Al Noor Island is a 45,470-square-meter man-made island and cultural park located in the Khalid Lagoon of Sharjah, UAE. Opened in 2015, it was designed by Austrian artist André Heller to serve as a tranquil sanctuary where nature, art, and modern architecture blend seamlessly.
The island is a popular destination for families, nature lovers, and art enthusiasts, offering a variety of immersive experiences such as the Butterfly House, landscaped gardens, and award-winning sculptures.
Where is Al Noor Island Located?
Al Noor Island is located in the heart of Sharjah city, United Arab Emirates, specifically nestled within the waters of the Khalid Lagoon. It is located along the Buhairah Corniche Road in the Al Majaz 1 district.
How to Reach Al Noor Island, Sharjah
To reach Al Noor Island in Sharjah, you must first travel to the Buhairah Corniche area. Since the island itself is a car-free zone, the final leg of your journey will involve walking across a wooden pedestrian bridge located behind the Al Noor Mosque.
By Car and Parking
The most direct way to reach the entrance is to drive via Corniche Street (S110).
- Parking Near the Entrance: You can find paid street parking and public lots along the Buhairah Corniche, directly in front of the Al Noor Mosque.
- Free Parking Options: Visitors can sometimes find free designated parking areas during the day.
- Alternate Parking: On busy weekends, parking near the mosque can be difficult. Experts from Holidify suggest parking near King Faisal Mosque and taking a short walk to the island bridge.
By Public Transport
Several bus routes connect the island to Sharjah and neighboring Dubai:
- From Sharjah: Bus lines 3, E303, E303A, E306, and E307 stop at the King Faisal Road, Jumbo-Sony station, or King Faisal Street Bus Stop. From these stops, it is approximately a 12–15 minute walk to the island bridge.
- From Dubai: You can take the E303 bus from Union Bus Station 5, which takes about 1 hour to reach the nearby King Faisal Road stop.
- By Ferry: A more scenic route is available via the FR5 ferry, which operates between 2:00 PM and 10:35 PM.
Tickets, Entry Fee, and Ticket Price
As of April 2026, tickets for Al Noor Island in Sharjah offer flexible options depending on whether you want simple island access or a full tour of the Butterfly House. Entry fees for adults start at AED 35, while children (ages 3–12) start at AED 20.
Entry Fee & Standard Passes
For those looking to explore the gardens and art installations, these are the current rates:
- Island Entry Only:
- Adults (13+ years): AED 35
- Children (3–12 years): AED 20
- Standard Pass (Includes Island entry + Self-guided Butterfly House tour):
- Adults: AED 50
- Children: AED 30
- This is the most popular choice for families and first-time visitors, according to Al Noor Island.
Specialized Experience Passes
The island offers several premium packages for unique activities:
- Explorer Pass: AED 75 Includes island entry, a guided tour of the Butterfly House, and a special explorer kit for kids Bayut.
- Sky Watch: AED 75 Grants access to the island’s powerful telescopes for guided stargazing with resident astronomers at Bayut.
- Yoga at Sunrise: AED 50. A women-only yoga session is held on the second Saturday of every month at Al Noor Island.
- Noor Cafe Package: AED 65. A combined ticket that includes entry and a credit for food and beverages at the on-site cafe.
Al Noor Island Timings and Opening Hours
As of April 2026, Al Noor Island is open daily starting from 9:00 AM. While the island itself stays open late into the evening, specific attractions like the Butterfly House close significantly earlier.
General Opening Hours
The main island area, including the gardens and art installations, follows these timings:
- Weekdays (Sunday – Thursday): 9:00 AM – 11:00 PM
- Weekends (Friday – Saturday): 9:00 AM – 12:00 Midnight
Key Attraction Timings
Certain facilities on the island operate on a different schedule:
- Butterfly House: Open daily from 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM. This is a strict closing time regardless of the day of the week.
- Noor Café: Open daily from 9:00 AM until the island closes (11:00 PM on weekdays and midnight on weekends).
- Literature Pavilion: Follows general island hours, usually closing at 11:00 PM or midnight.
- Sky Watch (Stargazing): This experience typically begins at sunset and runs until the island closes
Traveling with Pets? We’ve Got You Covered!
Al Noor Island is a serene sanctuary, but unfortunately, pets are not allowed inside the park. If you are visiting Sharjah with your furry or feathered friends, you don’t have to worry about their safety or comfort.
At Pawland, we provide professional care for your pets while you explore the city’s top attractions. Whether you have a dog, cat, or bird, you can leave them in our expert hands with complete peace of mind.
Our Specialized Services in Sharjah:
- Pet Boarding in Sharjah: Going for a full-day tour? Our boarding facility offers a safe, cage-free, and loving environment where your pet can stay overnight or for multiple days.
- Pet Sitting in Sharjah: If you need someone to look after your pet for a few hours while you visit Al Noor Island or the Butterfly House, our professional sitters are ready to provide personalized attention and playtime.
Al Noor Island Butterfly House and Butterfly Garden
The Butterfly House is the architectural and natural crown jewel of Al Noor Island. Unlike a traditional open-air garden, it is an award-winning, climate-controlled indoor sanctuary designed to mimic a tropical rainforest environment.
- Exotic Species: The house is home to over 500 tropical butterflies brought in from countries like the Philippines, Costa Rica, and Thailand [Bayut]. You can see around 20 different species, including the vibrant Blue Morpho and the Large Tree Nymph.
- Life Cycle Education: One of the most popular features is the pupae display, where you can watch butterflies emerge from their cocoons in real-time.
- The Architecture: The pavilion itself is a masterpiece. Its golden, perforated roof is designed to regulate light and temperature, casting beautiful organic shadows that mimic a forest canopy.
Essential Visiting Info
- Strict Timings: While the island stays open late, the Butterfly House closes daily at 6:00 PM (it opens at 9:00 AM).
- Separate Ticket: Access is not included in the basic island entry. You will need a Standard Pass (approx. AED 50) or an Explorer Pass for a guided tour.
- Photography: It is a photographer’s dream, but keep in mind that the humidity is high inside to keep the butterflies healthy, so your lens might fog up initially!
Best Time for a Visit
The butterflies are most active during the morning and early afternoon when the sunlight is strongest. By 5:00 PM, they tend to settle down, making it harder to see them in flight.
Frequently Asked Questions
The Butterfly House on Al Noor Island in Sharjah is home to over 500 butterflies. The climate-controlled enclosure showcases more than 20 different species, including the Tailed Jay, Emerald Swallowtail, Pink Rose, and Malachite.
No, Al Noor Island is not free to visit. It requires a paid ticket for entry, with adult prices starting from approximately AED 35 and children (3-12 years) from AED 20. The ticket grants access to the island's landscaped gardens, art installations, and the Butterfly House.
No, the butterfly garden is not free. Access typically requires a paid ticket, either included with Al Noor Island admission or as part of a bundled pass.
- Need a place for your pet? Don't let that stop your plans! Pawland offers professional Pet Boarding in Sharjah and Pet Sitting in Sharjah. While you explore the island, your furry friend can enjoy a safe, cage-free environment with our expert caregivers.
