Jun 22, 2008
While most expatriate families in the UAE leave for home to escape the merciless summer heat, those that choose to stay clamor to do something cool. UAE is known for its diversified social life. The Ski Dubai , an indoor ski slope, for example, is one of the many places visitors flock , especially during summer.







In the quieter Emirate of Sharjah, where the pomp is not equated to that of Dubai, there is a place that is less known to many. The Sharjah Aquarium , a home to 30 different species, gives visitors a rare glimpse into the marine life of the United Arab Emirates.
The world-class aquarium, located in Al Khan area of Sharjah, was recently inaugurated last week by His Highness Dr Shaikh Sultan Bin Mohammad Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah.
As you enter the complex, you almost get a feeling that you have entered the famous Underwater World, located at Singapore. You literally tunnel yourself though enclosed water and marine life . You are submerged in the colorful, rich and diverse undersea world that is home to variety of marine life native to the seas around the UAE.








With so many species, there is so much to see from the smallest clown fish , to moray eels, rays and reef sharks , lion fish, and many more colorful fish. It takes you through an underwater experience to see everything from the larger ocean creatures to the smaller marine life to be found in the rock pools, coral reefs, lagoons and mangroves.
The aquarium is built with British and local collaboration and has taken over two years to complete. By far, it among the best in the world with its state-of-the-art technology and underwater collection.
It is dedicated to providing information about the fish, their lives and their habitats, and to this end, has complimented the showcases with documentaries on the marine life of the UAE, displayed on large, electronic screens.




Entry is free for two weeks as part of a publicity promotion from the Sharjah Aquarium. Presently it is open only four days of the week.
Fri: 4:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Sat: 9:00 am - 8:00 pm
Wed: 4:00 pm – 8:00pm
Thurs: 9:00 am – 8:00 pm
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