United Arab Emirates
Whale and dolphin watching
Around one third of the 80 known species of whales and dolphins can be found on the shores of the United Arab Emirates. Some are much more common than others and some, like the beaked whales, have been sighted a few times in the neighboring Oman and are believed to also inhabit these waters. Among other species we note the sperm whale and the Risso’s dolphin. Click here for more information about responsible cetacean watching.
Traditions and festivals
As in other Islamic countries, here people also celebrate Eid-al-Adha, a festival to commemorate the will of Ibrahim (also known as Abraham), to follow Allah's mandate and sacrifice his son Ishmael. Muslims from around the world celebrate this event, which involves the sacrifice of millions of animals such as bulls, camels, sheep and many more. For more information on the subject click here.
Dubai Dolphinarium
Like in other dolphinariums of the world, in the case of Dubai Dolphinarium there is also a lot of controversy regarding the need to keep highly intelligent animals such as dolphins in captivity. On websites like Tripadvisor it is also possible to read very negative comments about this particular center.
More info on the subject on SOSdelfines.
Atlantis Hotel
The famous Atlantis Hotel maintains all kinds of marine animals in its facilities: fish, manta rays, dolphins and even sharks. These animals are not only forced to spend their lives in captivity, their exploitation goes further: customers of the hotel can also pay to swim and interact with all of them.
For more info on the subject here and here.
Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo
This center not only maintains a huge number of animals in captivity, but also organizes events, birthday parties and interactions with sharks.
More information about aquariums.
Ski Dubai Mall of the Emirates
On the ski slope of the famous shopping center, there is a colony of gentoo penguins, who live in a small artificial space and have to interact with people who pay to touch and take pictures with them.
Click here for more info about animal interactions.
Here is a list of local NGOs that can be contacted in case you want to make a donation, a complaint or find an animal that needs help in the United Arab Emirates:?
Ras Al Khaimah Animal Welfare Centre
