A large section of the Middle East's biggest shopping mall was shut Thursday as maintenance crews scrambled to contain a leak in the massive, shark-filled aquarium there. An official at Dubai's civil defense department said “there has been a small break in the glass,” and that rescue crews are on the scene. He spoke on condition of anonymity because the operation was ongoing. Mall owner Emaar Properties, which is also the developer of the world's tallest tower next door, later confirmed the leak in the almost 2-1/2 foot thick panel in an emailed statement. “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.” The Dubai Mall and its signature aquarium opened in November 2008. The aquarium boasts the world's largest acrylic viewing panel.
