Atlantis Dubai releases sharks and...

The marine animals were born at Atlantis, The Palm

As part of the Atlantis Atlas Project, the UAE's Atlantis Dubai hotel group has released stingrays and sharks into the Arabian Gulf.

Gulf waters are home to several sharks, rays and fish species, with more than half now considered threatened. The Atlantis Atlas Project initiative is part of Atlantis Dubai's ongoing conservation efforts to prevent further threat to local marine life.

Situated on the Arabian Gulf within a rich coastal ecosystem, Atlantis Dubai's latest efforts saw four juvenile Honeycomb Stingrays and 10 young Arabian Carpet sharks released into the Arabian Gulf at the Jebel Ali Marine Reserve, bringing the total number of releases from Atlantis Dubai to 38 sharks and eight rays since 2019.

Arabian Carpet Sharks and Honeycomb Stingrays are native to the Arabian Gulf and can be found off the coast in coral reefs, lagoons, rocky shores, muddy bottoms and mangroves.

Aged between eight to 10 months, each marine animal released was born at Atlantis, The Palm and cared for in the resort’s dedicated fish hospital. The Animal Care team carefully assessed each shark and stingray before deeming them healthy and suitable for release. To prepare for their journey into the wild, the animals were encouraged to explore and interact with other compatible marine life and forage for their food.

Atlantis Dubai director of sustainability and Marine Animal Operations Kelly Timmins said: “Home to more than 65,000 marine animals, Atlantis Dubai recognises the crucial role that aquariums play in helping to improve the conservation of biodiversity, which includes breeding and reintroduction programmes."

Atlantis Dubai was the first destination in the Middle East to achieve accreditation from the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA), the internationally recognised gold standard in animal care and welfare. The destination is also a member of the World Association of Zoos and Aquariums (WAZA), which brings together world-class zoos, aquariums, associations, wildlife experts, academies and universities to encourage the highest standards for global animal welfare.

Atlantis Dubai also runs educational programmes to encourage guests to build a lifelong appreciation for marine life, and for every marine animal experience participated in by a guest, the company contributes US$1 to conservation projects. Since launching in June 2021, the US$1 contribution initiative has raised more than US$250,000.

For more information, visit www.atlantis.com/atlasproject

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