Sharjah Desert Park
Sharjah Desert Park is an educational and entertainment complex located about 30 km east of Sharjah city along the Al Dhaid Highway (E88), at Interchange 9. The park, a hub for conservation and environmental education, houses a variety of attractions that showcase the rich biodiversity and natural history of the Arabian Peninsula.
Sharjah Desert Park is a must-visit for its unique blend of education, wildlife, and family fun, featuring the Arabian Wildlife Centre to see native species like the Oryx and leopards, the Natural History Museum, the Botanical Garden, and a Children’s Farm, all within a single destination for immersive desert life, culture, and conservation. It’s perfect for families, nature lovers, and anyone wanting to experience the UAE’s desert ecosystem beyond typical safaris.
The Arabian Wildlife Centre
The Arabian Wildlife Centre in Sharjah, UAE, is an indoor/outdoor zoo within the Sharjah Desert Park, focused on conserving Arabian Peninsula species like oryx, leopards, and gazelles, featuring indoor zones for reptiles, nocturnal animals, birds, and outdoor enclosures for larger mammals, providing an educational experience on regional biodiversity with a petting farm and conservation breeding programs.
Arabian Wildlife Centre (Indoor & Outdoor)
- Carnivores: Arabian Leopard, Cheetah, Wolves, Hyenas, Sand Cats, Foxes, Jackals.
- Ungulates: Arabian Oryx, Gazelles, Baboons, Water Buffalo.
- Birds: Flamingos, Guinea Owl, Sarus Cranes, African Spoonbill.
- Reptiles & Insects: Various species in dedicated houses.
- Nocturnal Animals: Wild Cats, Mongooses, Honey Badgers.
Animals You Can See at Sharjah Desert Park Zoo
At Sharjah Desert Park, you’ll find native Arabian wildlife like the Arabian Oryx, leopard, wolves, gazelles, foxes, hyenas, plus other species in the Arabian Wildlife Centre, alongside farm animals in the Children’s Farm for interaction, plus reptiles, birds, and nocturnal creatures. The park also features a Nature Reserve for endangered species and a Botanical Garden.
Best Sections for Families and Children
For families with kids at Sharjah Desert Park, the top sections are the Children’s Farm, for hands-on animal fun; the Botanical Garden, for easy nature walks; and the Arabian Wildlife Centre, for seeing native animals up close in a cool indoor setting, alongside the Natural History Museum’s fossil exhibits and the fun Sharjah Science Museum nearby for interactive learning, making it a great day out for all ages.
Sharjah Desert Park Ticket Price & Entry Fee
Entry to Sharjah Desert Park costs AED 15 for adults and AED 5 for children over 12, with children under 12 entering free, this single ticket covers the Arabian Wildlife Centre, Natural History Museum, Botanical Museum, and Children’s Farm, though some social media posts mention AED 20 + VAT for adults, so confirm with the official sources for the latest rates.
- Adults (13+): AED 15 (or potentially AED 20 + VAT)
- Children (12 & under): Free
- What’s Included?
- Arabian Wildlife Centre
- Sharjah Natural History Museum
- Sharjah Botanical Museum
- Children’s Farm
Sharjah Desert Park Timing & Opening Hours
Opening Hours Summary:
- Sunday, Mon, Wed, Thu: 9:00 AM – 5:30 PM
- Friday: 2:00 PM – 5:30 PM
- Saturday: 11:00 AM – 5:30 PM
- Tuesday: Closed
Are pets allowed in Sharjah Desert Park?
Pets are not allowed inside Sharjah Desert Park, which can make planning a family visit tricky if you have a furry friend at home. Pawland Sharjah Pet Sitter offers a safe and caring environment for your pets while you enjoy a worry-free day at the park. From personalized attention to a comfortable, home-like setting, your pet will be happy and secure throughout your visit.
