All about the Sharjah Aquarium: An underwater world of wonder
Since its opening in 2008, the Sharjah Aquarium has deservedly earned a reputation as a popular attraction for adults and kids alike. The aquarium is expertly run by the Sharjah Museums Authority, one of the largest educational centres in the UAE. The attraction in Sharjah comprises 20 tanks on two floors containing various sea creatures — spread across an area of 6,500 square metres. Are you ready to go? Here is all you need to know about it.
WHAT TO EXPECT?
Sharjah Aquarium opened its fascinating deep-sea realm to the public in 2008 and has been a hit with visitors since. The aquarium, located in Al Khan, is the perfect place to witness the local sea life that dwells on the historic coasts of the culturally rich emirate. It is one of the top destinations to visit in Sharjah. But that’s not all—the aquarium is a lot more than just a place to witness sea life.
DISCOVER UNIQUE MARINE LIFE AT THE AQUARIUM IN SHARJAH
So, how many sea animals can you identify and name? Go beyond the broader categories of marine species and learn to distinguish between them. Sharjah Aquarium is home to over 150 of those that reside in the region’s waters.
You can observe the fascinating sea rays, the usually docile reef sharks, the elusive moray eels, delicate seahorses and beautiful clownfish. And that is only the beginning. Apart from the sea creatures, you can learn more about their habitats, like coral reefs, mangroves, Al Khan Lagoon and rocky shores.
LEARN MORE ABOUT THE UNDERWATER ECOSYSTEM
The aquarium serves as more than just a recreational space. It was built to familiarise the masses with marine life. In 2009, the Sharjah Museums Authority decided to broaden the scope of the aquarium by setting up a marine nature reserve. The aquarium has been working to ensure a safe habitat for sea life to breed and thrive for the past decade.
This entails creating the ideal environment for coral reefs to grow and spreading awareness about the severity of marine pollution and its adverse environmental consequences. With the help of professionals and volunteers, Sharjah Aquarium seeks to protect and preserve the region’s marine environment.
A visit to this aquarium in Sharjah will educate you on the calamities of oil spills, land reclamation and overfishing. Knowing how human activities destroy marine habitats – one can strive to become more considerate and responsible for aquatic ecosystems.
FACILITIES IN SHARJAH AQUARIUM
Apart from all things fun and awesome, the Sharjah Aquarium provides many facilities to ensure a comfortable and relaxing time for visitors. These facilities include:
- Free Wi-Fi
- Wheelchair access for senior citizens and People of Determination
- Mothers’ room with changing tables for babies
- A café for quick snacks and meals
- A prayer room
- A gift shop
- Elevators and restrooms
- Ample parking space
SHARJAH AQUARIUM TIMINGS AND TICKETS
- Timings: Saturday to Thursday, 08:00 am to 8:00 pm | Friday: 04:00 pm to 08:00 pm
- Sharjah Aquarium Tickets:
- Entrance Fee: Children aged between 2 and 12: AED 15 | Adults (age 13 and above): AED 25
- Group Entry: Children’s group: AED 10 per child | Adults’ group: AED 15 per person | Private school trips: AED 5 per person
No entrance fee applies to children under two, senior citizens aged 60 and above, People of Determination and government school trips. Senior citizens are allowed to bring one companion free of charge.
Please Note
- Groups should have at least six people to qualify for reduced ticket prices.
- The aquarium entry is free on International Museum Day (18th May), Martyr’s Day (1st December) and UAE National Day (2nd December).
HOW TO GET TO THE AQUARIUM?
The best way to get to the Sharjah Aquarium is to drive there. If you don’t have a personal conveyance, take a taxi. The taxi may not be the cheapest way to reach Sharjah Aquarium, but it will save you a lot of time than travelling on the bus. The aquarium is only five minutes away from Al Khan, while those living in Al Qasimia can reach it in less than 10 minutes.
People living in Rolla Area can catch the bus on route E1 from the Al Jubail Terminal and get off at the Sharjah Aquarium station. The aquarium is a short walk away from there.
Suppose you’re coming from Dubai and are looking for alternative means of transport. In that case, the Dubai to Sharjah ferry service will drop you off at the Aquarium Marine Station in Sharjah, which is less than a 5-minute walk from the aquarium itself.
If you’re a tourist, the best way to explore and enjoy the aquarium and other attractions in the city, take the sightseeing Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour in Sharjah.
FAQS ABOUT SHARJAH AQUARIUM
WHAT ARE THE CONTACT DETAILS FOR AQUARIUM?
You can contact the aquarium at +971-6-528-5288.
ARE THERE ANY ATTRACTIONS NEAR SHARJAH AQUARIUM?
The Sharjah Aquarium location is close to most attractions in the Al Khan area. These include the Al Khan Monument, Al Khan Historical Area, Al Khan Lagoon and Sharjah Expo Centre. Apart from these, there are a few other nearby attractions:
- Sharjah Maritime Museum (4.6 km) is eight minutes by car.
- Khalid Lake (6 km) is about 11 minutes by car
- Al Noor Island (6 km) about 10 minutes by car
If you’re looking for beaches in Sharjah, you’re in luck. Al Khan Beach is less than a 5-minute drive from the aquarium, while Lou Lou’a Beach is around 4 km away, a short 6-minute drive.
ARE THERE ANY RESTAURANTS NEAR THE AQUARIUM?
Although the aquarium has a café, you can always try other options nearby. Some restaurants nearby include:
- Bangkok Town Restaurant (3 km), about a 5-minute drive away
- Sufrat Al Mandi (2 km), a 10-minute drive away
That’s all we have for now. The emirate of Sharjah is a brilliantly interesting place. There are many things to do for free in Sharjah, making it ideal for families who love exploring, learning, and enjoying the city’s rich natural and cultural heritage.
The availability of leisure options and affordable homes are two major reasons why people choose to live in Sharjah and work in Dubai. Furthermore, the family-friendly emirate offers tons of learning and exploration for kids in terms of museums, art, culture, public spaces and nature preservation. Families can find spacious 3 and 4-bedroom options when looking at apartments for rent in Sharjah.
If you’re in Sharjah for holidays or have just moved to the cultural capital of the UAE, add Al Noor Island and all the fun activities in Sharjah Discovery Centre to your bucket list. You’ll love it, and so will the kids.
The featured image is courtesy of Sharjah Museum’s website.