Sharjah is one of the UAE's finest cities, renowned for its rich culture and numerous attractions. Among the really popular attractions, one stands out — the Sharjah Aquarium.
Opening its doors to tourists and locals on June 16, 2008, the aquarium has welcomed both adults and kids alike. It's considered the largest government educational center in the UAE, spanning an area of 6,500 square meters across 2 floors with 20 aquariums, filled with 1.8 million liters of water.
The aquarium, with its diverse creatures, sheds light on the captivating, hidden world of the deep sea around us. Visitors can explore different species of marine creatures and learn about Sharjah's historic ports, coasts, and landmarks.
Explore the Hidden Deep Sea Realm
Home to more than 150 species of marine creatures, including moray eels, seahorses, clownfish, sea rays, and reef sharks, the aquarium truly reflects the diversity of creatures living in Sharjah's marine habitats. Its captivating world reveals the mysterious and colorful realm of the deep sea. Visitors can also increase their knowledge of the habitats of these marine species, such as coral reefs, Al Khan Lagoon, mangroves, and rocky shores.
Not Just Another Underwater Ecosystem
The Sharjah Aquarium is not just another recreational space; it was built to protect marine species and also educate people.
In 2009, the aquarium set up a marine nature reserve, working with volunteers and professionals to ensure a safe habitat for fish and coral reefs to grow and thrive. The global increase in marine pollution and its severity leading to damage to aquatic environments caused by harmful practices and behaviors, such as oil spills, overfishing, and land reclamation, championed this initiative.
Through this initiative, the Sharjah Aquarium seeks to enlighten the public on the need to preserve marine ecosystems and how to protect them, preventing the destruction of many mangrove forests.
Sharjah Aquarium Timings
The Sharjah Aquarium timings today are:
- Saturday — Thursday: 8am — 8pm
- Friday: 4pm — 8pm
In the month of Ramadan:
- Saturday — Thursday: 9am — 2pm; 9pm — 11pm
- Friday: 9pm — 11pm
The aquarium won't open on the following days:
- Evening shifts of last 10 days of Ramadan
- Last day of Ramadan (29th and 30th depending on the Islamic calendar)
- First day of Eid Al Fitr (as determined by the Islamic calendar)
- Day of Arafat — 9th of Dhul Hijjah (following the Islamic calendar)
- First day of Eid Al Adha (as determined by the Islamic calendar)
Location: Al Khan Old Area, Sharjah, UAE
Sharjah Aquarium Ticket Prices
Sharjah Aquarium tickets vary in prices for children, adults, and educational groups.
Here's a breakdown of the ticket prices:
Single persons:
- Children (less than 2 years): Free
- Children (2 to 12 years): 15 AED
- Adults (over 13 years old): 25 AED
- Persons aged 60 and above: Free
Groups:
- Children groups of 6 or more (less than 2 years): Free
- Children groups of 6 or more (2 to 12 years): 10 AED per person
- Adult groups of 6 or more (13 years and above): 15 AED per person
Schools' Entry Fees:
- Government school trips: Free
- Private school trips: 5 AED each
Visiting the Aquarium for Free
For tourists who would love to visit the aquarium for free, they can enjoy the colorful scenery and explore the diversity of marine life at no cost on the following days:
- International Museum Day (18th May)
- Martyr's Day (1st December)
- UAE National Day (2nd December)
The morning of weekdays is the best time to visit the fish aquarium in Sharjah as it can get really crowded and busy during public holidays and weekends.
For those planning a school or university visit, it's best to book the tickets online to prevent future delays.
Sharjah Aquarium Events
The aquarium plans and hosts exciting events at different times of the year that visitors should consider attending. The exhibits and events usually focus on educational seminars and workshops on science, history, and art.
Other events to look forward to at the aquarium include shark feeding, main tank feeding, interactive pool touch experience, and hands-on workshops.
Nearby Attractions
The emirate of Sharjah has many attractions. If you're near the Sharjah Aquarium, here are some other attractions you can visit:
Al Noor Island with its mesmerizing landscapes and Butterfly House is located just 6 km away — it's only a 10-minute drive from the aquarium
Sharjah Art Foundation is nestled about 5.5 km away too and is a top destination for culture, art, and history lovers
Sharjah Maritime Museum is just next to the aquarium, and tourists can visit to learn more about marine life
Sharjah Heritage Museum, nestled just 5 km from the aquarium, is the ideal destination to explore the region's rich history
Aquarium Cafe and Nearby Dining Options
In a bid to deliver the best experience, the aquarium has an in-house cafe catering to the needs of visitors. There's a variety of great food options for guests to choose from.
If you're looking for other places to enjoy tasty delicacies, there are a few restaurants like Al Khan Lagoon and Al Qasba just near the aquarium serving Middle Eastern and international cuisine.
A Visit You Musn’t Miss
The Sharjah Aquarium offers a unique experience to visitors and even hosts educational activities to engage and teach about the intricacies of marine life. They also feature several facilities like wheelchairs for senior citizens, private rooms for mothers, gift shops to make the trip more enjoyable, and access to cafes with free Wi-Fi.
If you're looking for a place to spend quality time with family and friends, rent a car in Sharjah and drive to the Sharjah fish aquarium.
Or drop us a mail at help@beno.com