Sharjah Desert Park Location & How to Reach
Sharjah Desert Park is located about 30 km east of Sharjah city along the Al Dhaid Highway (E88), near Interchange 9, accessible by car/taxi from Dubai (around 45 mins) or Sharjah (approx. 20 mins from airport) via signs, with options for bus routes connecting to a final taxi leg. The park houses the Arabian Wildlife Centre, Natural History Museum, and Children’s Farm, offering an educational wildlife experience.
Location Details
- Address: Al Dhaid Highway (E88), Interchange 9, Sharjah.
- From Dubai: Approximately 45-50 minutes (57 km) by car.
- From Sharjah Airport: About 17-20 minutes (around 21-28 km) by car/taxi.
How to Reach
- By Car/Taxi:
- Take the E88 (Al Dhaid Highway) heading east.
- Look for Interchange 9 and take the exit to the right.
- Follow the signs for Sharjah Desert Park.
- By Bus (requires taxi for final stretch):
- From the Union Square Bus Station in Dubai, take a bus to the Jubail Bus Terminal in Sharjah (around 45 mins).
- From Jubail, take the bus to the Sharjah Airport Terminal (another ~45 mins).
From the airport, a short taxi ride covers the final ~20 km to the park.
Contact Number & Visitor Information
Here’s the contact number & visitor information for the main Sharjah Desert Park (the wildlife/ecotourism destination on Al Dhaid Road), not to be confused with the seasonal Police Desert Park event, which has separate seasonal details.
1. Sharjah Desert Park / منتزه الصحراء
- Address: Al Dhaid Road (E88), Interchange 9, Sharjah, UAE (about 26–30 km from Sharjah city centre)
- Contact Numbers
- +971 6 531 1411 – Main contact for Sharjah Desert Park information and bookings
- +971 6 556 6777 – Sharjah Commerce & Tourism Development Authority (for enquiries related to the park and visitor services)
Best Time of Year to Visit Sharjah Desert Park
The best time to visit Sharjah Desert Park is during the cooler winter months, from October/November to March, for pleasant outdoor exploring, with December to February being ideal due to comfortable temperatures, low humidity, and perfect conditions for its open-air exhibits and wildlife viewing. Avoid the scorching summer (May-October) when temperatures are extremely high, making it difficult to enjoy the park’s open spaces, and also be wary of potential sandstorms in late spring (April/May).
Sharjah Desert Park and Zoo Review
“Suggestive place for a kids outing. Museum,kids farm,zoo and a mini play ground all at one place. Kids will get more connected to the nature. Entry fee is just:21 dhs and with that can enter to all the sections”.
– Emad Bushair
“This is such a beautiful place, informative, educational and clealry the animals are well cared for. The staff were outstanding, helpful and super customer service. This is a must visit offering outstanding value for adults and children alike.”
– Jo Collis
Sharjah Police Desert Park
Sharjah Police Desert Park (also called “Police Desert Park”) isn’t a standard public municipal park like Sharjah National Park, it’s an annual community event and recreational destination organised by Sharjah Police General Command in the desert area of Al Kahif / Al Bataeh in Sharjah.
Frequently Asked Questions
Entry to Sharjah Desert Park is AED 15 for adults, AED 5 for children (over 12), and free for children under 12, with this ticket covering the Wildlife Centre, Botanical Museum, Natural History Museum, and Children's Farm. Prices for Sharjah National Park are different (AED 6), so ensure you're looking at the correct park.
Yes, Sharjah Desert Park is worth visiting, especially for families and nature lovers, as it offers a comprehensive look at Arabian wildlife and desert ecology through the Arabia's Wildlife Centre, Botanical Museum, and Natural History Museum, providing an educational and engaging experience in a beautiful natural setting.
The best time to visit Sharjah Desert Park is during the cooler months, from October to April, for comfortable outdoor exploration, ideally in the early morning or late afternoon, as the park offers indoor, air-conditioned sections like Arabia's Wildlife Centre for hotter times. Plan your visit around comfortable temperatures (around 23-30°C in peak season) and consider the specific daily opening hours, as Tuesdays are closed, and weekend hours differ.
