Dubai Mall evacuated after giant aquarium leak

The Dubai Aquarium, operated by Emaar Properties, is one of the largest tanks in the world. It is planning to have more than 33,000 animals representing more than 85 species in the giant tank. It also boasts an underwater zoo, which has penguins, seals, crocodiles and water rats among its attractions. In addition, it features the world's largest acrylic viewing panel.

A police officer, who declined to be named, said: "There was a small problem, a simple crack, and the water leaked." 

Witnesses said the mall had been partly evacuated and dozens of emergency vehicles rushed to the scene. Six divers entered the tank and appeared to be coordinating with workers outside the glass. Workers cleaned up water from the floor.

"A leakage was noticed at one of the panel joints of the Dubai Aquarium at The Dubai Mall and was immediately fixed by the aquarium's maintenance team," said a spokeswoman for Emaar Properties said.

"The leakage did not impact the aquarium environment or the safety of the aquatic animals," she added.

Emaar's chairman Mohammed Alabbar denied there was a leak in the aquarium, saying there was a "technical fault in the operating device", according to a statement to news agency WAM.