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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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