Information
Landmark: Sharjah AquariumCity: Sharjah
Country: United Arab Emirates
Continent: Asia
Sharjah Aquarium, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates , Asia
Overview
Sharjah Aquarium, one of the UAE’s largest and most captivating, draws you into the vibrant underwater life of the Arabian Gulf, from shimmering schools of silver fish to the quiet sway of coral gardens.In Al Khan, Sharjah, this modern facility houses over 100 marine species, from darting reef fish to the creatures of the region’s coasts, coral reefs, lagoons, and mangroves.Families, ocean lovers, and students alike will find the aquarium a perfect place to explore-touch a starfish, watch schools of silver fish flash past-and leave with a deeper understanding of marine life and how to protect it.Sharjah Aquarium’s top draw: a shimmering wall of silver fish that moves like one body.With more than 1.8 million liters of water in its tanks, the aquarium teems with over a hundred species, from shimmering silver shoals to the vibrant fish of the Arabian Gulf.Highlights include reef sharks gliding just feet away and stingrays sweeping past in the clear blue-an unforgettable close-up with the ocean’s most graceful hunters.Bright coral fish dart by-clownfish flashing orange, angelfish gliding like painted fans, and butterflyfish flickering yellow in the light.Moray eels and seahorses-both rare finds-flourish among jagged rocks and the bright corals of reef waters.Jellyfish drift like pale lanterns, starfish cling to rocks, and crabs scuttle sideways-together revealing the rich variety of smaller marine life.Every exhibit mirrors a real habitat, from swaying kelp to darting fish, so visitors get a true taste of life beneath the waves.Number two.At the aquarium, you can stroll through clear tunnels and pause at sweeping glass panels, watching stingrays glide past just inches from your face.Soft, low lights mingle with the lifelike tanks, casting the room in a hush that feels like you’ve stepped onto the ocean floor.Number three stood alone, like a single note waiting for the rest of the song.At Sharjah Aquarium, you’ll see more than tanks of colorful fish gliding through the water-it’s a place where visitors learn about marine conservation and sustainable living.Bright panels and glowing screens guide visitors through the story of our oceans, showing why marine life matters and how pollution clouds the water.Kids learn about marine life and how to protect the ocean through guided tours and hands-on workshops, sometimes peering into tanks where starfish cling to the glass.The aquarium throws its weight behind environmental efforts, from picking up litter along the shore to guarding fragile coral reefs.Number four.Sharjah Aquarium welcomes families with dedicated children’s zones, where kids can roll up their sleeves and explore the sea world through playful, hands-on activities.Cozy seating and open-air decks where you can relax and watch the world drift by.The space is wheelchair accessible, so everyone can explore with ease-even down the smooth, wide hallways.Five.Right next to the Sharjah Aquarium, the Sharjah Maritime Museum displays traditional wooden dhows-sturdy boats once used for pearl diving and hauling in the day’s catch.Weathered compasses and hand‑woven fishing nets tell the story of Sharjah’s long, salt‑stained maritime past.Tales of Emirati sailors and traders bring to life the deep bond between the UAE and the sea, from the creak of wooden dhows to the scent of salt on the wind.Seeing both spots in one trip lets you grasp the UAE’s marine life and maritime heritage, from the shimmer of reef fish to the creak of an old wooden dhow.You’ll find visitor information in Al Khan, a quiet seaside district in Sharjah, UAE.We’re open Monday through Sunday, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., though Fridays wrap up a bit earlier.Entry fees are easy on the wallet for both individuals and families, and you can grab a combined ticket with the Sharjah Maritime Museum for a fuller day out.The best time to go is in the morning or late afternoon, when the crowds thin and you can hear the soft rustle of leaves.So, why check out Sharjah Aquarium?It’s one of the UAE’s biggest aquariums, a place where you can watch schools of silver fish flash past under soft blue light.You’ll find over a hundred kinds of marine life here-sharks gliding past, rays sweeping the sandy floor, and bright coral fish darting through the reef.Hands-on exhibits and lively conservation programs for kids and adults, from touching a tide pool starfish to planting a tree.It’s the perfect spot for families, packed with activities that pull you in-like hands-on exhibits you can touch and explore.It sits near the Sharjah Maritime Museum, where you can glimpse antique diving gear and learn the story of the sea.Whether you love marine life, want a fun learning trip with the kids, or are simply exploring Sharjah’s sights, the Sharjah Aquarium pulls you into a vivid underwater world, where the shimmer of the Arabian Gulf’s fish glides past your view.