Sharjah has long been closely connected to water, and the Sharjah Aquarium highlights the pivotal role of the sea in the city’s development. The aquarium is one of the many unique attractions the emirate offers to its visitors. Located in the Al Khan Old area, it was the first government-run educational facility in the Gulf. Spanning 6,500 square meters, the aquarium features two levels with 20 water tanks, each holding up to 1.8 million liters of water. It officially opened its doors on June 16, 2008.
Visitors to the aquarium can immerse themselves in the fascinating world of the deep sea and marine life. They will have the opportunity to observe local fish species and learn more about the history of Sharjah’s ports and coastlines.
Sharjah Aquarium
While there are similar aquariums in Dubai and several European cities, Sharjah’s aquarium stands out as a remarkable place where tourists can discover an exclusive underwater world.
Things to See
The stunning variety of colors found in the underwater world of the aquarium will captivate all visitors. The aquarium is home to around 250 species of marine life from the Indian Ocean and the Persian Gulf. The beauty and diversity of these creatures are truly remarkable. Visitors can observe everything from small, harmless sea urchins and seahorses to more aggressive reef sharks, moray eels, rays, and crabs. The tropical fish found here are also diverse in both color and beauty, making Sharjah Aquarium one of the most vibrant aquariums globally. Additionally, the aquarium showcases rare deep-sea plants.
The aquarium’s design features a tangible ocean floor, which brings the journey into the deep sea to life. With its coral reefs and lagoons, the base of the aquarium mimics the natural seabed. Visitors can enjoy multiple perspectives of marine life—walking along the pathway offers views of the creatures above and around them, while the glass floor provides a unique view below. Additionally, the railing allows for a different vantage point.
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The Sharjah Aquarium also offers interactive electronic displays that provide detailed information about the marine life on display. These exhibits are available in both Arabic and English and offer insight into the colorful, mysterious ecosystem of the deep sea. The displays are designed to be user-friendly, so even children can easily learn about the creatures and their habitats.
Visitors can also enjoy snacks and refreshments during their visit. The aquarium has a comfortable café where guests can enjoy coffee, tea, and light snacks. There is also a gift shop where tourists can purchase souvenirs for their loved ones.
Aquarium Conservation
A marine nature reserve surrounds the aquarium, ensuring a habitat conducive to the breeding of fish and the growth of coral reefs. This reserve was established as part of an initiative to combat the global rise in marine pollution.
Accessibility
The Sharjah Aquarium is easily accessible by metro or bus. The buses that stop near the aquarium include routes E304, E306, and E307. For accurate bus and train schedules, visitors can use the Moovit app to plan their trip.
Entry Fee
Admission to the Sharjah Aquarium also includes access to the adjacent Sharjah Maritime Museum.
- Entry is free for children under 2 years of age.
- For children aged 2 to 12 years, the entry fee is AED 15.
- Adults aged 13 and above are charged AED 25.
- For groups of 6 or more children (ages 2–12), the fee is AED 10 per child.
- For groups of 6 or more adults, the entry fee is AED 15 per person.
Timings
The aquarium is open every day except Sunday. From Saturday to Thursday, it is open from 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM. On Fridays, the aquarium operates from 4:00 PM to 10:00 PM.
