Mermaids of Arabia at Dubai Mall - in pictures

  • Palina Asavets, a synchronised swimmer, performs as part of Mermaids of Arabia at Dubai Mall. All photos: Chris Whiteoak / The National
    Palina Asavets, a synchronised swimmer, performs as part of Mermaids of Arabia at Dubai Mall. All photos: Chris Whiteoak / The National
  • Mermaids of Arabia first opened in 2017 as a mermaid boutique at Kite Beach in Dubai
    Mermaids of Arabia first opened in 2017 as a mermaid boutique at Kite Beach in Dubai
  • Asavets puts on her mermaid tail
    Asavets puts on her mermaid tail
  • Asavets is an experienced synchronised swimmer
    Asavets is an experienced synchronised swimmer
  • Mermaids of Arabia runs seven days a week
    Mermaids of Arabia runs seven days a week
  • The attraction is on the ground level of Dubai Aquarium, in Dubai Mall
    The attraction is on the ground level of Dubai Aquarium, in Dubai Mall
  • Asavets performs for the children
    Asavets performs for the children
  • Asavets returns to the surface after a performance
    Asavets returns to the surface after a performance
  • Asavets receiving air from the safety diver
    Asavets receiving air from the safety diver
  • Luna, four, gets made over to look like a mermaid
    Luna, four, gets made over to look like a mermaid
  • Yuha, seven, has gems applied to complete her makeover
    Yuha, seven, has gems applied to complete her makeover
  • Girls get their hair braided like a mermaid
    Girls get their hair braided like a mermaid
  • Myra, five, has a tiara fitted
    Myra, five, has a tiara fitted
  • Luna, four, and Yuha, seven, pose for photos after their mermaid makeovers
    Luna, four, and Yuha, seven, pose for photos after their mermaid makeovers
  • The siblings in their mermaid costumes gaze into the depths of the aquarium
    The siblings in their mermaid costumes gaze into the depths of the aquarium
  • 'The sheer magic and potential of the concept drew me in. There's something universally enchanting about mermaids and the world they represent,' says founder Josephine Adams
    'The sheer magic and potential of the concept drew me in. There's something universally enchanting about mermaids and the world they represent,' says founder Josephine Adams