AN OCEAN,IN THE MIDDLE OF THE DESERT- DUBAI AQUARIUM

Dubai Aquarium & Discovery Centre in The Dubai Mall, which opens on October 30, 2008, has clinched the Guinness World Record for the `World's Largest Acrylic Panel'. Measuring 32.88 metres wide x 8.3 metres high x 750 mm thick and weighing 245,614 kg, the viewing panel at Dubai Aquarium surpasses the current Guinness World Record holder, Churaumi Aquarium in Okinawa, Japan, at 22.5 metres wide x 8.2 metres high and 600 mm thick.The Dubai Aquarium viewing panel dimensions were set at the limit of production abilities by major acrylic manufacturers when it was commissioned. Thus, its Guinness World Record is set to stay until industry-approved manufacturing capabilities are redrawn to enable the production of bigger panels.
At 750 mm thick, the acrylic viewing panel is built to withstand the enormous pressure of 10 million litres of water used in the aquarium, but transparent to give visitors clear views of the 33,000 plus marine animals on display. Mr Yousif Al Ali, General Manager, The Dubai Mall said: ``With this achievement, we are highlighting the capabilities of Emaar and Dubai to undertake and execute projects of global significance.''Mr John Pilley, Adjudicator, Guinness World Records said: ``The Dubai Mall joins Dubai's illustrious list of World Records with the `Largest Acrylic Panel', once again reiterating the can-do attitude of Dubai. This exemplifies the dedication and passion that make some of our best records.''
Dubai Aquarium & Discovery Centre is developed and operated by Oceanis Australia Group. The Dubai Mall has adopted an International Standard of Ethics and Animal Welfare Policy in its development and operation.With a total internal floor area of 5.9 million sq ft, The Dubai Mall has 3.77 million sq ft of gross leasable space and hosts over 1,200 retail outlets including two anchor department stores - Galeries Lafayette and Bloomingdale's - and will features over 160 food and beverage options.
Other attractions the Olympic-size Dubai Ice Rink, Fashion Avenue, a 440,000 sq ft haute couture precinct; The Grove, an indoor-outdoor themed streetscape; the region's first SEGA indoor theme park covering 76,000 sq ft; KidZania(R), an 80,000 sq ft children's 'edu-tainment' centre; and a 22-screen Cineplex, the largest in Dubai.