A Jaw-some Array of Complimentary Shark Activities with Atlantis

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (23^rd July 2021) – This Shark Week (23-31^st July), Atlantis Dubai’s Lost Chambers Aquarium is set to be transformed into a watery world for sharks enthusiasts with a fin-credible frenzy of fun and educational experiences on offer. Featuring the new Shark Specialist educational programme and new Shark Snorkel experience, there has never been a better time to learn about the UAE’s native shark species and why we need to protect them.

BRAND-NEW SHARK-THEMED EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMMES

Home to eight species of sharks, including five native to UAE waters (Grey Reef Shark, Arabian Carpetshark, Whitetip Reef Shark, Blacktip Reef Shark, Zebra Shark), The Lost Chambers Aquarium has launched two brand-new shark-themed educational programmes to mark the occasion. Both expertly-designed programmes are dedicated to raising awareness of these fascinating predators and why their conservation is vital for a healthy ocean ecosystem and our planet. 

Shark Specialist – Budding Shark Specialists will enjoy a visit to the state-of-the-art Fish Hospital with our Aquarists and learn all about our different species of sharks and how we care for them. Guests will get a chance to feed our newly born sharks and rays, learn about our shark breeding programmes and discover what it takes to care for marine animals in The Lost Chambers Aquarium. 

• Ages: 8-14 years old
• Shark Week (23^rd-31^st July) Timings: Daily from 1 pm – 3 pm
• Regular Timings: Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday from 1 pm – 3 pm
• Prices start at AED 300 including a certificate, complimentary photo, drawstring bag, A5 workbook, and a reusable water bottle.

Shark Snorkel – Guests can swim on the surface of The Shark Lagoon and marvel at seven stunning shark species including those native to the UAE, including Zebra Sharks, Whitetip Reef Sharks, and Arabian Carpetsharks, as well as a whole host of other colourful marine life.

• Ages: 6 and above
• Daily at 11am, 11:30am, 4pm and 4:30pm
• From AED 295 including an educational briefing, wetsuit loan, towels and refreshments

COMPLIMENTARY SHARK ACTIVITIES

Throughout Shark Week, visitors to The Lost Chambers Aquarium will also be treated to a whole host of complimentary in-aquarium activities. This includes a Shark Quest (entrants will be in with the chance to win a Shark Themed Weekend at Atlantis, The Palm including one night in an iconic Underwater Suite), shark-themed educational talks from 10am-9pm daily including Shark Anatomy & Reproduction, Shark Senses, Shark Diversity, and Jaws, Teeth & Diet, and shark-themed SeaTrek helmets for AquaTrek. In addition, a free ‘Sharks of the Arabian Gulf’ public awareness session will be held with Robert Bennett (Manager at The Lost Chambers Aquarium) and Rumaitha Abdulaziz Alshehhi (Research Assistant at the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment) at Atlantis, The Palm’s Conference Centre on Thursday 28^th July from 7pm.

What’s more, through Atlantis Atlas Project,  Atlantis Dubai will double its 1 USD contribution for all marine experiences participated in, all week long. So shark-lovers can learn more about sharks, be inspired to protect them and give back to initiatives supporting the conservation of this fascinating species in the wild. The list of grantees receiving support from Atlantis Atlas Project’s 1 USD contributions will be awarded later this summer.

It's no surprise that many different types of sharks call the UAE home, at least for a few months of the year, as the UAE and its neighbouring countries are blessed with a rich and vibrant level of biodiversity. And as with any healthy ecosystem, sharks are there to maintain it. Here are a few little-known facts about the friendly sharks who share the coastline with Dubai residents:

1. Most sharks are actually coastal species but will rarely venture inland. There are yearly sightings of large whale sharks along the beaches and the marinas of Dubai and Abu Dhabi.
2. One of the most common species of sharks that lives in the Gulf is the Blacktip Reef Shark. Blacktip Reef Sharks are generally small, growing only to a maximum of 1.6 metres with a slim and streamlined body shape. With their calm and docile nature, these sharks pose very little threat to people and are certainly not to be feared.
3. We are very lucky to be home to the famous gentle giants: the Whale Sharks. There have been sightings of sharks in the area with the largest recorded Whale Shark reaching an unprecedented length of 20 metres, which is roughly the same length as a London double-decker bus. Most frequently sighted species include cownose rays, eagle rays, and hammerhead sharks.
4. Fears about sharks are often misguided, as sharks are far less dangerous than movies like Steven Spielberg’s 1975 classic ‘Jaws’ depict. A shark’s instinct when discovering that humans are near is to turn the other way – because more often than not, the average-sized person will be much bigger than most sharks.
5. Sadly, approximately 75 million sharks are killed every year, either through targeted fisheries or as bycatch, with the main driver being their fins which are used for shark fin soup. The presence of reef-associated sharks in the UAE’s ecosystem indicates that it is healthy, which shows the coral reefs surrounding the UAE are doing well! Sharks play a crucial role in maintaining the health of this habitat and must be protected.  

To book an educational programme at The Lost Chambers Aquarium and support local marine conservation this Shark Week, visit: https://www.atlantis.com/sharkweek To learn more about Atlantis Atlas Project and our upcoming sustainability projects, visit: https://www.atlantis.com/atlasproject

For further information about Atlantis, Dubai, please call +971 4 426 1000, or visit www.atlantis.com/dubai. Both low and high-resolution colour photography of Atlantis is available at media.atlantisthepalm.com.

For further information about Atlantis Atlas Project, please visit https://www.atlantis.com/dubai/sustainability/atlantis-atlas-project.

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About Atlantis Atlas Project

Atlantis Atlas Project is Atlantis, Dubai’s commitment to sustainability – to do business in ways that are good for people and the planet. The initiative is focused on four core pillars: Responsible Operations, Education & Awareness, Marine Conservation & Animal Welfare, and Corporate Social Responsibility. These fully incorporate the destination’s commitment to economic, social, and environmental responsibility. They provide immersive experiences and opportunities for visitors and guests to experience and learn more about their local environment both in and outside the resort. Diners can enjoy a selection of sustainable, locally sourced, and organic dishes with food choices grown and harvested in Dubai at eight of Atlantis Dubai’s signature restaurants. Young explorers and families with a keen interest in life underwater and the environment can get closer to nature through Atlantis Dubai’s new Marine Biologist programmes and back of house tours. Atlantis, Dubai also supports the local community through its own projects including shark and ray releases which boost wild populations of local species and through supporting other charitable efforts to make measured impacts on conservation, education and society.

About Atlantis, The Palm, Dubai

Located at the centre of the crescent of The Palm in Dubai, Atlantis, The Palm is the first entertainment resort destination in the region. Opened in September 2008, the unique ocean-themed resort features a variety of marine and entertainment attractions and 22 hectares of waterpark amusement at Atlantis Aquaventure, all within a 46-hectare site. It is home to one of the biggest waterparks in the world and one of the largest open-air marine habitats, with more than 65,000 marine animals in lagoons and displays including The Lost Chambers Aquarium, a maze of underwater corridors and passageways providing a journey through ancient Atlantis. Aquaventure Waterpark features 23.5 million litres of fresh water used to power 105 thrilling waterslides and attractions, including several world record-breaking slides, two river rides featuring tidal waves and pools, and water rapids and white-water chargers. Dolphin Bay, the unparalleled dolphin conservation and education habitat, and Sea Lion Point were created to provide guests with a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to learn more about some of nature’s most friendly mammals. The resort boasts an impressive collection of luxury boutiques and shops as well as extensive meeting and convention facilities. Atlantis, The Palm is also known as the culinary destination in the region where guests can take their pick from a collection of 29 world-renowned restaurants including Bread Street Kitchen & Bar, Hakkasan, Nobu, Ronda Locatelli, Seafire Steakhouse & Bar and the award-winning underwater restaurant, Ossiano. Atlantis is also home to a buzzing nightlife scene with entertainment destination Wavehouse offering something for everyone, while WHITE Beach & Restaurant is the perfect place to unwind with a drink as the sun slips into the Arabian Sea.