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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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