Sharjah Aquarium is a great marine park, which presents the variety of marine life inhabiting the waters of the UAE and elsewhere. The marine life is composed of more than 150 species which means that visitors get a breathtaking underwater experience and this brings out the beauty of marine ecosystems and their fragility. The aquarium is not merely another fun place to visit as a family or tourist, but it is also an essential environmental education site on wildlife life and conservation programs.
The aquarium is strategically situated in Al Khan, Sharjah, and is close to the Al Khan Lagoon, which is a natural water body with numerous marine animals. This place is a part of what makes the aquarium even more tempting as it is an incredibly immersive location that would attract all nature enthusiasts who want to spend their day in the environment of sea marvels and families wishing to do so.
History of Sharjah Aquarium and its Development
Sharjah Aquarium was opened in 2008 and its aim was to sensitize people on marine life and the importance of conserving them. The Sharjah Government spearheaded the development of the aquarium and is very much interested in maintaining the natural beauty of the coastline and marine ecosystems of the UAE. The aquarium has improved over the years in terms of size and exhibition and the current exhibits and renovations have provided a more engaging experience to the visitors.
Sharjah Aquarium is a tourist attraction and marine research center where its exhibitions aim at informing the population on the need to conserve marine biodiversity. It is one of the main participants of Sharjah in its attempts to raise environmental awareness and develop a strong sense of respect towards natural resources of the region.
Tourist Data and Tourist Tips
Sharjah Aquarium is easy to plan a visit as it is centrally located and has friendly amenities for the family. And now here is all you need to know:
Location
Sharjah Aquarium is situated in Al Khan region of Sharjah close to the Al Khan Lagoon.
Opening Hours
The aquarium is usually open between 10 AM and 8 PM the whole day, however, it is always a good idea to check to see if there is a change, especially during holidays.
Entry Tickets
The tickets to the amusement parks are reasonably priced and students, children, and groups can get some discount. The latest prices and promotions are available at the official site.
| Ticket Type | Price (AED) | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Adult (12+ years) | 50 AED | General entry ticket for adults |
| Child (2-12 years) | 30 AED | Discounted ticket for children |
| Senior Citizens | 25 AED | For visitors aged 60 and above |
| Student | 30 AED | Valid for students with ID |
| Family Package (2 Adults + 2 Children) | 130 AED | Special package for families |
| Group (10+ people) | 40 AED per person | Group entry ticket for 10 or more visitors |
Facilities
The aquarium has cafes, gift stores, and a children’s playground. Visitors also have enough parking space.
Marine Life and Exhibits
The aquatic variety available at the Sharjah Aquarium is of the spectacular nature. The exhibits are well-organized to depict various marine ecosystems with each having a diversity of species on display. Among the most significant features, there are:
Coral Reef Ecosystem
The coral reef exhibit is one of the biggest attractions in the aquarium that is home to various species of colorful fish, colorful coral, and other colorful creatures of the reef. The exhibit simulates the fine balance of the coral ecosystems which are critical in the well-being of the sea.
Shark and Ray Lagoon
The aquarium hosts a number of species of sharks and rays providing the visitors with the close observation of these interesting creatures. The Shark Lagoon is also a popular place where people observe the sharks as they swim around their natural habitat with grace.
Ocean View Tunnel
The Underwater Tunnel is the most common attraction at the aquarium. This tunnel enables the visitors to walk in a glass tunnel which is submerged in water giving them a chance to see 360 degrees of the aquarium’s big tanks that are full of marine life. It is also awe-inspiring and gives you an almost surreal experience of sea creatures swimming around and above you.
Mangrove and Wetland Zones
The aquarium also displays exhibitions that identify the significance of the mangrove and wetlands where visitors can also know about the biodiversity of the coastal ecosystems as well as the contribution made by the areas in supporting aquatic life.
All the exhibits in the Sharjah Aquarium have educational objectives, and they provoke the tourists to understand how fragile the relations in the marine ecosystems are and how easily they can be compromised by human activity.
Educational and Conservation Activities
Sharjah aquarium is not only a marine life show centre but it is also a major marine educational and conservation centre. The aquarium is very keen on creating awareness to the masses about the ocean ecosystems, threats to the marine organisms, and the significance of environmental sustainability. Among the main programs, there are:
Educational Workshops
The aquarium also has workshops and school programs, which are open to students of all ages. The marine biology, ecology and conservation programs are in the spotlight of these programs and the students get practical experience and also have an opportunity to be in contact with marine life under a safe and more controlled setting.
