The Arabian Wildlife Center in Sharjah, United Arab Emirates, is unique since there is no other zoo like it in the entire world. It is a route to the world of the beautiful animals of the Arabian Peninsula. The Desert Conservation Center is the world’s sole center of its kind, offering an educational and enjoyable visit for tourists. It features a wide variety of more than 100 species of animal life that have adapted to live in the arid desert. The article will describe the center’s best aspects, its legacy in conservation, and why it is one of the most popular family attractions in the UAE.
Table of Contents
What is the Arabian Wildlife Center?
The Arabian Wildlife Center, situated within Sharjah Desert Park, was established to conserve and protect the region’s endemic animal species. Contrary to conventional zoos with their exotic animals from worldwide fauna, this center, built with a clear purpose of preserving cultural heritage and promoting the development of native Arabian animals, is dedicated to the wild animals of the desert, from elusive predators to rare reptiles and raptors. The center is also climate-controlled, allowing visitors to visit at any time, regardless of the desert heat—the internal walkway provides clients with a view of large, naturalistic enclosures through expansive viewing windows.
Wildlife You’ll Discover
The most appealing tourist attraction in the Arabian Wildlife Center is possibly the diversity and the number of animals that exist in the desert.
Arabian Leopard
This large cat is very rare and endangered in the area. It’s pretty challenging to find a place nearby to watch it, but the Arabian Wildlife Center offers one of the few spots where you can see it.
Arabian Oryx
The Arabian Wildlife Center portrays the successful conservation of wildlife through the use of an Arabian Oryx. It has highly adapted to desert living conditions with its white coat and long horns. It is presently flourishing under protection after having gone extinct in the wild. It is a major center for breeding, caring, and educating people.
Sand Cat & Caracal
Both are wild cats adapted to living in deserts. They are swift, nocturnal, and well-suited to survive in dry environments.
Birds of Prey
Come to the aviary where you can encounter falcons, eagles, and owls. These birds are influential in the Arabian falconry culture.
Reptiles & Insects
With desert vipers and geckos, scorpions, beetles, and many other creatures, the reptile section is both educational and exciting for science lovers.
Education & Conservation Programs
The Arabian Wildlife Center not only consists of observation, but it also has an educational and conservation aspect.
- Breeding Programs: The center has been actively participating in breeding programs for endangered species, including the Arabian leopard and Arabian oryx, to stabilize the wild populations of these animals.
- Educational Exhibits: The museum has indoor sections, which have displays on geology, plants, and adaptations of animals in a desert.
- Islamic Botanical Garden: This garden showcases plants mentioned in Islamic literature, highlighting the cultural and ecological significance of Arabian plants and trees.
Family-Friendly Activities
The learning, family, and child-authoring experiences in the facility will be popular with the families and children:
Children’s Farm
The Children’s Farm will also be an exquisite delight for your young guests as they interact with a variety of domesticated animals, including goats, sheep, and donkeys.
Natural History Museum
It has a Museum, which is ideal for inquisitive minds, especially students and children, as it showcases the evolution and biodiversity of the Arabian Peninsula.
Visitor Information
Here are key details to help you plan your trip to the Arabian Wildlife Center:
- Location: Al Dhaid Road, Sharjah Desert Park, UAE.
- Timings:
- Saturday to Thursday: 9:00 AM – 5:30 PM
- Friday: 2:00 PM – 5:30 PM
- Â Entry Fee: AED 15 (Adults), AED 5 (Children)
- Parking: Free and widely available
- Contact: +971 6 531 1999
There is one entrance ticket that offers a chance to visit the Arabian Wildlife Center, the Natural History Museum, the Islamic Botanical Garden, and the Children’s Farm.
Why Visit the Arabian Wildlife Center?
It is a unique and thrilling experience available at the Arabian Wildlife Center:
- Find out the endangered Arabian species.
- Encourage the conservation and learning of wildlife.
- Have an interior that is safe and comfortable.
- Discover family-friendly attractions and become part of the UAE’s rich natural and cultural heritage.
Whether you live there or visit as a tourist, whether you love animals or work in education, this center is a must-visit destination.
Tips for Your Visit
- To visit each part of the Sharjah Desert Park, plan to arrive early.
- Put on shoes that you can walk in.
- Do not tap on the glass or use flash photography, as it will disturb the animals.
- It is a good idea to take snacks or get some refreshments at the park cafe.
Conclusion
The Arabian Wildlife Center, being one of the national treasures of the United Arab Emirates, based in Sharjah, plays an active role in improving the welfare of wildlife, as well as informing people about wild animals. It will also allow the center to contribute towards conservation and awareness because they have a vital role to play in telling people about the survival tactics of animals in the desert. The Arabian Wildlife Center will never leave an impression on your heart, whether you want to learn about the rare Arabian wildlife, educate children, or have an eco-tour.
FAQs
Q1: What distinguishes the Arabian Wildlife Center?
Ans: It is said to be the first and only wildlife conservation center in the UAE, focusing on native Arabian wildlife and desert creatures.
Q2: Does the Arabian Wildlife Center have an indoor location?
Ans: Yes, the center is entirely air-conditioned and set up to be observed in a comfortable environment, no matter the weather.
Q3: Do they have restaurants/cafes inside?
Ans: Yes, the Sharjah Desert Park has refreshments and restaurants, which are mostly found in the larger part of the park
Q 4: Can we have a group tour?
Ans: Group and school visitations can be done prior to contacting the center.
Q5: What will be the time duration to visit?
Ans: The full exploration of the Arabian Wildlife section and other parts of the desert park should be about 2.5-4 hours.
