Sharjah Travel Tips, Guides, Reviews!
- To help you plan a trip to Sharjah, the Sharjah Travel Tips and City Guide provides a summary of the important information you need.

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.

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.