Sharjah Aquarium: An underwater world of wonder
Since its opening in 2008, the 6,500 sq. m. 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. 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 ever since. The aquarium 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 more than just a place to explore 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 fabulous, 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
SHARJAH AQUARIUM TIMINGS
- Saturday to Thursday: 08:00 am – 08:00 pm
- Friday: 04:00 pm – 08:00 pm
The museum is closed on the following days.
- Closed for evening shifts during the last 10 days of Ramadan
- 29th and 30th of Ramadan (as per the Islamic calendar)
- First day of Eid Al Fitr (as per Islamic calendar)
- 9th of Dhul Hijjah (as per Islamic calendar)
- First day of Eid Al Adha (as per the Islamic calendar)
SHARJAH AQUARIUM TICKETS
Here’s a brief look at Sharjah Aquarium ticket prices.
Category | Ticket Price |
|---|---|
Category Children (under 2 years) | Ticket Price Free |
Category Children (2 to 12 years) | Ticket Price AED 15 |
Category Adults (13 years and above) | Ticket Price AED 25 |
Category Group of 6 or more children (2 to 12 years) | Ticket Price AED 10 per child |
Category Group of 6 or more adults (13 years and above) | Ticket Price AED 15 per adult |
Category Government school trips | Ticket Price Free |
Category Private school trips | Ticket Price AED 5 per person |
Category Government university trips | Ticket Price Free |
Category Private university trips | Ticket Price AED 5 per person |
Category Senior (aged above 60 years) with one companion | Ticket Price Free |
Category People of Determination | Ticket Price Free |
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 the Sharjah Aquarium location, but it will save you a lot of time compared to 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 the 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 is to take the sightseeing Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour in Sharjah.
FAQS ABOUT SHJ AQUARIUM
WHAT IS THE SHARJAH AQUARIUM LOCATION?
It is located in the Al Khan old area, adjacent to the Sharjah Maritime Museum.
WHAT ARE THE CONTACT DETAILS FOR AQUARIUM?
You can contact Fish Aquarium Sharjah at +971-6-528-5288. You can also email them at info@sma.gov.ae.
HOW DO I MAKE A BOOKING AT THE MUSEUM FOR SCHOOL VISIT?
Head to the museum’s official website and select School Booking to book a school visit. Fill out the required information and confirm your booking.
You’ll have to follow the same procedure if you plan to book the museum for a university visit. Instead of selecting the School Booking tab, click on Academic Booking.
CAN I VISIT THE AQUARIUM SHARJAH FOR FREE?
Sharjah Fish Aquarium ticket prices vary for children and adults. But you can enjoy free entry on the following days:
- International Museum Day (18th May)
- Martyr’s Day (1st December)
- UAE National Day (2nd December)
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 (2.7 km), about a 6-minute drive away
- Sufrat Al Mandi (5.9 km), an 11-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 people live in Sharjah and work in Dubai. Furthermore, the family-friendly emirate offers tons of learning and exploration for kids regarding museums, art, culture, public spaces and nature preservation. Families can find spacious 3 and 4-bedroom options when looking for 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.
