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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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