Sharjah Aquarium: A Must-Visit for Tourists Travelling to the UAE

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is one of the top tourist spots in the world. Although Dubai and Abu Dhabi are the UAE’s most popular emirates mainly for their unique and state-of-the-art tourist attractions, the other emirates are also catching up. Sharjah is one such emirate. Located a short distance away from Dubai, Sharjah is known as the cultural capital of the UAE because the city is home to numerous cultural attractions, especially museums. One of the most popular and significant among them is the Aquarium Sharjah. Opened on June 16, 2008, the Sharjah Aquarium belongs to the Sharjah Museums Authority. If you are visiting Sharjah during your UAE trip, Sharjah Aquarium is one place you need to visit. Here are all the details you need to know about Sharjah Aquarium.

A. Sharjah Aquarium: An Overview

The Sharjah Aquarium facility covers an area of 6500 square meters. Spread across 2 floors, this aquarium has 150 species of marine creatures in its 20 aquarium tanks, flowing with 1.8 million liters of water. Visitors get to walk around the different aquarium tanks to see an interesting mix of marine and deep-sea creatures, including clownfish, moray eels, seahorses, reef sharks, coral sharks, seahorses, sea rays, etc. Moreover, you will get to see these sea animals in different habitats like rocky shores, mangroves, coral reefs, and lagoons.

B. What is the Purpose of Sharjah Aquarium?

The main aim of the Aquarium Sharjah is to familiarize people with the exuberant underwater world. Another aim of the aquarium is to create awareness among people on topics such as marine pollution, land reclamation, soil spill calamities, and overfishing. With these efforts, the aquarium authorities expect to educate and inspire people which will help enhance and maintain the underwater ecosystem.

Along with providing information and enhancing the knowledge of the visitors about marine life, the authorities have worked hard to make the aquarium a safe habitat for sea creatures. Special focus is provided to create the perfect environment for the growth and expansion of coral reefs. Several experts and volunteers have been roped into their efforts to conserve and protect the aquatic ecosystem.

Apart from this, the Sharjah Aquarium has a recovery program for sea turtles. Injured sea turtles are brought to the facility, where the husbandry team rehabilitates them, after which they are released back into the sea.

Under the Sharjah Museum Authority’s “We Care” social responsibility program, the aquarium also conducts an environmental clean-up drive every year to help people understand the importance of ecological conservation and saving marine attractions.

If you are a water baby, check out a unique hidden attraction in Dubai Khorfakkan Waterfall.

C. Sharjah Aquarium Facilities

Along with exploring the colorful and magical underwater world while learning about marine life and ecosystems, you get to enjoy several amenities and facilities offered at the aquarium. Besides Wi-Fi connection made available for visitors, there are wheelchairs for senior citizens and others who need them. There are changing rooms for children and a separate room for mothers with babies. Other facilities at the aquarium include a cafeteria, a prayer room, retail stores, restrooms, and ample parking facilities. The place also has an outdoor play area where children can enjoy fun games in a safe environment.

D. Things to Do in Aquarium in Sharjah

Watch over 150 colorful species

Graceful stingrays and playful clownfish glide amongst the rocks, moray eels peek out from their rocky crevices, and reef sharks cruise through the depths.

Enjoy the feeding demonstrations 

There is no splendid experience other than watching sharks and rays feeding in their natural habitat. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime hands-on experience to get up close with some of the largest aquatic giants.

Explore different habitats 

There are a number of exhibits in the aquarium, including lagoons, mangroves, and rock pools that recreate the distinct marine life of the Arabian Gulf. Witnessing these diverse creatures in their habitats is a truly mesmerizing experience.

Learn about marine ecosystem 

Sharjah Aquarium is an edutainment attarction. It serves as a center for environmental education, fostering awareness about the delicate balance of marine ecosystems. Through interactive exhibits and informative displays, visitors gain valuable insights into the aquatic threats posed by pollution, overfishing, and habitat destruction.

Shop, wander, and eat 

There are also amazing in-house facilities that allow the guests to browse gifts and souvenirs.

E. Sharjah Aquarium Location

The Sharjah Aquarium is located in the Al Khan area of Sharjah, United Arab Emirates.

Its address is Al Meena St, Al Khan Old area, adjacent to Sharjah Maritime Museum – Sharjah – United Arab Emirates.

Here’s a map for your reference:

F. Sharjah Aquarium Timings

The Sharjah Aquarium timing today varies as per weekend and weekdays. Sharjah Aquarium remains open from 8 AM to 8 PM from Saturday to Thursday. On Friday, it remains open from 2 PM to 8 PM. The facility remains closed on Sundays.  It may differ during the month of Ramadan.

G. Things to Do Near Sharjah Aquarium

If you are visiting the Sharjah Aquarium during the night, you can check out the picturesque sunset at the beautiful Al Khan beach. When you get Sharjah Aquarium tickets online, different operators also provides entrance to the Sharjah Maritime Museum. It is located next door.

H. Sharjah Aquarium Tickets

The Sharjah Aquarium ticket prices are different for different groups of people. Here is the price list for the aquarium tickets online:

Sharjah Aquarium Tickets Fee(Single)

• Children under the age of 2 years: free
• Children from 2 years to 12 years: AED 15
• People over 13 years: AED 25

Sharjah Aquarium Tickets Fee(Group)

• A children’s group of 6 (between 2 and 12 years): AED 10 (per child)
• An adult’s group of 6 (above the age of 13 years): AED 15 (per person)

Free Entrance to Sharjah Aquarium

• School trips from government schools: Free
• People above the age of 60 years + 1 accompanying person: free
• Person of determination: free

I. How to Reach Sharjah Aquarium?

The easiest way to reach the Sharjah Aquarium is by road. To understand in detail here are the best routes to Sharjah Aquarium:

• You can either travel in your own car or taxi. This permits convenience and ease to stop anywhere for breaks.
• There are several buses that go to the Al Khan area, where the Sharjah Aquarium is located. The most convenient bus to take is the 102 bus, which runs from Sharjah City Center to Al Khan Corniche. The ride takes about 30 minutes, and the fare is AED 3.
• If you are coming from Dubai, you can opt for the Dubai to Sharjah Ferry facility. The ferry ride to Sharjah Aquarium takes 30 minutes. In this case, you have to deboard at marine from where the aquarium is only 5 minutes way away.

FAQs

Conclusion

Sharjah Aquarium is a fascinating attraction that will give you ample knowledge about the underwater world. So, if are visiting Sharjah or the UAE, do make it a point to visit this amazing attraction. You can also plan a short holiday to Ajman and Sharjah as we have done the research for you.