Dubai aquarium 'mermaids': the beautiful job that takes your breath away
A professional synchronized swimmer named Polina works as a 'mermaid' in Dubai's giant aquarium, smiling for tourists while secretly struggling to catch her breath behind the scenery.
A large aquarium in Dubai draws tourists eager to photograph a colorful underwater world enhanced by swimmers dressed as mermaids. Visitors happily film the smiling woman gliding gracefully behind the thick glass among the fish.
But behind this glamorous scene lies demanding physical work. The moment onlookers look away, the swimmer hurries to hide behind the aquarium's decorations to catch her breath — the smiling face seen through the glass conceals real effort.
What lies behind the smile
The story belongs to a professional synchronized swimmer named Polina, who works as a 'mermaid' in this Dubai aquarium. Her job requires staying underwater for extended periods while maintaining a natural, appealing appearance and carefully controlling her breathing so it goes unnoticed from outside.
The profession blends synchronized swimming skills with elements of acting, since the swimmer must create an illusion of ease and carefree grace for onlookers, even though it actually demands significant physical fitness and breath control.
