Dubai, Feb 16: Atlantis Dubai, reinforcing its ongoing commitment to ocean conservation through the Atlantis Atlas Project, partnered with the Dubai Environment and Climate Change Authority (DECCA) to release five Honeycomb Stingrays and eight Arabian Carpet Sharks into the Arabian Gulf at the Jebel Ali Wildlife Sanctuary. The initiative also included a beach clean-up and hands-on educational experiences for 25 local school pupils, aiming to inspire the next generation of environmental stewards.
Launched in 2021, the Atlantis Atlas Project is Atlantis Dubai’s flagship sustainability programme, built around four pillars: responsible tourism, environmental conservation, community engagement, and social impact. The project underscores the resort’s long-term dedication to protecting marine ecosystems while fostering positive change in local communities.
HE Ahmed Mohammed bin Thani, Director General, Dubai Environment and Climate Change Authority, commented,
“Marine biodiversity is one of our most valuable resources. Protecting it requires science-led initiatives, strong partnerships, and early community engagement. The Atlantis Atlas Project exemplifies how conservation, education, and responsible tourism can come together to safeguard Dubai’s marine environment.”
The release is part of Atlantis Dubai’s Honeycomb Stingray breeding programme, which since 2019 has successfully contributed to the release of 73 Arabian Carpet Sharks and 17 Honeycomb Stingrays into the wild. Each animal, aged between six months and five years, was raised at the Lost World Aquarium and carefully prepared for life in the wild, including health assessments, independent foraging, and interaction with compatible marine species.
Kelly Timmins, Executive Director of Sustainability and Marine Animal Operations, Atlantis Dubai, said, “With over one third of shark, ray, and chimera species threatened with extinction, conservation action has never been more critical. Initiatives like this release allow us to support local marine populations while educating future generations on the role they can play in protecting our oceans. True impact begins with awareness, collaboration, and long-term commitment.”
Following the release, Atlantis Dubai colleagues, DECCA representatives, and participating students conducted a beach clean-up, reinforcing lessons on responsible waste management and environmental stewardship.
Atlantis Dubai has consistently demonstrated leadership in sustainable tourism, earning top-tier EarthCheck certifications, Gold Dubai Sustainable Tourism Stamps, and the Forbes Travel Guide VERIFIED™ Responsible Hospitality badge. The resort’s newly redeveloped Lost World Aquarium, home to 65,000 marine animals, serves as a key educational hub to raise awareness about marine conservation.
As part of its ongoing contribution to environmental initiatives, Atlantis Dubai donates USD $1 from every marine animal experience booked to support conservation and sustainability projects, raising over half a million dollars since June 2021.