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As a testament to the emirate’s commitment to environmental stewardship and ecological education, Sharjah Aquarium stands out. This dedication resonates with the words of His Highness Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah: "Museums are made to educate our children and our future generations."
On June 6, 2008, Sharjah Aquarium was inaugurated in Al Khan old area, next to the Sharjah Maritime Museum. It has since become the largest government-run marine educational centre in the United Arab Emirates, integral to a broader system that showcases the emirate's rich maritime heritage.
Under the management of the Sharjah Museums Authority, the aquarium is pivotal in educating the public about marine ecosystems and the significance of conservation. Additionally, it acts as a crucial platform for promoting environmental awareness among various community groups.
Sharjah Aquarium spans two floors, showcasing 21 tanks that collectively hold around 1.8 million litres of water and host over 100 species of local marine life. Each tank is meticulously designed to simulate natural habitats, from vibrant coral reefs and rugged rocky environments to lush mangroves. Visitors can marvel at the lively clownfish, eels, seahorses, sea rays, and reef sharks.
To ensure a pleasant visit, the aquarium provides various amenities. The reception desk is staffed to answer questions and assist guests, and movable chairs are available on request for added comfort.
Accessibility is well accommodated with ample public parking, including designated spots and ramps for wheelchair users, making the transition from parking to the entrance seamless.
Additional conveniences include Wi-Fi, accessible restrooms, a mother's room with a baby changing table, and elevators servicing all floors. As for the prayer room, it is accessible only by stairs.
The aquarium also features a children’s play area, a snack cafe, and a seafood restaurant situated at the rear of the building.
For those planning events, the aquarium offers indoor and outdoor spaces for conferences, meetings, and other gatherings, available for booking in advance. The facility emphasises safety with first aid kits, emergency exits, and fire extinguishers placed throughout.
Sharjah Aquarium is dedicated to offering educational and interactive experiences for visitors of all ages. Scheduled fish and shark feeding sessions allow for close observation of these fascinating creatures and provide insight into their feeding behaviours. Visitors, especially children, are drawn to the aquarium's unique presentations of fascinating marine life information, brought to them through interactive screens scattered throughout the venue.
Furthermore, the aquarium offers guided tours that appeal to both locals and tourists, combining education with entertainment. It also leads impactful initiatives, such as the marine reserve project, sea turtle rehabilitation and release programme, and seahorse breeding programme. Regularly, Sharjah Aquarium hosts both in-person and virtual workshops and activities that aim to raise environmental awareness and encourage social responsibility.
Sharjah Aquarium is dedicated to safeguarding marine environments and preserving biodiversity. The cornerstone of this commitment is its annual "Marine Environment Cleanup" campaign, a key part of the "Because We Care" initiative launched by the Sharjah Museums Authority in 2009. This campaign aims to enhance community awareness and promote water conservation. In recognition of these efforts, the aquarium was honoured with the Golden Shield for Excellence by the Arab Council for Social Responsibility (ACSR).
Since its inception, the campaign has grown significantly. By 2019, it was in its tenth year and had expanded to address a variety of marine environments, including ports, lagoons, creeks, and fish aggregation zones. This expansion allowed the campaign to remove substantial waste, underscoring the detrimental effects of debris on marine ecosystems and local communities.
Moreover, the aquarium operates a specialised programme focused on rehabilitating and releasing injured and ill sea turtles. This initiative has achieved notable successes, including the successful rehabilitation and release of endangered Green and Hawksbill turtles.
To maximise the effectiveness of these efforts, the aquarium’s marine team meticulously collects injured turtles, isolates them in quarantine tanks, and administers specialised care. They provide the turtles with complete medical treatment, and once the turtles have fully recovered, they are reintroduced into their natural habitats.
Sharjah Aquarium invites visitors daily from 8 AM to 8 PM, Saturday through Thursday, and from 4 PM to 8 PM on Fridays. Tickets include entry to the nearby Sharjah Maritime Museum, creating a seamless blend of marine exploration and the emirate’s rich maritime heritage.
Children under two enter free, while those aged 2 to 12 are charged 15 AED and adults 25 AED. Special prices are available for groups, school, and university excursions, and entry is free for individuals with disabilities.
Entry is complimentary on select days, such as UAE National Day (December 2), International Museum Day (May 18), and (December 1) in celebration of Commemoration Day. The aquarium is closed on certain dates, including the 29th and 30th of Ramadan, the first day of Eid al-Fitr, Eid al-Adha, and the Day of Arafah.
In conclusion, beyond being a tourist destination, Sharjah Aquarium exemplifies excellence in environmental education and marine conservation. It serves as both an educational platform and a catalyst for community commitment to marine protection, reflecting Sharjah’s dedication to environmental sustainability and fostering a generation that values and preserves the nation’s natural resources.
References
[1] visitsharjah.com, Sharjah Aquarium
[2] sharjahnews.gov.ae, Sharjah Aquarium: emirate's marine protector
[3] sharjahmuseums.ae, Sharjah Aquarium
[4] sgmb.ae, 'Sharjah Aquarium' safety valve for marine life
[5] worldscoolestwinter.ae, Sharjah Aquarium
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