Shops shut as shark-filled aquarium leaks

Dubai's civil defence department said "there has been a small break in the glass" and repair teams were working on it.

A large part of the area around the aquarium was cordoned off as security employees, wearing orange life jackets, worked nearby.

Mall owner Emaar Properties, which is also the developer of the world's tallest tower next door, confirmed the leak in the almost two-and-a-half foot thick panel.

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

The company added that it "upholds the highest safety standards in its management."

No further details were provided.