Dive Into Discovery: The Ultimate 2026 Sharjah Aquarium Guide for Families and Explorers

Starting from Arabian Gulf, one can see the same type of exhibits at Sharjah Aquarium which is located within the historic Al Khan Old Area. It consists of a 2-storey building of 6,500 area with 1.8 million liters of water and 150 aquatic animals on display in 21 giant tanks. It would be fun for both family and couple as well as for single traveler. 

Where Is Sharjah Aquarium Located?

The aquarium is located in part of the Al Khan Old Area of Sharjah, in Al Meena Street. This is an old fashioned part of town with a maritime feel. The relaxed, calm environment and sea air found along the waterways made the excursion a bit of a trip to a museum rather than something more. It is near the Sharjah Maritime Museum so it is very easy to spend the whole day in this part of town. 

Opening Hours

You can visit the aquarium any day of the week, during these hours: 

• Saturday to Thursday: 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM
• Friday: 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM

On-Site Facilities

The aquarium offers everything you need for a smooth and comfortable visit: 

• Lifts available on all floors
• Dedicated rooms for mothers and families
• Cafes for a quick bite or drink
• Prayer room on-site
• Gift shop for souvenirs
• Spacious parking lot
• Clean and fully equipped restrooms
• Baby changing tables
• Easy wheelchair access throughout
• Free Wi-Fi available

Tickets Prices 

Visitor Type	Ticket Price
Children (2 – 12 years)	AED 15
Children (group of 6 or more)	AED 10
Adults (13 years and above)	AED 25
Adults (group of 6 or more)	AED 15
Private school trips	AED 5 per person
Private university trips	AED 5 per person
Children under 2 years old	Free
Seniors aged 60 and above (+ 1 companion)	Free
People with disabilities	Free
Government school trips	Free
Government university trips	Free

Sea Creatures: Marine Life You’ll Encounter

If you visit the Aquarium, you will come across more than 100 amazing water animals. And these are some of the most amazing: 

• Clownfish
• Seahorses
• moray eels
• sea rays
• reef sharks
• sea turtles 

Museum Range of Activities

What separates a great aquarium from a truly memorable one is what it offers beyond simply viewing tanks. 

Drop-In Workshops

Every Saturday and Sunday, children aged 6–12 can join fun hands-on workshops with their families. Just ask at the reception desk to find out what’s on, materials and instructions are all provided.

Shark Feeding

One of the most thrilling moments at the aquarium. Watch the sharks get fed up close every Saturday, Monday, and Wednesday from 1:00 pm to 1:30 pm at the Al Khan Beach area.

Main Tank Feeding

A spectacular sight you won’t want to miss. Head to the Arabian Gulf and Oman Sea area every Saturday through Thursday at 10:00 am to watch the main tank come alive at feeding time.

Interactive Touch Pool

Experience the touch pool. Kids and families love it; a chance to put your hand in, look and learn as you experience all the wonderful things in the most memorable way. 

How to Get There

Getting to the Aquarium is easier than you think.

Directed by Car: The easiest way is to come by car; the aquariums are just minutes off. It takes 5 minutes from Al Khan to the aquariums, or less than 10 minutes from Al Qasimia.

By Taxi: Fast and saves you time if you do not own a car the taxi will just drop you off outside the park with no trouble at all. 

By bus: If you are in the Rolla Area take bus route E1 from Al Jubail Terminal and stop at the station by the Aquarium. It is a very close walking distance from the bus stop.

Nearby Attractions

You can also explore: 

• Al Noor Island
• Sharjah Maritime Museum
• Sharjah Art Foundation
• Sharjah Heritage Museum
• Al Khan Beach
• Al Majaz Waterfront

Dining and Refreshment Options

The Aquarium has a cafe on-site where you may obtain a snack and refreshment in the interval of your discovery. The menu options are as follows: 

• Customized sandwiches and snacks.
• Soft drinks and refreshing drinks
• Delicious salads and desserts 

If you’re looking for more dining options nearby, these restaurants are just a short drive away:

• Al Khan Lagoon: It’s an excellent place to have Middle Eastern traditional food.
• Al Qasba: It will be a blend of Arabic and International cuisines with a fantastic setting on the waterfront. 

Sharjah Aquarium vs Kite Beach

Feature	Sharjah Aquarium	Kite Beach
Location	Al Khan Old Area, Sharjah	Umm Suqeim 1, Jumeirah, Dubai
Entry Fee	AED 15–25 (free for some categories)	Completely free
Opening Hours	Sat–Thu: 8 am–8 pm, Fri: 8 am–4 pm	Open 24 hours
Best For	Families, school trips, marine lovers	Adventure seekers, sports lovers, beach goers
Top Activities	Shark feeding, touch pools, workshops	Kitesurfing, kayaking, paddle boarding, skating
Dining Options	On-site café, Al Khan Lagoon, Al Qasba	Food trucks, Salt, Circle Café
Nearby Attractions	Sharjah Maritime Museum, Al Noor Island	Burj Al Arab, Wild Wadi Water Park

Useful Tips for Visits

• Look on the official website for discount and special offers before you visit.
• Wear comfortable shoes, there is a lot of walking involved
• Arrive early to avoid queues and extract the most use from your ticket
• Bring some extra clothes just in case you get wet at the touch pools or feeding shows
• Remember your camera, the underwater creatures are well worth taking pictures of 

Conclusion

The Sharjah Aquarium is a whole lot more than just a number of fish tanks. It is an engaging, considerate and beautifully polished homage to the environment which has dominated life in the Arabian Gulf for centuries. With inexpensive admission, amazing marine life, interactive activities and in perfect seaside vicinity, it’s one of the best hours you can spend anywhere in the Emirates. Step inside once, and you’ll be trying to work out how to do it again. 

FAQs

Is it ok for toddlers?

Yes. Touch pools, interactive stations and tank panels where children can reach out are particularly suitable for toddlers.

Are there parking facilities?

Yes, there is parking available along the Al Khan waterside street (free parking). Try to arrive early on the weekend to find a parking spot.

Why is Sharjah Aquarium unique?

The emphasis on local Gulf marine life and marine conservation information as well as offering real hands on experiences adds so much to this marine aquarium and makes it so much more authentic than larger commercial venues. 

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