Atlantis Dubai proudly announces the renewal of its accreditation by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA), reaffirming its position as a leader in animal care, conservation, and education. First accredited in March 2020, Atlantis Dubai remains the first and longest-standing AZA-accredited destination in the region, reflecting its unwavering commitment to operating at the highest global standards.
AZA is the independent accrediting organisation for zoos and aquariums across the world, assuring the public that when they visit an AZA-accredited facility, it meets the highest standards for animal care and wellbeing. There are now 254 AZA-accredited facilities worldwide, with just 24 located outside of the United States – including Atlantis Dubai.
The accreditation process includes a comprehensive application and a rigorous on-site inspection by a team of trained professionals, evaluating all aspects of operations, from animal care and wellbeing to safety, education, conservation and veterinary programmes. This is followed by a formal review by AZA’s independent Accreditation Commission, after which accreditation is granted, tabled, or denied.
AZA accreditation includes a detailed application and a meticulous multiple-day on-site inspection by an independent team of zoological professionals. The inspecting team analyses all aspects of the facility’s operation, including animal care and wellbeing, veterinary care, staff training, educational programmes, conservation efforts, financial stability, risk management, governance and guest services. Detailed reports from the inspection team and the facility are then thoroughly evaluated by the Commission. Finally, the Commission interviews top officials from the facility at a formal hearing, after which accreditation is fully granted, provisionally granted for one year, or denied. Any facility that is denied may reapply one year after the Commission’s decision is made.
Over the past five years, Atlantis Dubai has delivered significant achievements across conservation, science, and education. Through the Atlantis Atlas Project, its sustainability and social responsibility initiative, the destination has contributed over $500,000 to more than 30 conservation and research projects locally and regionally. Between 2021 and 2026, the Dubai Dolphin Survey conducted 155 days at sea, covering over 12,000 kilometres and recording 52 cetacean sightings. Additionally, 44 sharks and rays have been acoustically tagged to support ongoing scientific research, while 57 square metres of artificial coral reef structures have been established in UAE waters to promote marine biodiversity.
Atlantis Dubai has achieved key milestones in breeding and release programmes, including five ray and four shark species—six threatened in the wild—and the release of 73 Arabian carpet sharks and 17 honeycomb stingrays to support local populations.
As an AZA-accredited destination, Atlantis Dubai continues to uphold exceptional standards across all areas of animal care and operations. With a team of over 100 trained animal care professionals and a full-time veterinary team supported by an on-site laboratory, the destination ensures the highest level of care for more than 65,000 marine animals across more than 285 species. Comprehensive animal wellbeing programmes include species-specific nutrition, advanced veterinary care, behavioural enrichment, and habitat enhancements designed to support the physical, social, and psychological wellbeing of each animal.
Enhancements to animal habitats and guest experiences further demonstrate Atlantis Dubai’s commitment to innovation and welfare. This includes the redevelopment of dolphin lagoons and resident habitats and the newly redesigned Lost World Aquarium. The destination also implements best practices in training through positive reinforcement programmes, delivering more than 36,000 hours of training sessions each year.
“Maintaining our AZA accreditation is a significant achievement and a testament to the passion and expertise of our entire team,” said Ms. Kelly Timmins, Executive Director, Sustainability & Marine Animal Operations. “We are committed to leading the way in modern zoological practices, ensuring the highest standards of animal wellbeing, and contributing to meaningful conservation outcomes both locally and globally. We look forward to continuing to inspire our guests and connect them with the natural world through impactful and educational experiences.”
Through continuous innovation, strategic investment, and global collaboration, Atlantis Dubai remains at the forefront of responsible tourism—setting new benchmarks in animal care, conservation and education while delivering exceptional guest experiences.