Sharjah Aquarium Tickets: Prices, Timings and Visitor Guide
Explore Ticket Prices, Opening Hours, Marine Life and Visitor Information
Introduction
Sharjah Aquarium tickets are affordable for families, tourists, students, and anyone who wants to explore marine life in the UAE. The attraction is located in the Al Khan area of Sharjah and is managed by the Sharjah Museums Authority.
As of August 2026, the standard entry fee is AED 25 for adults aged 13 and above and AED 15 for children aged 2 to 12. Children younger than two can enter free.
A useful benefit is that the same admission also covers the nearby Sharjah Maritime Museum, giving visitors access to two attractions with one ticket.
This guide explains current prices, opening hours, free-entry rules, facilities, feeding sessions, marine exhibits, and other important visitor information in simple language.
The current admission charges are simple to understand.
| Visitor Type | Ticket Price |
|---|---|
| Adults aged 13+ | AED 25 |
| Children aged 2–12 | AED 15 |
| Children under 2 | Free |
| Government school and university trips | Free |
| Private school and university trips | AED 5 |
| Seniors aged 60+ with one companion | Free |
| People with Disabilities with one companion | Free |
| ICOM membership card holders | Free |
These rates are based on the official visitor information available in August 2026.
Visitors should remember that prices and special offers can change in the future, especially during public events or special museum programmes.
What Does the Ticket Include?
One of the best features of admission is that visitors do not need to buy a separate ticket for the neighbouring Sharjah Maritime Museum.
A regular entry ticket includes access to:
- Sharjah Aquarium
- Sharjah Maritime Museum
This makes the visit more useful for families because they can learn about both marine animals and Sharjah’s maritime history during the same outing.
People planning more UAE family attractions can also explore other UAE places and visitor guides on AE Info Box.
The normal opening schedule is:
- Saturday to Thursday: 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM
- Friday: 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM
These hours allow visitors to plan either a morning, afternoon, or evening visit on most days.
Friday hours are shorter, so visitors should plan carefully before travelling.
Ramadan Opening Hours
During Ramadan, the schedule changes.
The published Ramadan hours are:
- Saturday to Thursday: 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM and 9:00 PM to 11:00 PM
- Friday: 9:00 PM to 11:00 PM
The evening shift may not operate during the final ten days of Ramadan.
Because religious and public holiday timings can vary each year, checking current opening hours before visiting is always a good idea.
Free Entry Days
Sharjah Aquarium also offers free admission on certain important dates.
Free entry is normally available on:
- International Museum Day — 18 May
- UAE National Day — 2 and 3 December
The attraction can also close on selected Islamic holidays and religious dates.
These dates follow the Islamic calendar, which changes each year. Visitors travelling during Eid or Ramadan should confirm the operating schedule before planning their trip.
Where Is Sharjah Aquarium Located?
Sharjah Aquarium is located in the Al Khan Old area of Sharjah, United Arab Emirates.
It is positioned beside Sharjah Maritime Museum, which makes it easy to visit both places in one trip.
The attraction is suitable for:
- Families with children
- Tourists
- School groups
- University groups
- Marine-life enthusiasts
- Residents looking for an educational day out
Its location in Sharjah also makes it accessible for visitors coming from nearby areas of Dubai and Ajman.
What Can You See Inside?
Sharjah Aquarium is designed to introduce visitors to marine life found in the waters around Sharjah and nearby regions.
The attraction covers about 6,500 square metres and has two floors.
According to current official information, it contains 21 aquariums holding around 1.8 million litres of water.
Visitors can discover close to 100 marine species.
Animals displayed include:
- Reef sharks
- Rays
- Seahorses
- Moray eels
- Clownfish
- Different reef fish
- Other marine creatures
The displays help children and adults understand how sea animals live in different underwater environments.
Marine Habitats
The exhibits are not limited to tanks filled with fish.
Different sections recreate natural environments such as:
- Coral reefs
- Rocky shores
- Mangroves
- Lagoons
These habitats help visitors understand why different creatures need different surroundings.
For young children, this can turn a normal family outing into a simple educational experience.
One popular activity is the shark feeding session.
The current published schedule is:
- Saturday
- Monday
- Wednesday
The feeding period normally takes place from around 1:00 PM to 1:30 PM.
Visitors who want to see this activity should arrive earlier because schedules can sometimes change due to animal-care requirements.
Main Tank Feeding
Another activity is the main tank feeding.
The usual schedule is:
- Saturday to Thursday
- Around 10:00 AM
It does not normally take place on Friday.
This can be a good time for families to visit because children can watch how aquarium staff care for and feed marine animals.
Interactive Touch Pool
The aquarium also provides an interactive touch-pool experience.
This feature gives visitors a closer look at selected marine life while following staff instructions.
