By Srinivasan Iyer
Atlantis Dubai has announced that its Atlantis Atlas Project Contribution Programme has crossed the milestone of raising more than half a million US dollars since its launch in 2021, supporting 30 conservation and sustainability projects worldwide. For the 2025–26 cycle, seven new and returning initiatives will receive funding, highlighting the resort’s growing role in global marine conservation.
From June 2024 to May 2025, a portion of earnings from green meetings and marine animal experiences generated 123,000 dollars for the programme. These funds will support projects aligned with species conservation, sustainability, and education, with a strong emphasis on protecting sharks, rays, dolphins, coral reefs, and tackling marine pollution.
A new partner this year is the Mohammed bin Zayed Species Conservation Fund, which will focus on engaging UAE youth under 18 in biodiversity efforts through funding, mentorship, and school programmes. Six previous partners will also continue to receive support. Among them is the UAE Dolphin Project led by Dr Ada Natoli at Zayed University, now entering its fifth year of research, after conducting more than 140 boat surveys that documented 44 dolphin and porpoise sightings.
Other funded projects include Goumbook’s Empowering Ocean Stewards initiative, which trains students to research microplastics and their impact on reefs and climate change; the IUCN Shark Specialist Group led by UAE-based Dr Rima Jabado, which produces global reports on shark and ray conservation; and SAFE Shark and Ray, which is building a genetic database to guide breeding and reintroduction of threatened species. Further support goes to the Environmental Voluntary Foundation’s study of the endangered Indian Ocean humpback dolphin in Kuwait, and the Marine Megafauna Foundation’s Oman Whale Shark Project, which uses tagging and citizen science to track whale shark movements.
Kelly Timmins, Executive Director of Marine Animal Operations and Sustainability at Atlantis Dubai, said the milestone reflects a wider vision. “Since the inception of the Atlantis Atlas Project, we have raised over half a million dollars and supported 30 impactful initiatives. This year’s seven selected projects showcase remarkable innovation in advancing ocean conservation and sustainability.”
Atlantis Dubai’s commitment positions it not only as a leading resort destination but also as a key player in supporting marine life and global conservation efforts.
