The Lost Chambers Aquarium in Dubai is set to become the favourite place for shark enthusiasts. As a part of the &ldquoSharks of the UAE&rdquo theme, the aquarium will celebrate UAE&rsquos native shark species and how we can help protect them. The Atlantis Dubai Hotel has launched a series of marine experiences known as the "Atlantis Atlas Project." Through this initiative, the hotel is dedicated to conducting its operations responsibly, promoting conservation efforts, ensuring animal welfare, and upholding corporate social responsibility.

Under this initiative, 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. 

Shark-Themed Programmes

Scuba Diving 

Scuba diving in the Ambassador Lagoon, UAE&rsquos largest open-air aquarium, offers exciting experiences for guests. Participants can embark on a shark-themed trail, swimming alongside various shark species and discovering shark eggs known as mermaid purses. Lucky divers might even find a shark tooth to keep as a souvenir. Additionally, each participant receives a complimentary shark t-shirt. The minimum age requirement is ten years old. The following is according to Shark Week timings.

There are different types of dives available

1. Dive Discovery (For Non-Certified Guests) Scheduled daily at 10 am, 2 pm, 530 pm, and 730 pm.
2. Predator Dive (For Certified Divers only) Scheduled daily at 645 pm.
3. Dive Explorer (For Certified Divers only) Scheduled daily at 9 am.

Aquatrek Xtreme And Shark Safari 

Using a special shark-themed SeaTrek helmet, guests can venture 10 m down to the bottom of the Ambassador Lagoon (Aquatrek Xtreme) or explore Aquaventure&rsquos Shark Lagoon (Shark Safari), which is home to a wide variety of marine species, including sharks and colourful school of fishes. 

Age requirements

• Shark Safari Suitable for guests aged 10 years and above.
• Aquatrek Xtreme Suitable for guests aged 12 years and above.

Operating schedule

• Aquatrek Xtreme Available daily at 1 pm and 4 pm.
• Shark Safari (Includes Aquaventure admission) Available daily at 1 pm, 2 pm, and 3 pm.

Shark Snorkel And Ultimate Snorkel 

In this activity, guests can swim on the surface of the Shark Lagoon (Shark Snorkel) or the Ambassador Lagoon (Ultimate Snorkel) and marvel at the shark species, including those native to the UAE, such as Zebra Sharks, Whitetip Reef Sharks and Arabian Carpetsharks. The age requirement is six years and above.  

1. Shark Snorkel Daily from 1030 am, 11 am, 1 pm, 2 pm, 3 pm, 4 pm, 430 pm
2. Ultimate Snorkel Daily from 1030 am, 1130 am, 2 pm, 3 pm

Sharks Of UAE

1. Many different types of sharks call the UAE home. For those who want to know more about these sharks, here are a few lesser-known facts about the sharks who share the coastline with Dubai residents
2. One of the most common species of sharks that live 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. Fears about sharks are often misguided, as sharks are far less dangerous than movies like Steven Spielberg&rsquos 1975 classic &lsquoJaws&rsquo depict. When discovering that humans are near, a shark&rsquos instinct is to turn the other way since, more often than not, the average-sized person will be much bigger than most sharks.
4. Unfortunately, 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. Sharks play a crucial role in maintaining the health of the oceans and, therefore, must be protected. The presence of reef-associated sharks in the UAE&rsquos ecosystem is a promising sign that it is healthy.
5. To help protect sharks under threat in the wild, people can buy responsibly-sourced seafood, avoid buying shark products, and support organisations that protect this fascinating marine animal.

To book an educational programme at The Lost Chambers Aquarium and support local marine conservation this Shark Week, visit https://www.atlantis.com/dubai/whats-on/sharkweek

Cover Photo Credit Sergii Figurnyi / Shutterstock.com

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