Atlantis Dubai champions marine conservation with sharks & stingrays release

Dubai: Atlantis Dubai is taking bold steps in marine conservation with the release of three Honeycomb Stingrays and 20 Arabian Carpet sharks into the Arabian Gulf, as part of its commitment to safeguarding the region’s delicate marine ecosystem.

The release, part of the Atlantis Atlas Project, is a key component of the resort’s ongoing efforts to support marine life and environmental stewardship.

The Arabian Gulf, home to a rich diversity of marine species, has seen over a third of its shark and ray populations become threatened. Atlantis Dubai, in collaboration with Dubai Municipality and Nakheel, continues to prioritise the health of this vital ecosystem through active conservation initiatives, including animal releases, beach cleanups, and educational programs.

Latest release

The latest release brings the total number of marine animals released by Atlantis Dubai to 58 sharks and 10 rays since 2019. The Arabian Carpet sharks and Honeycomb Stingrays, native to the region, were born at Atlantis and meticulously cared for in the resort’s state-of-the-art fish hospital. The animals, aged between 8 and 10 months, were evaluated by the Animal Care team before being deemed fit for their return to the wild.

65,000 marine animals

“Atlantis Dubai is home to over 65,000 marine animals, and we believe aquariums play a crucial role in supporting biodiversity conservation,” said Kelly Timmins, Executive Director of Sustainability and Marine Animal Operations. “We are proud to work with local agencies and non-profits to promote marine conservation and ensure a thriving ocean for future generations,” he added.

In addition to the animal release, Atlantis Dubai staff joined forces with Dubai Municipality, GEMS Jumeirah Primary School Eco-Warriors, and Nakheel representatives for a beach cleanup event. The cleanup focused on preserving marine ecosystems while educating participants on the importance of responsible waste management.

‘Save the butts’

The resort also participated in the “Save the Butts” campaign, a circular economy initiative that recycles cigarette butts into building materials. Through these efforts, Atlantis Dubai collected over 2.6 million cigarette butts in 2024, contributing to cleaner beaches and reducing pollution.

As the first Middle Eastern destination to earn accreditation from the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA), Atlantis Dubai sets a global standard for animal welfare and conservation. The resort is also a member of the World Association of Zoos and Aquariums (WAZA), reinforcing its commitment to high standards of marine animal care and conservation.

Lifelong appreciation

Through its educational programs, Atlantis Dubai encourages guests to develop a lifelong appreciation for marine life. Since the launch of the Atlantis Atlas Project Contribution in June 2021, the resort has raised over a quarter of a million dollars for ocean and environmental protection projects, with $1 donated for every marine animal experience a guest participates in.