Since its opening back in 2008, the Sharjah Aquarium has deservedly earnt a reputation as a great place to visits for adults and kids alike. One of the largest educational centres in the UAE, the aquarium is expertly run by the Sharjah Museums Authority. Spread across an area of 6,500 square metres, this attraction in Sharjah comprises 21 aquariums on two floors containing various sea creatures. Here’s all you need to know about this much-loved emporium of everything aquatic.
WHAT TO EXPECT?
Established in 2008, the Sharjah Aquarium opened up the fascinating realm of the deep sea for the public. Located in Al Khan, This aquarium in Sharjah 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 sea life and learn to distinguish between them. Sharjah Aquarium is home to over 150 marine species in Arabian Gulf waters.
You can observe the fascinating sea rays, the usually docile reef sharks, the elusive moray eels, the delicate seahorses and the beautiful clownfish. Amd that is only the beginning. Apart from the sea creatures, you can also discover their habitats, like the coral reefs, mangroves, the Al Khan Lagoon, and the 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 place has been working to ensure a safe habitat for sea life to breed and thrive for the past decade.
Their work entails creating the ideal environment for coral reefs to grow and spreading awareness about the severity of marine pollution as well as its consequent environmental damage. With the help of professionals and volunteers, Sharjah Aquarium seeks to protect and preserve the 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 the natural habitat of marine life – one can strive to become more considerate and responsible for the aquatic ecosystem.
Facilities in Sharjah Aquarium
Apart from all things fun and awesome, Sharjah Aquarium provides a bunch of facilities to ensure a comfortable and relaxing time for visitors. These facilities include these.
- 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 Opening Hours 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 aged less than 2, senior citizens aged 60 and above, people of determination and government school trips
Please Note
- The Sharjah Aquarium entry tickets are joint tickets for a visit to the aquarium and the neighbouring Sharjah Maritime Museum. You can use the same ticket to visit both places in a day.
- Groups should have a minimum of 6 people to qualify for reduced ticket prices
How to Get to the aquarium?
The best way to get to the Sharjah Aquarium is to drive there. If you don’t have 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 5 minutes away from residents in Al Khan, while those living in Al Qasimia can reach the aquarium 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.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are There Any Attractions Near Sharjah Aquarium?
The Sharjah Aquarium location puts it in proximity to most attractions in the Al Khan area. These include the Al Khan Monument, the Al Khan historical area, the Al Khan Lagoon and Sharjah Expo Centre. In addition to these, there are a few other nearby attractions.
- Sharjah Maritime Museum (200 m) at walking distance
- Khalid Lake (6 km) 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. The Al Khan Beach is less than a 5-minute drive away from the aquarium, while the Lou Lou’a Beach is around 3 km away, which takes a short 6-minute drive.
Are There Any Restaurants near Sharjah Aquarium?
Although there is a café in aquarium, you can always try out other options nearby. Some restaurants nearby include these.
- Sammach (400 m) at walking distance
- Sanobar Restaurant (2 km), a 4-minute drive away
- Bangkok Town Restaurant (3 km), about a 5-minute drive away
- Sufrat Al Mandi (2 km), a 4-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 to explore, learn and enjoy the city’s rich natural and cultural heritage.
The availability of leisure options and affordable homes are two major reasons people choose to live in Sharjah and work in Dubai. Besides, there is tons of learning and exploration for kids in terms of museums, art, culture, public spaces and nature preservation in this family-friendly emirate. Families can take find spacious 3 and 4-bedroom options when looking at apartments for rent in Sharjah, too.
If you’re in Sharjah for holidays or have just moved to the cultural capital of the UAE, make sure to 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.
