail Approving Student Visits To Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo And KidZania® At The Dubai Mall

The UAE Ministry of Education has signed an agreement with Emaar Retail approving visits by students from public and private schools and other educational institutions in the country to Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo and KidZania®, two popular leisure and edutainment destinations in The Dubai Mall. This partnership with the Ministry of Education officially sanctions student visits as part of the educational programme.

In the presence of His Excellency Humaid Al Qutami, Minister of Education, the agreement was signed by His Excellency Ali Maihad Al Suwaidi, Director General at Ministry of Education and Mr Mohamed Alabbar, Chairman, Emaar Properties.

The ceremony was also attended by Shaikha Al Shamsi, Director of the Licensure and Accreditation Department at Ministry of Education; Mr. Arif Amiri, Chief Executive Officer of Emaar Retail; and Wafa Alabbar, Director of Student School Activities Department at Ministry of Education.

His Excellency Humaid Al Qutami said the agreement demonstrates the commitment of the Ministry of Education to strengthen its relationship with its strategic partners to promote the development of education and adding non-traditional student activities. “This is the beginning of an important cooperation with a pioneering company, Emaar. This agreement is of interest to the Ministry of Education to advance student activities, broaden their knowledge and develop the skills and talents. It will help create an environment where they discover new learning experiences by themselves as well as boost their confidence.”

His Excellency Ali Maihad Al Suwaidi said: “Emaar Retail will achieve these goals by introducing special reduced prices, and offering a specified number of complimentary access to special needs students and supervisors of student group visits. Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo will host awareness workshops for 20 teachers from each of the educational zones, while KidZania® will provide educational brochures to the students.”

“Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo and KidZania® are unique learning environments that our educational institutions cannot offer currently. Through our agreement with Emaar Retail approving the student visits, we are further strengthening public private partnerships in education to enhance the knowledge base of our student community,” Al Suwaidi added.

The proposal by Emaar Retail for approving student visits was accepted following an in-depth evaluation of the educational attributes of Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo and KidZania® by a team comprising educationalists and parents. In all, 19 parameters were evaluated to assess the benefits of the visits for students in enhancing their academic performance.

Mr Alabbar said: “We thank the Ministry of Education for partnering with us in this powerful educational initiative, which will provide the student community of the UAE a significant value addition to their learning experience. Student visits to Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo and KidZania® now have official approval, and can be integrated as part of their academic programme.”

He added: “While Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo with its 33,000 aquatic animals provides a new learning opportunity on nature and sustainability, KidZania® will help students understand the functioning of real-life cities by individually undertaking more than 70 different professions. Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo and KidZania® are unparalleled edutainment options for students in the region.”

Emaar Retail, which manages Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo and other leisure attractions in The Dubai Mall, has already launched The Ocean School Education Programme for students in the region aimed at enhancing awareness in marine conservation measures to students and teachers.

The educational initiative has been well-received by more than 215 schools, attracting over 25,000 students since its launch in 2009. The programme is based on the three principles of ‘Think, Do and Find,’ and offers participants unique insights into the marine world.

Mr Arif Amiri, Chief Executive Officer, Emaar Retail, said: “Our partnership with the Ministry of Education highlights our commitment to student community outreach by offering a rich educational experience in a fun environment. This is also a reiteration of the immense educational value of Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo and KidZania®. Through these edutainment attractions, we are providing the student community with valuable insights about nature & bio-diversity as well as the dynamics of businesses and various professions. We are honoured to play a key role in honing the outlook of students, who are the future of our country.”

Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo is one of the largest and most diverse aquariums in the world and has Sand Tiger Sharks, Rays and Giant Groupers, among other species. It features the largest acrylic viewing panel, which has won the Guinness World Record, and a walk-through tunnel for closer encounters with the aquatic animals.

The Underwater Zoo presents the bio-diversity in different ecological zones including Rainforest, Rocky Shore and Living Ocean. Apart from Humbolt Penguins and Caiman Crocodiles, the animals featured here include Piranhas, Giant Spider Crabs, Giant Octopus, Water Rats, Giant Catfish and Dart Frogs.

KidZania®, the award-winning edutainment concept promoting the physical and intellectual growth of children through professional role-plays, sprawls over 80,000 sq ft in two levels of the mall.

KidZania® is a veritable city with an assortment of establishments covering the entire fabric of a working economy – from banks to hospitals, universities to salons, television stations to music lounges, and aircrafts to supermarkets. Children are provided uniforms that reflect the nature of the profession in each establishment, and undertake real-life tasks.

The Dubai Mall also features SEGA Republic, the Middle East’s first and largest of its kind indoor theme park; the Olympic-sized Dubai Ice Rink and the 22-screen Reel Cinemas, UAE’s largest megaplex.
 

Antarctic Gentoo Penguins Have A New Home At Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo

Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo at The Dubai Mall now offers a glimpse of life in the icy Antarctic.

For the first time in the Middle East region, three pairs of Gentoo Penguins now call Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo at The Dubai Mall, their home.

Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo has created a special exhibit that simulates the natural environment of the Gentoo Penguins with ice beds, water surfaces and the ambient temperature regulated at zero and sub-zero degree Celsius.

The six Gentoo Penguins, three male and three female, will add to the penguin community of Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo, which already features Humboldt Penguins, a warm-weather species found on rocky mainland shores off the coasts of Chile and Peru. The Gentoo Penguin exhibit, themed as ‘Melting Ice’, also puts a spotlight on global warming and its impact on polar ice.

There are very few facilities worldwide that exhibit these Antarctic Penguins, and they have been brought in from the UK following all international norms regarding the transfer.

Mr Arif Amiri, Chief Executive Officer, Emaar Retail LLC, said: “We are focused on continuously enhancing the visitor experience at our leisure attractions in The Dubai Mall. Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo is a global leisure destination and we have added new exhibits that are a novelty to the region, thus setting new benchmarks.”

Mr Damian Prendergast, General Manager, Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo, said: “Gentoo Penguins are amazing animals and will give unique insights into the Antarctic marine diversity and way of life. We are proud to be the first facility in the Middle East to exhibit Gentoo Penguins. The home of the Gentoo Penguins here has been specially created with lighting effects providing a translucent appearance of frozen water with rays of sunlight falling from behind. A snow making machine creates a real-snow habitat.”

Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo is one of the largest and most diverse aquariums in the world, featuring over 33,000 aquatic animals and the world’s largest acrylic viewing panel. New species are regularly added with recent additions being the exquisite Scalloped Hammerhead Sharks and Electric Eel.

A 270-degree walk-through tunnel experience, Glass Bottom Boat Rides, Shark Dives, Cage Snorkeling Experience, The Ocean School Programme and the Aquarist Programme are amongst some of the activities that offer an interactive experience for visitors to Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo.

Underwater Zoo, located on Level 2 above the main Aquarium, presents the bio-diversity in different ecological zones including Rainforest, Rocky Shore and Living Ocean. Apart from Humboldt Penguins and Caiman Crocodiles, the animals featured here include Piranhas, Giant Spider Crabs, Water Rats, Giant Catfish, Clown fish and Dart Frogs.

Other leisure attractions at The Dubai Mall include the Olympic-size Dubai Ice Rink; SEGA Republic, the region’s first and largest SEGA indoor theme park; the 22-screen Reel Cinemas; and KidZania®, a unique children’s edutainment concept.
 

UAE Ministry Of Education Signs Agreement With Emaar Retail Approving Student Visits To Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo And KidZania® At The Dubai Mall

The UAE Ministry of Education has signed an agreement with Emaar Retail approving visits by students from public and private schools and other educational institutions in the country to Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo and KidZania®, two popular leisure and edutainment destinations in The Dubai Mall. This partnership with the Ministry of Education officially sanctions student visits as part of the educational programme.

In the presence of His Excellency Humaid Al Qutami, Minister of Education, the agreement was signed by His Excellency Ali Maihad Al Suwaidi, Director General at Ministry of Education and Mr Mohamed Alabbar, Chairman, Emaar Properties.

The ceremony was also attended by Shaikha Al Shamsi, Director of the Licensure and Accreditation Department at Ministry of Education; Mr. Arif Amiri, Chief Executive Officer of Emaar Retail; and Wafa Alabbar, Director of Student School Activities Department at Ministry of Education.

His Excellency Humaid Al Qutami said the agreement demonstrates the commitment of the Ministry of Education to strengthen its relationship with its strategic partners to promote the development of education and adding non-traditional student activities. “This is the beginning of an important cooperation with a pioneering company, Emaar. This agreement is of interest to the Ministry of Education to advance student activities, broaden their knowledge and develop the skills and talents. It will help create an environment where they discover new learning experiences by themselves as well as boost their confidence.”

His Excellency Ali Maihad Al Suwaidi said: “Emaar Retail will achieve these goals by introducing special reduced prices, and offering a specified number of complimentary access to special needs students and supervisors of student group visits. Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo will host awareness workshops for 20 teachers from each of the educational zones, while KidZania® will provide educational brochures to the students.”

“Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo and KidZania® are unique learning environments that our educational institutions cannot offer currently. Through our agreement with Emaar Retail approving the student visits, we are further strengthening public private partnerships in education to enhance the knowledge base of our student community,” Al Suwaidi added.

The proposal by Emaar Retail for approving student visits was accepted following an in-depth evaluation of the educational attributes of Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo and KidZania® by a team comprising educationalists and parents. In all, 19 parameters were evaluated to assess the benefits of the visits for students in enhancing their academic performance.

Mr Alabbar said: “We thank the Ministry of Education for partnering with us in this powerful educational initiative, which will provide the student community of the UAE a significant value addition to their learning experience. Student visits to Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo and KidZania® now have official approval, and can be integrated as part of their academic programme.”

He added: “While Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo with its 33,000 aquatic animals provides a new learning opportunity on nature and sustainability, KidZania® will help students understand the functioning of real-life cities by individually undertaking more than 70 different professions. Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo and KidZania® are unparalleled edutainment options for students in the region.”

