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Arabian
Wildlife Center
The Arabian Wildlife Center is the only 'zoo'
in Arabia which exhibits all the animals naturally
occurring in the Arabian Peninsula, both current
and extinct. Opened in September 1999, this excellent
facility houses over 100 species displayed in
safe, spacious and natural surroundings. The center
demonstrates the diversity of the fauna found
in the peninsula and creates awareness of the
species, which have, and are, becoming extinct.
Take time to view
the video just inside the main entrance before
entering the display areas. The tour takes you
through the reptile, fish and insect house, where
many of the Arabian snakes including the venomous
vipers and adders, monitor lizards and chameleons
plus common insects such as camel spiders and
scorpions are exhibited.
The bird aviary
set in a wadi and desert environment contains
several species of songbirds, Indian Roller birds,
Houbara Bustard and flamingos. Look out for the
Rock Hyrax basking on top of the rocks. These
tail-less brown creatures about the size of a
rabbit have only three toes on each foot and surprisingly
enough their closest living relative is the elephant.
Within the aviary's
walk-through-cave, there is a tank containing
blind cave fish from Oman. These fish are born
with eyes, but due to their naturally dark habitat,
they do not develop and end up like a pinprick
on adult fish. To the side of the aviary are housed
the smaller cats of the desert; the Caracal, recognized
by the tufts on the end of its ears, the Wildcat
which is visually very similar to a local cat
and the petite, shy Sand Cat.
The nocturnal house
is next, where night has been turned into day,
to display a surprising variety of mammals including
three species of fox, porcupines, hedgehogs, mongoose
and twelve rodent species, in their favored habitat.
The finale takes
you past the baboons, wolves, hyena, cheetah and
the rare and captivating Arabian leopard. Information
is provided throughout the center on display panels
and via taped messages.
The Museum welcomes
its visitors during the following timings:
Weekdays &
Public Holidays 9 AM to 7 PM
Thursday: 11 AM to 7 PM
Friday: from 2 PM to 7 PM ONLY
Ticket counters close t 5:30 PM
The Museum is closed
on Mondays
Admission : Adults Dh 15/Children under 15 years
free of charge.
Sharjah Natural
History Museum
The Natural History Museum and Desert Park is
a venue that provides people with a chance to
learn about the flora and fauna of the Arabian
desert, while at the same time having a relaxing
and fun time.
If people get to
know the great variety of plants and animals and
the amazing ways in which these have adapted to
life in a dry, hot climate, they will start to
respect and enjoy these gifts of nature.
A children's farm
was opened in May 1997 to provide city children
with a chance to have close contact with farm
animals. A Breeding Center for Endangered Arabian
Animals started functioning in February 1998,
but this is not open to the general public, because
the animals need peace and quiet to breed.
Towards the middle
of 1999 the Arabian Wildlife Center was opened,
where people can observe and enjoy all the various
species of animals that are found on the Arabian
peninsula.
In accordance with
the concept launched by His Highness, the Desert
Park with its various departments will be a center
for learning and enjoyment for people of all ages,
as well as a place where original research can
be carried out by the next generation of students.
Heritage Area
The Sharjah Heritage Museum is a combination of
several museums and includes:
Souq Al Arsah
An old souq, that has been restored with great
charm and traditional style. It is located just
behind the waterfront in Old Sharjah.
Bait Al Naboodah
The Al Naboodah family house, has been converted
into the heritage museum. Each room has a different
theme, and displays jewelry, costumes and artifacts
of the period.
Al Midfaa House
The Al Midfaa family house is a charming restored
building in a quiet area behind the souq
Al Hisn Sharjah
The Al Hisn fort was the traditional residence
of the ruling family of Sharjah. Sheikh Sultan
bin Saqr Al Qassimi "The First" built
the fort nearly 200 years ago and it was the center
of all developmental activities in the Emirates
of Sharjah. It displays contents that cover the
history of Sharjah.
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