Environmentalists have criticised the Atlantis resort on the Palm Jumeirah island in Dubai for stocking its marine attraction with captured dolphins bought from a dealer.

According to the Whale and Dolphin Conservation Society (WDCS), it is thought that there are 24 dolphins at the resort which were taken from their natural habitat near the Solomon Islands and transported to the Emirate state. WDCS captivity campaigner, Cathy Williamson, said: "The Atlantis resort claims to have a 'strong commitment to dolphins and marine life conservation'. However, removing dolphins from a wild population is far from good for conservation."

The WDCS has also expressed concern that the resort's marine attraction, which offers visitors the chance to swim with dolphins, will have an adverse impact on the animals' welfare.