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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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