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
Asavets puts on her mermaid tail
Asavets is an experienced synchronised swimmer
Mermaids of Arabia runs seven days a week
The attraction is on the ground level of Dubai Aquarium, in Dubai Mall
Asavets performs for the children
Asavets returns to the surface after a performance
Asavets receiving air from the safety diver
Luna, four, gets made over to look like a mermaid
Yuha, seven, has gems applied to complete her makeover
Girls get their hair braided like a mermaid
Myra, five, has a tiara fitted
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 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
