As part of its ongoing efforts to support marine conservation, luxury resort Atlantis Dubai recently released four Honeycomb Stingrays and 10 Arabian Carpet sharks into the Arabian Gulf.

Under the Atlantis Atlas Project, luxury resort Atlantis Dubai has recently released four Honeycomb Stingrays and 10 Arabian Carpet sharks into the Arabian Gulf for marine conservation.

In a press statement, the Dubai-based hotel says that its latest effort 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 region and can be found off the coast in coral reefs, lagoons, rocky shores, muddy bottoms and mangroves.

Atlantis Dubai says that it remains committed to supporting and advancing conservation efforts locally, regionally, and globally. Atlantis colleagues regularly participate in numerous programmes, including beach cleanups, tree plantings, and wildlife releases.

It says that aged between 8 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 assessed each shark and stingray before releasing and the animals were encouraged to explore and interact with other compatible marine life and forage for their food.

“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. We remain dedicated to working with local government agencies and non-profit organisations to advance marine conservation and to ensure future generations are able to benefit from a healthy and productive ocean,” says Kelly Timmins, Director of Sustainability and Marine Animal Operations, Atlantis Dubai.

The statement adds that Atlantis Atlas Project endeavours to positively impact sustainable development through responsible tourism. 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 statement adds that the destination is also a member of the World Association of Zoos and Aquariums (WAZA), which brings together world-class zoos and aquariums, associations, leading wildlife experts and more.

The statement adds that for every marine animal experience participated in by a guest, Atlantis Dubai contributes USD 1 to conservation and sustainability projects that help protect the ocean and the environment. Since launching in June 2021, the USD 1 contribution initiative has raised over USD 250,000.