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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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