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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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