Dubai doesn't do anything by halves – it has become the Mecca of luxury and decadence and its aquariums are certainly testament to the country's wealthy extremes.
Aquariums in UK restaurants or hotels tend to be relaxing, meditative features that help create an inviting mood. Aquariums are chiefly aesthetic features offering a fascinating chance to observe some of the miracles of the sea – whether it be tropical or fresh water fish. But in Dubai, their aquariums may look spectacular, but they are far from relaxing.
In fact, Dubai's newest and largest hotel – the Atlantis Hotel – has built its reputation on its aquariums. Using aquariums as a leading feature for residents is certainly spectacular. And the fact the hotel chose aquariums as a mark of ultimate luxury in a hot, desert country speaks volumes about the impact aquariums have. They can be status symbols, markers of wealth, and pieces of beauty, like a piece of art.
Atlantis Aquariums are Astounding
The Atlantis Hotel features aquariums that boast dolphins which were flown in from the South Pacific. The hotel cost £800m, with a £13,000-a night suite. But environmentalists have criticised the hotel that spectacularly ignores the laws of ecology with its 113-acres on an artificial island. The water and power consumption the luxury resort generates is huge. Some of the bedrooms have sea views – instead of a normal view, aquariums feature in the windows boasting sharks, stingrays and dolphins. Or you could take the water-theme to a higher level when you have your nightly bath – with sea creatures swimming past in the purpose built aquariums and dolphinariums. Two dozen dolphins were flown in from the Solomon Islands, alongside 65,000 fish for the hotel's magnificent aquariums.
Aquariums Trigger Campaign to Free Shark
As well as enjoying the aquariums from the comfort of your bath or bed (although watching sharks swim by may give some uneasy dreams), diners can view the stunning sea life in the aquarium as they dine on their sea bream.
But the Atlantis Hotel is garnering negative press for its extravagant aquariums as environmentalists up the pressure to free the aquarium's whale shark – an endangered species. The 13 foot whale shark circles one of the aquariums in the hotel that is designed to emulate the Lost City of Atlantis. The aquarium is clearly hoped to be a massive tourist attraction but a campaign has been launched in the country to free the captive animal into its natural habitat.
Looking for Aquariums? Speak to the Aquatic Store
Aquatic Store is one of the UK’s leading suppliers of tropical fish equipment, including aquariums and aquatic supplies. If you have a query about our aquariums, we'll be happy to help. Just call 0800 0121 679 or fill in our online enquiry form.
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