Ras Al Khaimah

In 2005, reports were released that a £1.5 million dolphinarium was to be built in Ras Al Khaimah, United Arab Emirates in conjunction with a Bulgarian company, Festa Holdings which also owns Festa Dolphinarium in Varna, Bulgaria - the largest dolphinarium in the Balkans. Bulgaria’s Consul General, Milan Keremedchiev, stated at the time that construction of the Ras Al Khaimah facility, which would house five dolphins, was due to end by December 2006.

However, it was reported that the project may have been shelved due to the close proximity of another captive dolphin project in Dubai.

October 2007
It has been confirmed that, despite media reports to the contrary, Ras Al Khaimah has given the go-ahead for the construction of a dolphinarium. This means that the UAE will have two dolphinariums within 95km of each other; at a time when many other countries are choosing to close down captive dolphin/whale facilities. Festa Holdings’ commercial representative in the UAE, Dimitar Dimitron, dismissed objections raised by animal welfare groups insisting that (quote) "Captivity will not harm the highly intelligent and sociable creatures, because those dolphins love the show and publicity. Just watch the shows to see how they understand and match the crowds excitement.”

How you can help - Take Action !

Please write a polite email or letter showing your opposition to the creation of this dolphinarium and the upcoming transfer of dolphins to the following;

As always the Marine Connection welcome copies of any response you receive, so please email or post to us.
Thank you.