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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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