Fun for the whole family! All about Sharjah Desert Park
For adventure seekers, wildlife enthusiasts or those looking for a great family day out, the Sharjah Desert Park (also known as Sharjah Zoo) is well worth visiting. Packed with fab things to do and see, the park is a breeding facility for endangered Arabian wildlife. Want to learn more about this popular place? Here are all the essential details about Sharjah Desert Park, including the location, timings, ticket prices and more.
ABOUT SHARJAH DESERT PARK
Established in 1995 in the Seih Al-Masmout Reserve, this desert park in Sharjah started as a conservation centre for the region’s endangered flora and fauna. Over time, it has developed into a vibrant edutainment centre perfect for weekend retreats with a gorgeous botanical garden, a petting farm and a breeding facility for rare desert animals rescued from their endangered habitats. The breeding centre, however, is not open to the general public.
LIST OF THINGS TO DO AT SHARJAH DESERT PARK
NATURAL HISTORY AND BOTANICAL MUSEUM
The Sharjah Natural History Museum has different segments based on Sharjah’s history:
- The first section is ‘Journey through Sharjah.’ It features various preserved habitats and graphic illustrations of different climates to show how the city’s local flora and fauna have survived.
- The Desert Life section displays the desert environment and how living organisms adapt to survive in harsh desert conditions.
- Another hall in the Sharjah Natural History Museum is themed ‘A Journey through Time.’ As the centre for geological exhibits, it maps the timeline of the earth. It even includes the fossilised thigh bone of a dinosaur, a massive slab of petrified copper ore and the first real meteor from space. It also features fossils of raindrops and the world’s oldest rock.
- ‘The Living World’ section exhibits visuals of living organisms. You can learn how these organisms impact humans, the environment and other natural habitats.
- The fifth hall is ‘The Living Sea’, which displays replicas of marine creatures. It is a wonderful place to learn more about the underwater ecosystem.
The Sharjah Botanical Museum opened its doors on 6th March 2008, and today is one of the popular family-friendly attractions in the emirate. Interactive displays help visitors get familiar with different plant species, including fungi, algae, grass, herbs and trees.
- The Sharjah Botanical Museum is an exciting and colourful edutainment destination for people of all ages.
- Those who love botany call this the perfect place to learn about plant life, which dates back millions of years.
ARABIA’S WILDLIFE CENTER
One of the top attractions at the desert park in Sharjah, Arabia’s Wildlife Center, was inaugurated in 1999 by His Highness Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, the Ruler of Sharjah and Member of the UAE Supreme Council. It is the first learning centre established in a protected nature reserve in the UAE.
Arabia’s Wildlife Center focuses on educating visitors on the diversity of living species in the Arabian Peninsula. The Wildlife Center and zoo include the following sections:
- Reptiles and Insect House: You can find species indigenous to the Arabian desert, including the Arabian Cobra, Puffer snake and Saw-scaled Vipers.
- Aviary: The section represents avifauna from the different valleys, deserts and mountains in the Arabian region. It’s home to various birds like weavers, partridges and Houbara bustards. The path to the aviary also leads to the bat cave, where you can spot the Egyptian fruit bats and the Omani blind cavefish.
- Nocturnal Animals: Here, you can observe several animals that are active at night, like foxes, mongooses, wildcats, honey badgers, and more.
- Large Carnivores and Primates: This section includes five enclosures that house Hamadryas baboons, Arabian wolves, striped hyenas, Arabian leopards and other carnivorous animals.
- Cafeteria and Viewing Area: This is an expansive viewing area that also doubles as a cafeteria. Visitors enjoy panoramic views of a large antelope exhibit. You can also spot the Arabian Oryx, ostrich, gazelles and other animals in their natural habitats.
Apart from animal sightings, the Sharjah Desert Zoo is an exciting place to learn about each animal species through audio recordings and educational panels. Arabia’s Wildlife Center’s climate-controlled environment makes the experience comfortable for visitors of all ages, including children.
CHILDREN’S FARM IN SHARJAH DESERT PARK
The Children’s Farm at Desert Park Sharjah opened in May 1997. Operated under the Environment and Protected Areas Authority, the venue offers little ones a chance to interact with domesticated birds and animals.
