Baby sharks and stingrays released into sea in Dubai

Marine life set free as part of eco initiative led by Atlantis

A total of 15 Arabian carpet sharks and two honeycomb stingrays have been released into the sea after being born in the fish hospital at Atlantis the Palm. Courtesy Atlantis the Palm

Baby sharks and stingrays born and cared for at a hotel in Dubai have been set free in the waters of the UAE.

Staff at Atlantis, The Palm joined forces with Dubai Municipality and the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment to release the 15 Arabian carpet sharks and two honeycomb stingrays into the ocean as part of a drive to increase marine sustainability.

The sea creatures, aged between 10 and 12 months, were tended for in the hotel's fish hospital since birth.

After examinations by a team of marine experts, based on the size of each and how well they were feeding, it was decided they were strong enough to make a splash on their own.

The release into the open waters was carried out in the presence of Dr Thani Al Zeyoudi, Minister of Climate Change and Environment, Khalid Al Awadhi, Executive Director of Environmental Health at Dubai Municipality, and a number of other invited guests.

The fish were released at Jebel Ali Wetland Sanctuary in Dubai.

Previous campaigns including beach clean-ups, mangrove planting and wildlife releases as well as regular education programmes.

Hotels across the UAE are putting an increasing focus on conservation.

Last month, dozens of baby turtles were released back into the wild in Abu Dhabi at an event attended by hundreds of people.

Around 80 hawksbill turtles, which had washed up on the beach in Saadiyat Island since January and are officially classed as endangered, were set free after spending the cooler months being cared for by conservationists.

The event was led by Jumeirah Saadiyat Island resort in partnership with Environment Agency Abu Dhabi.

In December, the Abu Dhabi hotel announced it was banning single-use plastics throughout the resort.

Jumeirah at Saadiyat Island provides all of its guests with a reusable water bottle on check-in to help avoid unnecessary waste.

Its owners have also set up an on-site water filtration system.

“The sustainability and prosperity of the marine environment is extremely important to Atlantis," said Natasha Christie, director of the Lost Chambers attraction at Atlantis.

“Atlantis is home to more than 65,000 marine animals and we go to every length possible to make sure each and every animal is healthy and cared for.

“We regularly carry out a number of initiatives such as wildlife releases and beach cleanups as we believe everyone has a part to play in making sure future generations can enjoy Dubai and the ocean as much as we are able to.”