To commemorate Shark Week 2018, the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment (MOCCAE) is organizing activities at Atlantis The Palm in Dubai to educate visitors and tourists about sharks and highlight their vital role in maintaining balance in the marine environment from July 22 to 28, 2018.
Taif Al Amiri, Director of the Government Communication Department at MOCCAE said that under the directives of the UAE’s wise leadership and in line with the country’s leading role in protecting the environment, the Ministry is keen to ensure that tangible steps are taken in raising awareness and strengthening cooperation with stakeholders to safeguard shark populations and contribute to the global environmental balance.
Al Amiri stressed that the UAE plays an important role in preserving biodiversity and increasing community awareness of the importance of promoting and conserving biodiversity in the marine environment. This is particularly relevant following the excessive fishing and trade in shark fins, particularly in East Asia, which has affected many species of endangered sharks.
She pointed out that this year’s activities are held in line with the launch of MOCCAE’s National Plan for the Conservation and Management of Sharks in the UAE and aims to preserve biodiversity in the country’s local marine environment. She noted that the agenda of this year’s program includes various awareness sessions, and educational and recreational activities to identify shark species in the country and their growth stages.
Taif Al Amiri added that MOCCAE is also hosting competitions aimed at assessing the younger generation’s knowledge about the importance of sharks in maintaining the ecological balance and the significance of protecting them from extinction. She noted that the competitions aim to provide the public with fun facts about the country’s marine species. The public can also enjoy a tour of Atlantis The Palm, and visit the aquarium that will showcase divers swimming alongside sharks of different sizes.
The Shark Week activities are open to the public from Sunday, July 22 to Saturday, July 28 from 9am to 8pm at Atlantis The Palm in Dubai.