Arabian Wildlife Center: Location, Timings, Fee

The Arabian Wildlife Center is a special conservation center in the UAE. It is one of the biggest places in the Arabian Peninsula to see rare animals. Launched in September 1999. It was created by a leader named Dr. Sheikh Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi. It is part of a larger park called the Sharjah Desert Park. It is the only zoo in the area with around 100 species, including the iconic Arabian camel and rare desert rhinos from the Arabian Peninsula.

The Arabian Wildlife Sanctuary is famous for the Arabian oryx and the Arabian leopard, symbols of the region’s rich biodiversity and conservation efforts. The area is not just for animals; It’s also a place for families to have fun and learn. There are gardens, a nature museum and a farm for children. People really like this place; they give it a score of 4.5 out of 5. While there, you can learn about desert animals and plants and why it is important to care for them. It’s a great way to see and learn about the wildlife in Sharjah.

Things to do in Arabian Wildlife Center

From majestic predators to colorful reptiles and birds, Arabian Wildlife Center promises to be an unforgettable trip for nature lovers of all ages. Here are 10 exciting things to do when you visit the Arabian Wildlife Centre in Sharjah:

Explore the Predators’ Zone

The Predators’ Zone at the Arabian Wildlife Center is a very cool place to see more than 10 amazing predators from the region. Each animal has a unique way of taking food and surviving. You can safely watch big animals from only 3-5 feet away. There are giant Arabian wolves, beautiful tigers with stripes, and spotted leopards that creep silently. You will also see Arabian wolves working together in a pack, their fur coloured like silver to blend in with the desert. There are also caracals, whose earlobes are like little hats and can jump very high to catch their prey. This place doesn’t just show you how strong these animals are but also shows you how everything in the wild works together.

Birds of Prey

The Arabian Wildlife Sanctuary has over 12 awesome birds of prey, including the famous falcons. These birds have amazing eyesight and can dive down on their prey at speeds like over 200 miles per hour. You can watch them in action at the center as they fly and land with confidence. You will also learn how important they are for the environment and how unique they are in Arabia. With so many birds, the Center shows why it is important to keep them safe through conservation. It’s a cool place to learn about the awesome wildlife of the Arabian Sea.

Aquarium Visit

Explore the fun at the Arabian Wildlife Center Aquarium. It’s a real underwater world with over 50 awesome water animals. You’ll see lots of fish, from tiny ones that zip around fast to bigger ones that glide smoothly. The aquarium shows you a variety of cool sea creatures, like shiny silver fish swimming together, spotted seahorses wearing plants, and playful otters having fun in their area. It’s a calm and relaxing experience, perfect for anyone who wants to learn about sea creatures or chill and watch them swim. The Center’s aquarium is like windows into the ocean world, showcasing the beauty and complexity of rare ecosystems.

Visit the Conservation Center and Islamic Botanical Garden

Don’t forget to visit the Conservation Center and the Islamic Botanical Garden. The Conservation Center cares for more than 20 species that could be endangered in the wild. They help these animals have babies and get better, so there are more of them. The Islamic Botanical Garden is a calm place with almost 100 unique plants mentioned in the Quran. You can walk through the gardens, admire the beautiful flowers and learn about these unique plants. The interior and park are reminders to protect our planet. They are great places to go with your family, especially if you love nature and how we can help it.

Kid’s Farm

The Kids Farm at the Arabian Wildlife Center is a fun place, especially for little ones. It opened in May 1997 and operated under the Protected Areas Commission. It is a place where children can interact with friendly pets like donkeys, chickens, sheep and goats. This interactive experience allows children to feed and pet these animals, giving them the opportunity to learn hands-on about farm life. The farm is designed to be child-friendly, ensuring a safe and engaging environment for kids to play and learn.

Rare Animal Encounters

The Arabian Wildlife Center is a special place to learn about the Arabian cheetah, a powerful predator that disappeared from the wild more than 50 years ago (extinct since the 1970s). Scientists found old cheetah skeletons in Saudi Arabia in 2023, giving hope for their return. Programs to breed them in captivity are happening, with the goal of releasing them back into the wild starting in 2023. At the Center, you can see exhibits about the Arabian cheetah. Learn about their bodies, why they disappeared, and how people are trying to bring them back (exhibit takes about 20 minutes). It’s a special and educational opportunity to connect with Arabia’s history.

Educational Tours

The Sharjah Natural History Museum and Desert Park is a treasure trove of knowledge. Explore the diverse flora and fauna of the region (over 100 species on display) through dedicated sections like the petting farm (30 minutes), geology hall (20 minutes), marine hall (25 minutes), and flora hall (20 minutes). You can also see a realistic desert scene and learn about conservation efforts through informative tours lasting 1-2 hours. The entire experience, including the Arabian Wildlife Center, is perfect for anyone who loves the wilderness or wants to help save endangered species.

