Do you wish to go on a day trip that combines the adventures of wildlife and natural science alongside Arabian heritage? Then you must visit Sharjah Desert Park. It is conveniently located just on the outskirts of Sharjah city and serves as an enormous place of discovery. It is designed to engage families, students, nature enthusiasts, and tourists with the culture and environment of the area.
At Sharjah Desert Park, you may glimpse rare wildlife, learn about desert ecosystems, or take relaxing walks through botanical gardens. Every visitor is offered different meaningful experiences. In this guide, we discuss all the important information for your visit such as fees, operational hours, transportation, and the key sites that you must see.
What is Sharjah Desert Park?
In the Seih Al-Masmout area, about 28 kilometers from central Sharjah, lies a unique educational conservational site called Sharjah Desert Park that covers over 1 square kilometers. It is an important site for local conservation efforts and was constructed in 1995 as part of Sharjah’s aim to preserve the environment and increase understanding of the UAE’s biodiversity.
The park comprises three major attractions that combine to form a single location:
- Arabia’s Wildlife Centre
- Sharjah Botanical Museum and Garden
- Sharjah Natural History and Botanical Museum
Each section has something different to offer, with all providing interactive learning experiences that can be enjoyed by tourists, students, and families, making it an unparalleled destination.
Why Visit Sharjah Desert Park?
Sharjah Desert Park and Desert Safari Tour is more than just a place to spend leisure time; the park is a gateway to the rich cultural and natural heritage of the Arabian Peninsula. The park has a wealth of educational resources. Through hands-on activities like interactive exhibits, guided tours, and engaging visual displays, people of all ages can learn about the diverse ecosystems, wildlife, conservation efforts, and other intricacies of the region. This makes the park ideal for the ever-curious and inquisitive.
A trip to the park provides the opportunity to witness native and endangered wildlife that is respectful and rare. Unlike most traditional zoos, Sharjah Desert Park uses a naturalistic approach to enclosures, where animals live in areas that closely mimic their natural habitats. These practices enhance animal welfare while providing authentic glimpses into desert biodiversity for visitors.
Families with young children will love the park for the convenience it offers. Kid-friendly activities include the shelters and the museums or the Children’s Farm, providing both shade and comfort for the little ones. Beyond simple recreational activities, the park also serves an educational purpose. Describing the early desert communities and their advanced survival techniques, the exhibits show ancient tools and crafts along with their agriculture, demonstrating the enduring and rich relationship between the inhabitants and the desert.
Main Attractions Inside Sharjah Desert Park
- Arabia’s Wildlife Centre
This is the crown jewel of the park. Arabian leopards, oryx, gazelles, lizards, and even desert dwelling birds of prey, owls, and flamingos are just a few examples of the diverse wildlife found at Arabia’s Wildlife Centre which are desert animals from the Arabian Peninsula. The Wildlife Center also has glass viewing tunnels and climate controlled rooms where visitors can safely observe many of the animals up close in realistic settings. Seeing the animals in the dark as they go about their activities in the nocturnal section is one of the most informative and interesting parts of the visit.
- Museums of Sharjah Desert Park
This museum enables you to learn about the evolution of desert landscapes and their distinctive flora and fauna. Exploring geology, paleontology, and natural history is made easier by the region’s interactive displays and exhibits. Visitors enjoy fossil displays, meteorites, and minerals, as well as documentaries on desert storms and the formation of sand dunes. It is an excellent space for children and adults to familiarize themselves in a hands-on environment.
- The Farms
The Children’s Farm is a must-see for young guests. Fun learning workshops enable children to engage with domesticated animals, including goats and ponies. It provides a safe way to introduce children to animal husbandry and farming, making it entertaining and educational at the same time.
- Sharjah Botanical Garden
In this area of the park, you will find UAE and neighboring countries’ desert vegetation collections exhibited, with over 90 species represented. The arrangement of the garden features walking paths, informative signage, and highlights ecological relationships which is helpful for appreciating the functions of each plant. This space is calm and serene while enhancing biodiversity and park life, bringing desert sustaining plant functions to the visitors’ insights.
Sharjah Desert Park Ticket Price
One of the most appealing aspects of the park is its affordability. Here’s the breakdown of the Sharjah Desert Park ticket price:
Adults (13 years and above): AED 15
Children (under 12 years): Free
People with disabilities: Free
School and educational groups: Discounted packages available upon request
Families and groups will find great value as the combined ticket covers all areas of the park. Payment is made at the entrance, and group bookings can be arranged beforehand.
Sharjah Desert Park Timing
If you want to get the most from the visit, it is best to stick to the opening hours of the park. As with all parks, the best place to check for timings is the official website. They have included the following details:
Sunday to Thursday: 9 AM to 5:30 PM
Friday: Morning closed, afternoon 2 PM to 5:30 PM open
Saturday: 11 AM to 5:30 PM
Monday: Closed for public
For maintenance, Monday is a maintenance day.
Arriving during weekdays, even on weekends, is advisable. Additionally, keep the weather in mind. Summer months are known for better early mornings and late afternoons.
Sharjah Desert Park Location
The Sharjah Desert Park location is just a short drive from central Sharjah and easily accessible from Dubai and other emirates.
Address: Sharjah Desert Park, Al Dhaid Road (E88), Seih Al-Masmout, Sharjah, UAE.
GPS Coordinates: 25.2630° N, 55.6945° E
Public transportation options are very few, taxis and is available at no charge. electric vehicles are available for near most places. It takes 30 minutes driving from the center.
Attractions Nearby to Sharjah Desert Park
Sharjah Archaeology Museum: A wonderful addition to your journey in culture.
Sharjah Classic Cars Museum: Mostly interesting for fans of the motor vehicle.
Sharjah Discovery Centre: Perfect for little kids to learn science through play and other interactive science activities.
Desert Safari Tours: For those who wish to unwind their day in an adventurous manner, booking an evening desert safari from the interstate highway would be ideal.
Conclusion
A trip to Sharjah Desert Park is much more than a mere outing – it is an experience that immerses you into the life of the Arabian desert. The combination of several rare animals, cutting edge interactive museums, tranquil gardens, and educational displays makes the park a unique space where nature, culture, and education blend seamlessly.
It’s accessible in several ways and very affordable; the park is well-suited for people eager to learn about the environment and heritage of the UAE. It makes a great destination for school trips, family outings, or even individual adventures into nature. A visit to Sharjah Desert Park guarantees a rich experience.