Children should always follow the rules provided by the attraction and avoid touching animals unless staff clearly allow it.
Family Activities
Educational workshops may also be available for children and families.
The attraction has promoted drop-in activities for children aged around 6 to 12, especially on weekends.
These activities can include learning about sea creatures, ecosystems, pollution, and conservation.
Programmes may change during the year, so visitors should not assume that every workshop runs every weekend.
Facilities for Visitors
Sharjah Aquarium provides several useful facilities that can make a family visit easier.
Facilities include:
- Visitor parking
- Wheelchair-accessible entrance
- Lift
- Café
- Museum shop
- Prayer room
- Restrooms
- Mother’s room
- Baby-changing facilities
- Wi-Fi
These services can be especially useful for families travelling with young children or elderly relatives.
Is Sharjah Aquarium Good for Children?
Yes. The attraction is designed to be educational and family-friendly.
Children can see marine animals at close range while learning about underwater habitats.
Some of the most interesting parts for younger visitors include:
- Sharks
- Rays
- Colourful fish
- Feeding sessions
- Touch-pool activities
- Large viewing tanks
The nearby Maritime Museum adds another learning experience by explaining the sea, boats, fishing, and Sharjah’s maritime history.
How Long Should You Spend There?
There is no fixed visiting time.
A relaxed visit can take around one to two hours depending on:
- How busy the venue is
- Whether visitors attend a feeding session
- Whether they visit the Maritime Museum
- Whether children join an activity
- How long visitors spend reading the exhibits
Families who plan to explore both attractions may want to allow more time.
Best Time to Visit
Morning hours can be a good option for visitors who prefer quieter conditions.
A morning visit can also make it easier to see the main tank feeding when it is operating.
Families interested in shark feeding may prefer visiting on Saturday, Monday, or Wednesday around early afternoon.
Weekends and public holidays can naturally attract more visitors, so arriving earlier may make the experience more comfortable.
Sea Turtle Rehabilitation
Sharjah Aquarium also takes part in marine conservation work.
One important programme focuses on injured or sick sea turtles.
The aquarium receives turtles that need care, supports their recovery, and helps return suitable animals to their natural marine environment.
This work gives the attraction an educational role beyond tourism.
Marine Environment Awareness
The aquarium also supports activities designed to protect the marine environment.
These efforts include awareness campaigns and marine clean-up programmes.
Such initiatives teach visitors why plastic waste, pollution, and harmful human activity can damage sea life.
This environmental focus makes the attraction useful for school visits as well as family outings.
Important Tips Before Visiting
Visitors can make their trip easier by following a few simple steps:
- Check current opening hours before travelling.
- Remember that Friday starts later than other days.
- Arrive early if you want to see a feeding session.
- Keep the joint Aquarium and Maritime Museum entry in mind.
- Check holiday timings during Ramadan and Eid.
- Follow staff instructions around marine animals.
- Give yourself enough time to visit both attractions.
- Keep children supervised throughout the visit.
Is Sharjah Aquarium Worth Visiting?
For families interested in marine animals, the attraction provides good educational value at a relatively low admission cost.
Adults can enter for AED 25, while younger children pay less, and children under two can visit free.
The joint access to Sharjah Maritime Museum also adds more value to the admission.
Instead of visiting only an aquarium, guests can experience marine life and local maritime history during one trip.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much are Sharjah Aquarium tickets?
Adults aged 13 and above pay AED 25, while children aged 2 to 12 pay AED 15.
Is Sharjah Aquarium free for small children?
Yes. Children under two years old can enter free.
Does the ticket include Sharjah Maritime Museum?
Yes. The standard admission includes access to both Sharjah Aquarium and Sharjah Maritime Museum.
What time does Sharjah Aquarium open?
From Saturday to Thursday, it normally opens at 8:00 AM. On Friday, it opens at 4:00 PM.
What time does it close?
The normal closing time is 8:00 PM.
Are there sharks at Sharjah Aquarium?
Yes. Reef sharks are among the marine animals visitors can see.
Does Sharjah Aquarium have shark feeding?
Yes. Shark feeding is normally scheduled on Saturday, Monday, and Wednesday from around 1:00 PM to 1:30 PM.
Is parking available?
Yes. Visitor parking is listed among the available facilities.
Final Thoughts
Sharjah Aquarium tickets offer access to a family-friendly marine attraction at a reasonable price. Adults currently pay AED 25, children aged 2 to 12 pay AED 15, and children under two enter free.
The same admission also covers Sharjah Maritime Museum, which can make the visit more worthwhile.
With reef sharks, rays, seahorses, colourful fish, feeding sessions, educational displays, and conservation programmes, the attraction can be an enjoyable choice for children and adults visiting Sharjah.
Visitors should always confirm current timings before travelling, particularly during Ramadan, Eid, public holidays, and special events.
