Sharjah Desert Parks

If you love nature, you will love this. Around 45 minutes drive from Dubai lies this replica of the wild side of the United Arab Emirates. Terrains, reptiles, mammals and plants from around the country are exhibited with a natural backdrop and tons of educational points around them.

Initiated in 1995 by the Environment and Protected Areas Authority in Seih al Masmout, this project used to be divided in four centres but has now been expanded to six, the most famous of which is the Arabia’s Wildlife Centre. It also includes the Natural History & Botanical Museum, a Breeding Centre for the Endangered Arabian Wildlife and the Islamic Botanical Centre. Not to forget the one area where the children will enjoy the most – the Children’s Farm. It allows the children to feed the goats and the birds – a delight to see.

The most distinct feature of this project is the fact that the animals remain in their natural habitat out in the open. Visitors move around the centres in air conditioned passages which are very well maintained with all the relevant information placed on proper locations and audio commentary about the species continuously playing on speakers.

The largest of the indoor halls is dedicated to an artificial desert environment with birds flying right above you and past you. Further down the passage is the cafeteria with the widest window through which you can view the animals. Then when you think you have seen it all is where you will pass through the ferocious cats and see them in action – at times simply sleeping by the viewing pane allowing an up close view.

The botanical garden is also very interesting, with colorful and education displays of how the plants of Arabia effect our lives. The Islamic aspects of the food that we eat is showcased separately with multiple touch screen displays setup with text, photos and videos of how Islam interacts with science to allow humans to make the most of nature.