Sharjah Desert Park
Sharjah Desert Park is ideal for tourists, families, and nature enthusiasts. With over 300,000 annual visitors, this park serves as an educational and leisure hub. Established in 1995 as a conservation centre for the region’s endangered flora and fauna, it has grown into a vibrant retreat featuring a spectacular botanical garden, a petting farm, and facilities for breeding rare desert animals. Although the breeding centre is not open to the public, the rest of the park offers an enriching experience.
Discovering Sharjah Desert Park
Sharjah Desert Park offers more than just amusement; it’s a learning journey suitable for all ages. The park comprises three major museums: the Natural History Museum, Children’s Farm, and the Arabian Wildlife Center. Spanning over 1 km, there’s plenty to explore here, making it a must-visit destination about 28 km from Sharjah. The park is open every day except Tuesday, with varying weekly hours.
Location and Accessibility
Located at interchange nine along the Al Dhaid Highway (E88), Sharjah Desert Park is 21 km from Sharjah International Airport and 44 km from Dubai International Airport. The park is a significant attraction in Sharjah, offering a unique combination of wildlife, tradition, and history under one roof. The entrance fee is AED 15, making it an affordable outing for families and tourists.
Critical Attractions at Sharjah Desert Park
Arabian Wildlife Center
The Arabian Wildlife Center, often referred to as Sharjah Zoo, is a highlight of the park. It’s the only zoo in the UAE where all Arabian wildlife can be seen in their natural habitats. The centre is divided into five sections, featuring various reptiles, birds, and nocturnal animals. Visitors can encounter snakes, vipers, camel spiders, and more in the first section, while the aviary showcases indigenous birds.
Natural History Museum
The Natural History Museum is segmented into five parts, offering a deep dive into the flora and fauna of the Arabian Desert. The ‘Journey through Sharjah’ segment provides audiovisual content on natural phenomena like earthquakes and volcanic eruptions. Other segments explore desert ecosystems, geological history, and the living world, with visuals of various species and their habitats.
Children’s Farm
Opened in 1997, the Children’s Farm aims to foster environmental awareness among children. Kids can interact with animals like cows, goats, camels, and poultry. The farm also features a small library with educational content for children, making it an engaging and informative experience.
Botanical Museum
The Botanical Museum, inaugurated in 2008, offers interactive exhibits on seeds, herbs, and trees. It also includes an Islamic Botanical Garden showcasing plants mentioned in the Holy Quran and Sunnah. The museum is an excellent educational destination, highlighting the importance of plant life and local flora.
Educational and Interactive Experiences
Arabian Wildlife Center’s Features
The Arabian Wildlife Center educates visitors about the rich biodiversity of the Arabian Peninsula. It includes displays of nocturnal animals like foxes and mongooses and enclosures for larger carnivores and primates. The centre also features a spacious viewing area with a café, where visitors can enjoy panoramic views of animals like the Arabian Oryx and gazelles.
Endangered Animals Breeding Center
Founded in 1998, the Breeding Center for Endangered Arabian Wildlife (BCEAW) conserves at-risk animals such as the Arabian Cobra and Leopard. The centre participates in international breeding programs, contributing to preserving species like sand cats and cheetahs.
Islamic Garden
The Islamic Garden, opened in 2014, is the first of its kind in the Middle East. It houses 44 plant species mentioned in the Holy Quran and Sunnah and provides an educational experience with interactive touchscreens and identification cards. Visitors can also enjoy a café and a bookshop within the garden.
Conclusion
Sharjah Desert Park is a remarkable destination offering a blend of education, conservation, and leisure. From its diverse wildlife exhibits to interactive botanical displays, the park provides a unique opportunity to explore the natural heritage of the Arabian Peninsula. Whether you’re a tourist, a family, or a nature lover, Sharjah Desert Park promises an enriching and memorable experience.