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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 habitats, cutting-edge technology, immersive storytelling, live mermaid performances, and educational programmes come together. The new attraction officially opens on Monday, October 27, offering an experience suitable for guests of all ages — from bucket-list adventurers to edu-seekers.
At the heart of the transformation lies a blend of customised technologies that extend the ocean beyond the exhibits, enveloping visitors with immersive projection mapping and a precision-engineered soundscape to create a fantasy 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 — puts control in guests’ hands. Available 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 enjoyable, and to foster ocean awareness. Every marine habitat now also features interactive digital displays with multiple elements, offering guests engaging ways to learn about the vast oceans. This mission is further realised through redesigned behind-the-scenes tours, where marine experts guide visitors beyond the aquarium windows to demonstrate how different species are cared for, and how we can all become ocean ambassadors at home. As an accredited member of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA), the Lost World Aquarium prides itself on exemplifying the internationally recognised gold standard in animal welfare and professional care, and values sharing this commitment with all guests. Visitors will also gain deeper insight into the Atlantis Atlas Project, the cornerstone of sustainability at Atlantis Dubai, and learn about ongoing efforts and partnerships dedicated to environmental conservation.
In line with 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 designed to reflect the richness and diversity of the ocean.
Adding another 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 several times daily, the production is delivered by a dedicated mermaid division 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 a kilometre of private beach, a broad range of motorised and non-motorised watersports, and 26 extraordinary marine experiences, including Dolphin Bay, Sea Lion Point and Shark Lagoon.
Guests staying at Atlantis, The Palm or Atlantis The Royal enjoy entry to both the world’s largest waterpark and the Lost World Aquarium as part of their stay. External visitors are 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 available from AED 330 for children and AED 380 for adults.
