As part of the Atlantis Atlas Project, and reinforcing its commitment to marine conservation, Atlantis Dubai has collaborated with the Dubai Environment and Climate Change Authority to release five Honeycomb Stingrays and eight Arabian Carpetsharks into the Arabian Gulf at Jebel Ali Wildlife Sanctuary on Thursday, 12th February 2026. This initiative forms part of the destination’s ongoing efforts to support conservation programmes and protect the local marine environment.
The Atlantis Atlas Project is Atlantis Dubai’s comprehensive sustainability initiative, launched in 2021 to champion responsible tourism, environmental conservation and social responsibility. Built around four key pillars, the project underpins Atlantis Dubai’s long-term commitment to protecting the marine environment while supporting local communities and creating positive and lasting impact.
The release was attended by key members of the Atlantis Dubai team alongside representatives from the
Dubai Environment and Climate Change Authority, the emirate’s government agency which leads the Emirate’s environmental protection and climate action efforts, supporting Dubai’s transition to a greener, climate resilient future. In addition, 25 pupils from local schools took part in the experience, witnessing the shark and stingray release first-hand and supporting a beach clean-up. Through this hands-on involvement, students gained a deeper understanding of the importance, impact and responsibility of marine conservation.
“Marine environment is one of our most valuable natural resources that we strive to conserve for future generations,” said HE Ahmed Mohammed bin Thani, Director General of the Dubai Environment and Climate Change Authority. “Protecting marine biodiversity requires science-led action, strong partnerships and early community engagement. The Atlantis Atlas Project demonstrates how conservation, education and responsible tourism can work together to safeguard Dubai’s marine ecosystems. By collaborating with leading private-sector partners and involving young people directly, we are reinforce ecosystem resilience and support Dubai’s long-term environmental sustainability goals.”
With shark and ray populations in the Arabian Gulf continuing to decline, and more than one third of species now considered threatened, the Atlantis Atlas Project established a Honeycomb Stingray breeding programme to help support local populations. Since its launch in 2019, the programme has now successfully contributed to the release of 73 Arabian Carpet Sharks and 17 Honeycomb Stingrays into the wild.
Shark and stingray breeding is a key indicator of a healthy marine ecosystem and is a natural process actively encouraged by Atlantis Dubai. Aged between 6 months and five years, each marine animal released was born at the Lost World Aquarium and cared for in the resort’s dedicated fish hospital. Prior to release, the Animal Care team conducted thorough health assessments to ensure each animal was fit for life in the wild. As part of their preparation, the animals were encouraged to explore, interact with compatible marine life and forage independently for food.
Kelly Timmins, Executive Director of Sustainability and Marine Animal Operations, Atlantis Dubai, comments, “More than one third of shark, ray and chimera species are now threatened with extinction, making conservation action more critical than ever. Through initiatives like this release, we are actively supporting local marine populations while helping to educate future generations about the role they can play in protecting our oceans. Impactful change starts with awareness, collaboration and long-term commitment.”
Following the release, Atlantis Dubai colleagues joined representatives from the Dubai Environment and Climate Change Authority and participating school pupils for a beach clean-up. This collaborative effort supported the conservation of local marine ecosystems while educating participants on the importance of responsible waste management.
As a destination home to world class facilities, Atlantis Dubai delivers high quality educational programmes designed to inspire a lifelong appreciation for marine life. In 2025, Atlantis Dubai further strengthened its position as a leader in sustainable tourism by achieving top-tier EarthCheck certifications, Gold Dubai Sustainable Tourism (DST) Stamps from the Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) and the prestigious Forbes Travel Guide VERIFIED™ Responsible Hospitality badge. The destination also opened the newly re-developed Lost World Aquarium in October 2025, home to 65,000 marine animals and dedicated to educating guests on their importance to ocean health.
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 Atlantis Atlas Project Contribution initiative has raised over half a million dollars in support of conservation and sustainability.