Photography

The Arabian Wildlife Center offers photographers a unique opportunity to capture spectacular desert landscapes and a variety of wildlife, from dancing foxes to flying eagles, with extensive protection and breathtaking panoramic views. In the Arabian Wildlife Center, photography may be restricted in sensitive areas such as the Nocturnal House, where the day-night cycle is reversed for the animals, and possibly in areas housing the more sensitive species like the Arabian Leopard. It is always good practice to look for signs of restriction or request professional guidance to ensure compliance with the law and the welfare of the animals.

Picnicking

The Arabian Wildlife Center isn’t just about animals to see – it’s also a great place for a family picnic. It’s quiet and peaceful, perfect for spending a few hours surrounded by nature. The picnic areas are designed for those who want to relax, and there is plenty of outdoor seating. You can sit down to eat together while enjoying the flora and fauna around you. The Center is open longer, so you can take your time and create unique memories. Whether you want to be close to nature or spend time with your family, the Arabian Wildlife Center is the perfect place for a lovely picnic.

Animals in Arabian Wildlife Center

The Arabian Wildlife Center is home to more than 100 species found in the Arabian Sea. Some of the notable animals you can find there include:

Arabian Oryx: A symbol of the Arabian Sea, this majestic animal is known for its white coat and long horns. It’s a conservation success story, the animals saved from disappearing forever..
Aviary: The Center houses a large aviary that is home to various indigenous bird species. Visitors can observe these birds in an environment that mimics their natural habitats.
Camel: The iconic camel is a staple of the Arabian Desert and an integral part of the region’s heritage. Camels have adapted to harsh desert conditions and are an important part of the Wildlife Center’s collection.
Hedgehogs: Small and spiny, hedgehogs are nocturnal creatures that can be found inside the Center’s nocturnal house. Visitors can see them in action and examine their behavior.
Arabian Leopard: This is the most famous big cat in the region. It is endangered and has its own large enclosures at the Center.
Local snakes: These include saw-scale snakes, puff adders, and Arabian cobras displayed in areas that mimic their natural habitats.
Lizards, freshwater fish, amphibians and insects: A variety of these creatures are also on display, showcasing the biodiversity of the region.

These animals contribute to the rich biodiversity showcased at the Arabian Wildlife Centre.

What are the timings of Arabian Wildlife Center Sharjah?

The Arabian Wildlife Center in Sharjah operates at the following times:

Closed on Tuesdays
Saturday to Wednesday – 9:00 AM to 5:30 PM
Thursday – 11:00 PM to 5:30 PM
Friday – 2:00 PM to 5:30 PM

What is the location of Arabian Wildlife Center Sharjah?

The Arabian Wildlife Center in Sharjah is a renowned conservation facility and zoo located on Al Dhaid Road, near Interchange 9, in the rural area of Sharjah, United Arab Emirates. This Center is part of the larger Sharjah Desert Park complex and is known as one of the largest homes for rare animals in the Arabian Peninsula.

What is the ticket price of Arabian Wildlife Center Sharjah?

The ticket prices for the Arabian Wildlife Center in Sharjah are as follows:

Adults: AED 15
Children (12 to 16 years): AED 5
Children up to 12 years: Free entry

Note: check the latest information before planning your visit, as prices and timings can change.

What is the Contact Number of Wildlife Center Sharjah?

Contact Number: +971 55 952 3213

Address: Al Dhaid Road, Interchange 9, Sharjah Rural – Sharjah – Sharjah – United Arab Emirates

Website: Arabian Wildlife Center

How to get to Arabian Wildlife Center?

Here are the transportation options and directions to get to Arabian Wildlife Center:

By Car

The quickest way is to drive from Abu Dhabi to Sharjah using Highway E88. It’s about 160 kilometers and takes around 1 hour and 30 minutes. The cost is about AED 30. Or, you can take a taxi from Abu Dhabi to Sharjah, which also takes about 1 hour and 30 minutes and costs around AED 200.

By Public Bus

Take the E311 bus from Al Qusais bus station, if you’re coming from Dubai. Get off at the ‘Awir CMC’ bus stop. Then, you can take a taxi to the Arabian Wildlife Center, which will take about 24 minutes. The bus fare is about AED 25.

By Taxi

You can take a taxi from Abu Dhabi to Sharjah. It takes about 1 hour and 30 minutes and costs around AED 200.

The Arabian Wildlife Center is in Sharjah Desert Park, about 15.5 miles east of Sharjah city. There is plenty of parking available.

Are there wheelchairs in Wildlife Center Sharjah?

Yes, the Arabian Wildlife Center in Sharjah offers wheelchairs for visitors who need them. These wheelchairs are available so that everyone can enjoy the Center’s attractions.There is typically no fee for using the wheelchairs, as they are offered as a service to accommodate individuals with mobility needs.