Life as a mermaid at Dubai's giant aquarium: smiles hide the strain

At a popular tourist attraction in Dubai — a huge aquarium — visitors eagerly photograph and film a beautiful mermaid smiling from behind the glass. Behind this spectacle lies the demanding physical work of professional synchronized swimmer Polina.

While tourists enjoy the view and snap photos, Polina maintains her character with a constant smile, creating an impression of ease and effortlessness. But as soon as onlookers look away, she swims behind the aquarium's decorations to catch her breath — underwater work that requires significant physical fitness and breath control.

Illusion versus reality

Polina's story highlights the contrast between how this profession appears from the outside and how demanding it actually is. The mermaid figure in the aquarium is crafted to create a light, fairy-tale atmosphere for visitors, but behind that image stands a trained synchronized swimmer who must stay underwater for extended periods while keeping a calm, friendly expression.

The job requires not only swimming skills but also the ability to manage breathing and physical exertion so it goes unnoticed from the outside. Tourists are presented with a flawless, uninterrupted scene, while the real effort stays hidden behind the aquarium's decorations, where staff can briefly rest and prepare for the next moment on display.