Zoos create the perfect opportunities for families to learn more about the local wildlife. They give adults and children a chance to see animals up close and learn more about what makes each of them special. One standout is the Sharjah Zoo.

Sharjah Zoo, or Arabia's Wildlife Center at Sharjah Desert Park, is a must-visit for anyone interested in the unique wildlife the UAE has to offer. It's the only zoo in the UAE where you can find rare animals like the Arabian leopard and oryx. 

Unlike traditional zoos, the Sharjah Zoo provides spacious habitats that closely mimic the natural habitat of the animals. These are designed to replicate their native environments as closely as possible. 

But aside from the iconic zoo, there are several attractions you and your family can enjoy. In this guide, we’ll take you through everything you need to know about Sharjah Desert Park and what it offers. 

Directions to Sharjah Desert Park

Getting to Sharjah Desert Park is simple and straightforward. The park is situated along Al Dhaid Road at Interchange 9, about 30 kilometers east of Sharjah's city center. It’s easily accessible by car and public transportation.

Those using public transport can take a bus from Sharjah to Al Dhaid and then hire a taxi to the park. Since the location is a bit outside the city, taking a private car or a taxi is the most convenient option.

Timings of Sharjah Desert Park

The timings at Sharjah Desert Park are:

• Sunday: 9:00 AM – 5:30 PM

• Monday: 9:00 AM – 5:30 PM

• Wednesday: 9:00 AM – 5:30 PM

• Thursday: 9:00 AM – 5:30 PM

• Friday: 2:00 PM – 5:30 PM

• Saturday: 11:00 AM – 5:30 PM

Ticket Prices at Sharjah Desert Park

Sharjah Desert Park offers affordable ticket prices for anyone who wants to enjoy the diverse wildlife. The entrance fee for the park also includes access to all of the exhibits inside the Arabia’s Wildlife Centre. These prices make Sharjah Zoo one of the most cost-effective wildlife attractions in the UAE, especially for families.

• Adults: AED 15

• Children Over 12: AED 5

• Children under 12: Free

Main Attractions at the Sharjah Desert Park

The park offers a variety of activities, depending on which section you visit. To help you decide where to start, here are the must-visit attractions at the Sharjah Desert Park:

Arabia’s Wildlife Centre

Also known as Sharjah Zoo, Arabia's Wildlife Centre showcases tons of different exhibits in expertly designed habitats.

Wildlife Exhibit

One of the most famous sections of Sharjah Zoo is the area for its local wildlife. These species are often difficult to spot in the wild, which makes it a rare experience for guests.

The Arabian Leopard, for example, is one of the rarest big cats in the world. It’s the smallest of the leopard subspecies and a critically endangered species.

Aside from the Arabian Leopard, there are other animals worth visiting at the Sharjah Zoo:

• Arabian Oryx. A striking white antelope with long, straight horns. While it was once extinct, the Arabian oryx has been successfully reintroduced through breeding programs.
  
  

• Arabian Gazelle. These graceful and delicate gazelles are known for their speed and agility. They have excellent vision, hearing, and smell.
  
  

• Striped Hyena. A nocturnal scavenger with powerful jaws, known for its eerie laughing sounds. 
  
  

• Arabian Wolf. One of the smallest wolf subspecies, highly adapted to the harsh desert terrain. It’s well known for hunting in small packs.
  
  

• Cheetah. The cheetah is the fastest land animal, capable of reaching speeds of up to 120 km/h. 
  
  

• Hamadryas Baboon. One of the few primates native to the Arabian Peninsula, these social and intelligent animals have complex social behaviors.

Nocturnal House

The Nocturnal House recreates a nighttime desert environment, allowing visitors to observe these creatures in action.

In this dimly lit space, you'll see desert mammals like wildcats and desert hedgehogs. These are animals who rely on stealth to survive in these harsh conditions. Additionally, other popular nocturnal animals in the area include foxes, mongooses, and genets, which can be seen roaming the exhibit.

Reptile and Insect House

The Reptile and Insect House features a variety of snakes, lizards, and amphibians. This includes species that are native to the UAE’s deserts and wetlands.

Large desert monitor lizards roam through carefully designed enclosures that replicate their rocky habitats. These creatures can grow over a meter long. Several species of snakes, from harmless desert racers to the vicious vipers, provide a look at how reptiles thrive in the harsh desert climate. You can also find several types of frogs and toads in the area.

Walk-Through Aviary

Sharjah Zoo also features a large walk-through aviar where visitors can meet a range of birds up close. The sanctuary recreates three distinct habitats: mountain, desert, and aquatic environments.

Here are some of the birds you’ll see in this aviary: 

• Houbara Bustard. A large, ground-dwelling bird famous for its elaborate mating dance. The Houbara Bustard is of cultural significance and is actively involved in conservation programs.
  
  

• Weavers. These small birds are known for their intricate nest-building skills. They create hanging nests in the trees throughout the aviary.
  
  

• Partridges. Well-camouflaged birds that prefer rocky and grassy areas. They can often be seen foraging on the ground.
  
  

• Flamingo. Flamings are known for their beautiful, pink feathers. They often gather in shallow bodies of water.

Cafeteria and Viewing Area

Sharjah Zoo also has a spacious cafeteria and viewing area for visitors to relax in. Greater flamingos, sand gazelles, and many more can be seen in this area.

Islamic Botanical Garden

Sharjah Desert Park also features the Islamic Garden. The garden is a beautiful landscape that houses 52 plant species with historical and cultural significance. Visitors can learn more about these plants, such as aloes, henna, and kutum, as well as the purpose of each. The space also has a library, a cafe, an educational room, and lots of interactive displays.

Children’s Farm

The Children’s Farm is a place where kids can meet friendly animals like cows, camels, and Arabian horses. Here, the kids are given educational talks on each animal, as well as a chance to feed and interact with them. Trained handlers are also present to allow visitors to pet the friendly animals and let kids enjoy camel rides.

Natural History and Botanical Museum

The Natural History and Botanical Museum at Sharjah Desert Park provides visitors with a history of the Arabian Peninsula. Visitors can explore the exhibits on the region’s geological history, fossils, and plant life. Well-crafted interactive displays also showcase educational information. 

Conclusion

Sharjah Desert Park presents an opportunity to discover Arabian wildlife, history, and environment. From the rare species at the Arabia’s Wildlife Centre to the educational offerings at the Natural History and Botanical Museum, this park should be on your next bucket list.