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
Dubai, UAE; January 21, 2009: 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."
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."
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.
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About Emaar Malls Group LLC:
Emaar Malls Group LLC, is the retail and shopping mall subsidiary of Emaar Properties PJSC, a leading property developer based in Dubai, and drives its diversification into shopping malls. This is in line with Emaar's Vision 2010 to become one of the most valuable companies in the world. Emaar has announced investments in shopping malls of over US$4 billion (AED 15 billion) with 12 million sq ft of retail property in operation or under development in the emerging markets of the Middle East, North Africa, the Indian Subcontinent and South Asia and is on target to become one of the largest developers of shopping malls in the world.
At the forefront of these developments is the flagship The Dubai Mall, one of the world's largest malls in the heart of the Downtown Burj Dubai. Opening in late 2008, The Dubai Mall will be a premier lifestyle and entertainment destination. Emaar Malls Group is also developing two other malls in Dubai; Souk Al Bahar, an Arabesque shopping and entertainment development on The Old Town Island which is now open, and the Dubai Marina Mall, a lifestyle shopping mall for residents of the Dubai Marina community opening in late 2008. Recently, Emaar Malls Group unveiled Cairo Gate, Egypt's largest shopping mall and leisure destination at the Cairo-Alexandria Project site, a mixed-use development spread over 160 acres.
About Emaar Retail:
Emaar Retail is a wholly owned subsidiary of Emaar Malls Group LLC and is the vehicle for all retail operations. Emaar Retail is developing a portfolio of brands in key growth markets and is strategically building new alliances, joint ventures, franchises and licenses for all mall developments under the Emaar Malls Group umbrella.
Emaar Retail also manages the business operations for The Dubai Mall's leisure and entertainment brands including KidZania®, SEGA Republic®, the Olympic-sized 'Dubai Ice Rink' and Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo. Emaar Retail has also entered into a joint-venture with Cathay Organisation in Singapore, to form Reel Entertainment to develop cinemas across the region including the flagship 22-screen Cineplex at The Dubai Mall.
Emaar Retail was established to drive Emaar Malls Group's developments in key emerging markets across the Middle East, North Africa and the Indian Sub-Continent through creating the right retail mix for the various markets.
About Emaar Properties PJSC:
Emaar Properties PJSC is one of the world's largest property development companies and is rapidly evolving to become a global provider of premier lifestyles. Emaar Properties, which has a strong presence in 36 global markets, has expanded into shopping malls in line with its Vision 2010 to become one of the most valuable companies in the world through a two-pronged approach of geographic expansion and business segmentation. For more information visit www.emaar.com.
For further information, please contact:
Kelly Home / Roisin Lillis
ASDA'A Burson-Marsteller
Tel: (+971 4) 334 4550
E-mail: k.home@asdaa.com, r.lillis@asdaa.com
© Press Release 2009
