Dubai Mall reopens after aquarium leak

Evacuated after its massive aquarium sprung a leak, the Dubai Mall has re-opened.

However, a glass tunnel that goes through the gigantic aquarium is still closed for the public as a precautionary measure, authorities in charge of the major attraction in Gulf emirate said.

The perimeter of the aquarium, said to be the largest in the world and which holds a number of different fish including sharks, was cordoned off and shops around it closed Thursday.

The Khaleej Times reported on its website that the leak had been minor, with shoppers permitted to approach the aquarium and its surrounding area again on Friday.

According to an official of the Dubai Mall, the tunnel is likely to open after the weekend, once the technical team runs a thorough check.

"It wasn't a big breach, just a minor crack and it was fixed within an hour, the official told the Times on condition of anonymity.

Dubai Mall, which contains 1,200 stores, is the largest mall in the Middle East. It is located at the foot of Burj Khalifa, the tallest tower in the world.