- Young visitors can feed and pet their favourite animals in the farm’s outdoor section. For instance, children can feed domestic animals such as cows, sheep, Arabian horses, goats and camels.
- People of all ages can participate in awareness-raising activities and workshops to familiarise themselves with local animals and birds.
- An indoor section of the farm features a small library with reading material for children. They can also watch environmental films and documentaries here.
BREEDING CENTRE FOR ENDANGERED ARABIAN WILDLIFE (BCEAW)
Established in 1998, BCEAW’s purpose is to preserve endangered animals. The centre has become a base for researching some of the region’s most threatened species, like the Arabian Cobra and Arabian Leopard. It also participates in international breeding programmes for species like the sand cat and cheetah.
BCEAW has established strong relationships with international and local field researchers, government departments, facilities and institutes.
ISLAMIC BOTANICAL GARDEN
Inaugurated in 2014, the Islamic Botanical Garden at the Sharjah Desert Park is the first of its kind in the Middle East. The garden is home to almost 100 plants, including figs and pomegranates mentioned in the Holy Quran and the Sunnah of the Prophet Muhammad (Peace be Upon Him). Identification cards and touchscreen interfaces enable visitors to learn about the plants. Visitors can also dine at a café and visit the library, which has books for readers of all ages.
CAFETERIA DESERT PARK
This cafeteria is located inside the park and offers a variety of snacks and beverages. It provides both dine-in and takeaway services. Additionally, there are several options close to the park. These include Al Bathaieh, Gheroub Al Shams, Al Fayy Restaurant and Cafe.
SHARJAH DESERT PARK TICKET PRICE
- The Sharjah Desert Park entry fee for adults is AED 15. For children over 12 years, it’s AED 5. Entry is free for kids under 12 years of age. Most visitors consider the prices good value for money as they allow access to all the venues except the breeding centre.
- Guided tours are also included in the ticket.
- You can buy tickets online and at the venue.
THINGS TO REMEMBER
If you want to visit the park with friends and family, please remember that:
- Photography is strictly prohibited in the area.
- Any irrational activity or environmental violation damaging the ecosystem would be penalised and fined.
- It is not a pet-friendly destination.
- Wear modest clothes. When visiting the park in the summer, you should wear light, breezy fabrics.
FAQS
WHAT ARE SHARJAH DESERT PARK TIMINGS?
When can you visit Sharjah Desert Park? Here is an overview of the timings:
- Sharjah Desert Park timing: 09:00 am to 05:30 pm (Sunday, Monday, Wednesday and Thursday)
- Sharjah Desert Park Friday timings: 02:00 pm to 05:30 pm
- Sharjah Desert Park opening hours on Saturday: 11:00 am to 05:30 pm
Please note that the park is closed on Tuesdays.
WHAT IS THE SHARJAH DESERT PARK LOCATION?
Located on Al Dhaid Road, Sharjah Desert Park Zoo stands on the outskirts of the emirate, about 60 km east. Based along Al Dhaid Road (E88) at interchange 9, the park is 17 minutes from Sharjah International Airport. For any queries, you can call +971-6-504-7777.
WHAT IS THE BEST TIME TO VISIT THE PARK?
The best time to visit the park is during the cooler months, from December to March.
IS THE PARK OPEN NOW?
Yes, the park is open throughout the year from Wednesday to Monday. It remains closed on Tuesday.
IS THE PARK WHEELCHAIR ACCESSIBLE?
Yes absolutely! The park and all its attractions are wheelchair accessible.
ARE PETS ALLOWED?
Unfortunately, pets aren’t allowed.
That sums up our detailed guide on Sharjah Desert Park. In recent years, much conservation work has been done across the UAE. If you are interested in wildlife adventures, check out the UAE’s natural reserves list.
Similarly, there is a long list of animal attractions in the UAE, including Al Ain Zoo. Another attraction popular with families is the Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary. Those residing in the neighbouring emirate of Dubai can plan a visit to Safari Dubai Park.