Conservation Programs
The aquarium has been participating in various conservation programs and this includes breeding programs on the endangered species, habitat restoration and conservation programs and awareness programs on the danger of pollution and overfishing. Another way in which the Sharjah Aquarium collaborates with the global conservation organizations is to conserve marine biodiversity.
Marine Research
The aquarium has an active marine research center which performs research on marine species and ecosystems of the area. The study is instrumental in learning about the plight of marine life in the Arabian Gulf and coming up with ways of overcoming the plight.
By means of these educational and conservation programs, Sharjah Aquarium is crucial in ensuring the awareness of the environment and sustainable use of the sea.
Interactive Visitor Activities and Interactions
The distinguishing feature of Sharjah Aquarium among the other attractions is that it is all about the interactive experience. The exhibits offer both fun and hands-on activities that can be enjoyed by visitors of all ages to learn about marine life.
Touch Pools
The touch pools enable the visitor to touch marine animals like starfish, sea cucumbers, and other animals that are docile in nature. It is a wonderful means for children and adults to have the chance to enjoy marine life first hand.
Feeding Shows
The aquarium has feeding shows where the visitors can observe the staff feeding the sharks, rays, and other marine animals. This does not only give a good entertainment experience but also informs the visitors about the feeding habits and behaviors of these creatures.
Guided Tours
The aquarium also has guided tours, which are given by marine experts who give detailed information on the species exhibited and the need to conserve them. The tours would be appropriate when one wants to have a more in-depth knowledge about the exhibits.
As a family, special programs are available for children, where they can have interactive activities as well as educational games to learn more about marine life making the experience fun and interesting.
Sharjah Aquarium and the Local and Global Conservation
Sharjah Aquarium is strongly dedicated to marine conservation both at a local and international level. It is a pioneer in informing the masses on what is endangering marine life and how we can all help save marine life. A few of the conservation programs are:
Breeding Endangered Species
The aquarium is involved in breeding programs of the species facing the threat of extinction such as some species of sharks, rays, and turtles. These projects are meant to boost the numbers of the species that are endangered and reintroduced into the wild.
Coral Conservation
The aquarium has been busy in conservation programs of corals where it has been trying to replenish damaged coral reefs in the UAE. These projects will be important in the continuation of the coral species, which is marine biodiversity.
Public Awareness Campaigns
The aquarium conducts various public awareness campaigns that aim at dealing with the effects of pollution, climate change, and overfishing on marine life. This is aimed at promoting sustainable activities and making people participate more in the conservation activities in the sea.
What is Unique about Sharjah Aquarium?
Sharjah Aquarium is unique as it is a blend of conservation of marine life, interactive, and educational activities. Its emphasis on conserving local marine life as well as the offering of a distinct and informative experience to the local tourists makes it a unique destination. Additionally, it is also situated in the Al Khan Lagoon, providing it with a natural environment that goes hand in hand with the exhibits in the aquarium, thus a natural and immersive experience of the sea.
Sharjah Aquarium Future Plans
In the future, Sharjah Aquarium has high expectations of the subsequent development. The aquarium aims at increasing their research and education center, as well as launching new exhibits majoring in rare and endangered species. The aquarium also seeks to strengthen its partnerships on a worldwide level so as to extend its conservation as well as remain in the forefront of marine conservation.
Conclusion
Sharjah Aquarium is not only a place to observe life in the sea but also a place with educational, conservation, and research activities. It is one of the most valuable attraction sites in the UAE due to its variety of exhibits, interactive opportunities and environmental and cultural dedication to marine preservation. The Sharjah aquarium is a must visit tourist attraction whether you are an enthusiast of marine life or a family, the aquarium is a place that one is bound to experience a lifetime experience.
FAQ’s
When does Sharjah Aquarium open?
The aquarium is operating 24 hours a day and 7 days a week.
How much are the tickets of Sharjah Aquarium?
The prices differ with students and child discounts. Go to the official site.
Does Sharjah Aquarium have any guide?
Yes, there are guided tours where one can have a deeper experience.
Is it possible to have contact with marine life in Sharjah Aquarium?
Sure, visitors can communicate with marine animals in the touch pools and feeding shows.
Which animals do you find at Sharjah Aquarium?
Different species of organisms such as sharks, rays, and coral reef fish among others can be observed by the visitors.
