Underwater world at Fakieh Aquarium

Fakieh Aquarium is the first in the Kingdom to show the beauty of the underwater world with information. The aquarium promotes the conservation of the environment by spreading awareness through education and entertainment.
The aquarium is full of beautiful corals and different types of fish found in the Red Sea. These give visitors a glimpse of the beauty that the Red Sea has to offer.
On surface area of approximately 5,400 square meters the aquarium has almost 200 species of coral and 8,000 types of sea animals. The 31 tanks contain more than 2 million liters of salt water. A beautiful tunnel takes you inside a tank to experience life beneath the sea surface. Built in two years in front of the Red Sea it gives visitors a nice place to escape summer heat and spend a splendid time with the family.
The tanks show colorful corals, different types of fish moving around in the water, their relationship with corals, their habitat, colors and shapes. Other water animals like sea horses, turtles, clown fish, shark and many more wonders of sea life will also amaze any visitor.
“Most of the species that live in Fakieh Aquarium can also be found in the Red Sea. This gives the visitors a glimpse of the beauty that the Red Sea holds, motivating the citizens to pursue further learning opportunities related to marine life,” said Zaki Sadayo, executive manager of the aquarium.
He also said the marine environment should not only be conserved for its beauty and diversity, but also because each species has a key role in maintaining the balance of the eco-system.
The aquarium offers a state-of-the-art educational auditorium equipped with world-class modern equipment. The auditorium is used to give information about sea wonders.
Carry C. Amarillo, the operation director of the aquarium, said a touch pool was especially created upstairs to let children feel the animals and the coral to make a link between them and sea life.
The cinema hall beside the touch pool gives another chance to know more about the underwater life through informational documentaries.
“It’s not just a place to come and visit. It’s also about learning and education for children to adults. School classes visit the aquarium every day from the morning to the afternoon for a tour. This aquarium is a gateway to know more about the Red Sea, about the relationship between corals and sea animals, the cleaning stations and how the fish keep the seawater clean,” said Sadayo.
A half-hour dolphin show is also there to entertain the visitors. Three special trainers of dolphins show different tricks and how dolphins are friendly with human beings. The dolphins can flip their flippers, jump, get out of the water for a while, play ball and play with their masters.
Children also can enjoy the beauty of a walrus and sea lions, take pictures with them and book a special arrangement with dolphins.
Fakieh Aquarium is keen to soon start a shuttle service for their visitors. A courtesy bus is to transport visitors between Shallal, Mövenpick and the aquarium.

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