DUBAI, United Arab Emirates: 17 years after its debut, Atlantis, The Palm’s iconic aquarium has been transformed into the Lost World Aquarium — Dubai’s only marine-themed entertainment destination where fascinating animal habitats, cutting-edge technology, immersive storytelling, live mermaid performances, and engaging educational programmes come together. The new attraction will officially open on Monday 27 October, offering an experience designed for guests of all ages — from bucket-listers and adventure-lovers to edu-seekers.
At the heart of the transformation is a combination of custom-curated technologies that extend the ocean environment beyond the marine exhibits, surrounding visitors with immersive projection mapping and a precision-engineered soundscape to create a unique feeling of entering a fantasy-based underwater world. More than 1,900 LED panels, 55 high-powered projectors, and over 140 speakers work in harmony to turn the aquarium into an impressive seascape where light, sound, and projection are perfectly synchronised. Spanning 14 interactive themed rooms and featuring entirely bespoke content, the experience combines cinematic visuals with interactive storytelling, guided by an original score composed exclusively for the attraction.
Enhancing the experience further, the Interactive Trident — designed exclusively for Aquaventure’s Lost World Aquarium — places control in guests’ hands. Offered as an optional upgrade, the take-home souvenir unlocks more than 20 additional experiences, awakening ancient artefacts, revealing secret messages, and triggering multi-sensory effects — from black-light features and underwater elements to synchronised lighting, projections, and soundscapes.
All these innovations serve a larger purpose: to make education accessible and fun, and to impart ocean awareness. Every marine habitat now also features interactive digital displays with multiple elements, offering guests engaging ways to learn more about the expansive oceans. This mission is further realised through redesigned behind-the-scenes tours, where marine experts guide visitors beyond the windows of the aquariums to demonstrate how different species are cared for, and how each of us can become ocean ambassadors at home. As an accredited member of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA), the Lost World Aquarium takes pride in exemplifying the internationally recognised gold standard in animal welfare and professional care, and values the opportunity to share this commitment with all guests. Visitors will also gain more insight into the Atlantis Atlas Project, the cornerstone of sustainability at Atlantis Dubai, and learn about ongoing efforts and collaborations with partners dedicated to environmental conservation.
Building on this commitment, the Lost World Aquarium also welcomes 430 new marine animals across 35 new species, including the Striated Frogfish, Axolotl, and Giant Pacific Octopus. The expansion introduces 19 new marine habitats, each created to reflect the richness and diversity of the ocean.
Adding a new dimension of live entertainment, the Lost World Aquarium debuts a spectacular mermaid show, ‘Return of the Trident’, in the 10-metre-deep iconic Ambassador Lagoon — one of the largest open air aquariums in the Middle East and Africa. Performed multiple times daily, the production is delivered by a dedicated mermaid division, made up of five professional underwater performers. With advanced breath hold skills, choreographed movements, music, and storytelling, the international cast — representing the United States, Greece, Brazil, Slovakia, and Indonesia — introduces a unique live element that elevates the attraction’s entertainment offering.
The Lost World Aquarium forms part of the larger Aquaventure World – a fully-fledged aquatic theme park experience. At its heart lies the world’s largest waterpark, officially recognised by Guinness World Records™, featuring 105 record-breaking slides and attractions, alongside one kilometre of private beach,
a wide portfolio of motorised and non-motorised watersports, and 26 extraordinary marine experiences, including Dolphin Bay, Sea Lion Point, and Shark Lagoon.
For guests staying at Atlantis, The Palm or Atlantis The Royal, entry to both the world’s largest waterpark and the Lost World Aquarium is included as part of their stay. External visitors are also welcome, with standalone tickets to the Lost World Aquarium available online from AED 85 for children and AED 105 for adults. Combined tickets, including waterpark admission, are offered from AED 330 for children and AED 380 for adults. For the best rates, advance booking is recommended via the official Aquaventure World website: https://booking.aquaventureworld.com/experiences
The Lost World Aquarium will open on Monday 27 October, welcoming guests daily from 10:00am to 9:00pm.
