|
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. |
