The Sharjah Maritime Museum has opened in the United Arab Emirates.

The museum includes samples of marine life, fishing tools, pearl trading, a dhow building, diving devices and photos of famous sailors and captains.

Gulf News quoted Manal Attaya, director general of the Sharjah Museum Department, said: "The museum is part of a bigger plan as we want it to become a maritime park, which will include a Marine Studies Research Centre and a restoration of the old homes in Al Khan.

"The idea is to celebrate marine life and maritime history, and how we deal with it as a source of livelihood. The Maritime Museum talks about the ocean from the human element, as well as from the marine animals."