Emaar Retail, which manages Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo and other leisure attractions in The Dubai Mall, has already launched The Ocean School Education Programme for students in the region aimed at enhancing awareness in marine conservation measures to students and teachers.

The educational initiative has been well-received by more than 215 schools, attracting over 25,000 students since its launch in 2009. The programme is based on the three principles of ‘Think, Do and Find,’ and offers participants unique insights into the marine world.

Mr Arif Amiri, Chief Executive Officer, Emaar Retail, said: “Our partnership with the Ministry of Education highlights our commitment to student community outreach by offering a rich educational experience in a fun environment. This is also a reiteration of the immense educational value of Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo and KidZania®. Through these edutainment attractions, we are providing the student community with valuable insights about nature & bio-diversity as well as the dynamics of businesses and various professions. We are honoured to play a key role in honing the outlook of students, who are the future of our country.”

Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo is one of the largest and most diverse aquariums in the world and has Sand Tiger Sharks, Rays and Giant Groupers, among other species. It features the largest acrylic viewing panel, which has won the Guinness World Record, and a walk-through tunnel for closer encounters with the aquatic animals.

The Underwater Zoo presents the bio-diversity in different ecological zones including Rainforest, Rocky Shore and Living Ocean. Apart from Humbolt Penguins and Caiman Crocodiles, the animals featured here include Piranhas, Giant Spider Crabs, Giant Octopus, Water Rats, Giant Catfish and Dart Frogs.

KidZania®, the award-winning edutainment concept promoting the physical and intellectual growth of children through professional role-plays, sprawls over 80,000 sq ft in two levels of the mall.

KidZania® is a veritable city with an assortment of establishments covering the entire fabric of a working economy – from banks to hospitals, universities to salons, television stations to music lounges, and aircrafts to supermarkets. Children are provided uniforms that reflect the nature of the profession in each establishment, and undertake real-life tasks.

The Dubai Mall also features SEGA Republic, the Middle East’s first and largest of its kind indoor theme park; the Olympic-sized Dubai Ice Rink and the 22-screen Reel Cinemas, UAE’s largest megaplex.
 

1,111,111th Visitor At Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo Rewarded With Mauritius Holiday

Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo, the popular leisure attraction at The Dubai Mall, recently welcomed its 1,111,111th paid visitor with a whole host of fantastic prizes. Mr Awad Mohammed Al Kabbi, a UAE national, received the grand prize of a dream holiday for two to Mauritius including Emirates Airline return tickets and a four night stay at the exquisite One&Only Le Saint Geran.

Mr Damien Prendergast, General Manager of Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo, presented the prize to Mr Awad Mohammed Al Kabbi. He also presented other prizes including a dinner for two at Fazaris restaurant at The Address Downtown Burj Dubai; sporting goods vouchers from Stadium Store worth AED 3,000; and Sharaf DG vouchers worth AED 5,000!

The special campaign to celebrate the 1,111,111th paid visitor to Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo was organised in association with Mauritius Tourism Promotion Authority; One&Only Le Saint Geran, Mauritius; Emirates Airline; Virgin 104.4; Stadium; Sharaf DG and The Address Hotels + Resorts.

Mr Arif Amiri, Chief Executive Officer, Emaar Retail, said: “Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo opens doors to an amazing diversity of aquatic animals and is one of Dubai’s most popular family attractions. We recently crossed our 1,000,000th visitor within seven months of operation, which was a milestone in itself. To celebrate the popularity of the destination and to reward our visitors for their continued patronage, we decided to offer the unique 1,111,111th visitor with an unforgettable holiday and a host of prizes.”

Mr Awad Mohammed Al Kabbi said: “I am really happy and surprised to be the winner. I have heard a lot about the Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo and this is my first visit. I can’t believe my luck and it is wonderful to be part of this unique celebration for Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo.”

Dr A Karl Mootoosamy, Director of Mauritius Tourism Promotion Authority, said: “Mauritius is very proud to be associated with Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo at The Dubai Mall. Aligning with such a strong brand, as Emaar, will certainly reinforce our image in the Middle East market and we will continue to focus our efforts in intensifying our presence in this region. It gives us great pleasure to welcome the lucky winner to experience the many activities and diversity the island has to offer.”

Featuring a rich diversity of aquatic animals including Sand Tiger Sharks, Rays, Giant Groupers, Penguins, Seals, Crocodiles and a mind-boggling variety of fish, Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo is spread over two levels of The Dubai Mall. Shark Dives, which are open to certified divers and to those who have never dived before, are popular with young and old alike. The recently introduced Glass Bottom boat rides throughout the day are also extremely popular with the public.

Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo complements other leisure attractions such as the Olympic-sized Dubai Ice Rink and The Waterfall, which traverses all four levels of the mall.

The Dubai Mall will soon open a dedicated Entertainment Precinct featuring SEGA Republic, the largest of its kind indoor family theme park; KidZania®, an award winning children’s ‘edu-tainment’ concept; and Reel Cinemas, a 22-screen megaplex.