Zoos provide the perfect opportunity for families to spend quality time together while learning about wildlife. They give children a chance to see animals up close, understand their habitats, and develop a deeper appreciation for nature. For adults, visiting a zoo helps establish a deep connection and appreciation for wildlife.

One of the must-visit zoos right now is the Arabia’s Wildlife Centre at Sharjah Desert Park. Instead of small enclosures, animals live in large, naturalistic habitats that closely resemble their native environments. It’s the only zoo in the UAE where you can see animals like the Arabian leopard, striped hyenas, oryx, cheetahs, and gazelles. 

Aside from the main zoo, you can also enjoy tons of different attractions at the park itself. So after you're done exploring the zoo, you can enjoy other offerings within the Sharjah Desert Park.

Directions to Sharjah Desert Park

Getting to the park is simple and straightforward. It's situated along Al Dhaid Road at Interchange 9, about 30 kilometers east of Sharjah 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. However, 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 at expertly desgined habitats. Here are the exhibits you can expect:

Wildlife Exhibit

One of the most famous sections of Sharjah Zoo is the areas 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 it’s a critically endangered species with only a few remaining in the wild. 

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. Once they became extinct in the wild, the Arabian oryx has been successfully reintroduced through breeding programs.
  
  

• Arabian Gazelle. A delicate and graceful species known for its speed and agility. These graceful gazelles have excellent vision, hearing, and smell.
  
  

• Striped Hyena. A nocturnal scavenger with powerful jaws, known for its eerie laughing sounds. Often misunderstood, hyenas are essential for keeping the ecosystem clean.
  
  

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

• Cheetah. 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.
  
  

• Nubian Ibex. A mountain-dwelling goat with large, curved horns, perfectly adapted for climbing steep cliffs.

Nocturnal House

The Nocturnal House recreates a nighttime desert environment, allowing visitors to observe these creatures in action. As you step into this dimly lit space, you’ll notice small desert mammals like wildcats and desert hedgehogs, which rely on stealth and camouflage to survive in harsh conditions. Some of the more popular nocturnal animals in the area are foxes, mongooses, and genets, which can also be seen navigating their way through the exhibit.

Reptile and Insect House

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

Large desert monitor lizards, which can grow over a meter long, roam through carefully designed enclosures that replicate their rocky habitats. 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 spot certain species of frogs and toads in this area.

Walk-Through Aviary

Arabia’s Wildlife Centre also features a large walk-through aviary, where visitors can experience 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 holds cultural significance in the UAE and is part of ongoing conservation programs.
  
  

• Weavers. Small, highly active birds 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, often spotted foraging on the ground.
  
  

• Flamingo. These elegant birds are known for their pink, striking feathers. They often gather in shallow waters.

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 from this area.

Islamic Botanical Garden

Sharjah Desert Park also features the Islamic Botanical Garden, 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 tons of interactive displays for each curious visitor. 

Children’s Farm

The Children’s Farm is a space where children can bond with domesticated animals such as cows, camels, and Arabian horses. In here, kids are given educational talks on each animal, as well as a chance to feed and bond 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 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.