The Sharjah National Park is the largest park in the emirate, covering approximately 630,000 square metres. Designed to blend traditional Arabic heritage with contemporary European styles, it serves as a central green space for residents and tourists to enjoy nature, family picnics, and recreational activities.
Sharjah National Park Ticket Price & Entry Fees
Entry to Sharjah National Park is highly affordable, though reported rates vary slightly between sources:
- Adults: The ticket price is between AED 2 and AED 6.
- Children: Entry is free for children, with age limits cited as below 3, 5, or 12, depending on the specific source.
- Seniors: Free entry is available for seniors over the age of 60.
Payments for tickets can be made via credit cards, debit cards, or NFC mobile payments.
Sharjah National Park Timings & Opening Hours
The park is open daily to all visitors.
- Standard Hours: 8:00 AM to 10:00 PM every day, including Fridays.
- Extended Hours: Some sources indicate extended hours from Thursday to Saturday.
- Best Time to Visit: To avoid peak heat, the best visiting hours are between 4:00 PM and 8:00 PM.
Ramadan Timings for Sharjah National Park
During Ramadan, Sharjah National Park will operate with special split hours to accommodate visitors, opening from 7:30 am to 1:00 pm and in the evening from 4:00 pm until 1:00 am.
- Morning Shift: 7:30 AM – 1:00 PM
- Evening Shift: 4:00 PM – 1:00 AM
- General Rule: Other public parks in Sharjah will open from 4:00 PM until 1:00 AM.
- Parking: Paid parking in Sharjah is enforced from 8:00 AM to midnight, Saturday to Thursday.
Best Things to Do in Sharjah National Park
The park offers a variety of attractions for all ages:
- Arabian Wildlife Centre: Visit the only indoor zoo in the UAE where animals roam in natural habitats, allowing for safe viewing of Arabian wolves, oryx, and snakes behind glass.
- Children’s Farm: A dedicated area where children can interact with and feed farm animals in a safe, engaging environment.
- Natural History and Botanical Museum: Explore educational displays on the region’s flora, fauna, and geology, including fossils and desert ecosystem exhibits.
- Barbeque and Picnic Areas: Utilize the designated, well-marked spots for family BBQs and picnics.
- Recreational Playgrounds: Let children play in areas equipped with slides, jungle gyms, and rope ladders.
- Miniature City View: Walk through or view the miniature models of famous Sharjah city landmarks.
- Bird of Prey Centre: Watch rehabilitated eagles, falcons, and owls in a dedicated, specialized center
BBQ in Sharjah National Park: Rules & Areas
Sharjah National Park offers dedicated, high-standard, and safe BBQ areas with both open-air and sheltered spots. Barbecuing is permitted only in these designated zones. The park includes grills, picnic tables, and green spaces, making it ideal for family gatherings, though occasionally restricted during specific events or for safety reasons.
Key BBQ Rules & Areas:
- Designated Areas: BBQ grills are allowed in designated spots within the park, which feature both sheltered and open-air, high-standard, and safe grilling stations.
- Safety & Compliance: Use the provided, well-equipped grilling stations.
- Restrictions: Occasionally, BBQs may not be allowed due to special events or safety precautions. Always check for and abide by any temporary or permanent regulations.
- Alternatives: If not in a dedicated BBQ area, pre-cooked food is recommended, as fire/gas might be restricted.
Other BBQ spots in Sharjah include Al Majaz Park, Kalba Corniche Park, and the Green Belt Ladies Park.
Exploring the Sharjah National Park Zoo & Mini Zoo
While not a large-scale wildlife centre, the park features a mini zoo and animal enclosures:
- Animals: Visitors can see deer, goats, camels, peacocks, and various birds.
- Duck Pond: A large pond allows visitors to watch and feed ducks.
- Note on Sharjah Desert Park: For a more extensive wildlife experience, the Arabia’s Wildlife Centre is located within the Sharjah Desert Park complex, approximately 16km to 30km away.
Summary of Differences
Feature | Sharjah Desert Park (Zoo) | Sharjah National Park (Recreational) |
Main Attraction | Wildlife (Leopards, Oryx, Petting Zoo) | Greenery, Playground, BBQ |
Key Venue | Arabia’s Wildlife Centre (Indoor) | Open Playgrounds & Picnic Areas |
Best For | Animal lovers, Education | Families, Picnics, Walking |
Entry Fee | ~AED 15-21 (Adult) | ~AED 2 (Adult) |
Location | Al Dhaid Road (E88) | Al Gharayen (Near Airport) |
Location & How to Reach Sharjah National Park
Sharjah National Park is a 630,000-square-meter green space located along Al Dhaid Road (E88) in the Al Qarayen/Al Gharayen area. It is situated near the Sharjah International Airport and is easily accessible by car, taxi, or public transport. The park serves as a popular, family-friendly destination for picnics and recreation
- Address: Al Dhaid Road (E88), Al Qarayen, Sharjah, UAE.
- Area: Situated in the Al Qarayen/Al Gharayen area, it is conveniently near the Sharjah International Airport, Sharjah Golf and Shooting Club, and the Al Atain area.
- Distance to Sharjah Airport: Approximately 4 kilometres (about a 6-minute drive).
- Distance to Dubai International Airport: Approximately 27 kilometres.
Public Transport & Bus Routes (Dubai & Rolla)
- From Rolla/Al Jubail: Take Bus Route 116 or 88X toward Sharjah International Airport. The “National Park Main Gate” is a recognized public transport stop served by routes 88 and 88X.
- From Dubai: Use intercity routes such as E303 (from Union) or the new E308 (from Stadium Bus Station) to reach Sharjah’s Al Jubail Bus Station, then transfer to a local bus or taxi.
Parking Information & National Day Updates
Sharjah National Park offers ample, accessible parking, generally operating under standard paid Sharjah Municipality rules. During the UAE National Day (early December), public parking is often free, excluding blue/smart zones. SMS payment (5566) is available for standard, paid days. Expect high traffic during national holidays.
Parking & Access Details
- Regular Paid Timing: 8:00 AM – 12:00 AM, Saturday to Thursday.
- Fridays: Free in regular zones.
- Payment: SMS 5566 to pay: [Plate Source] [Space] [Plate Number] [Space] [Duration in hours].
- Location: The park is located near the Sharjah International Airport, making it accessible but busy during holidays.
National Day & Holiday Updates
- Free Parking: Public parking is typically free during major public holidays, including National Day, though specific,, 2026 dates are announced closer to the time.
- Exceptions: Blue/Smart zones and multi-level, private parking lots usually remain paid.
- Traffic Advisory: Expect heavy congestion in surrounding areas; arriving early is advised.
Are Pets Allowed in Sharjah National Park?
No, pets are not allowed in Sharjah National Park. The park is designated as a pet-free zone to maintain cleanliness, safety, and comfort for all visitors. It is a family-oriented destination featuring playgrounds, barbecue areas, open green spaces, and a duck pond.
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Visitor Facilities & Contact Details
Sharjah National Park, located on E88 – Al Qarayen, is a major 630,000 sq. m. green space open daily from 8:00 am to 10:00 pm with an entry fee of approximately AED 6 per adult (free for under 5s). It features extensive BBQ areas, children’s playgrounds, and jogging tracks.
Visitor Facilities:
- BBQ & Picnics: Dedicated, shaded BBQ areas and picnic seating.
- Playgrounds: Shaded areas with swings, slides, and jungle gyms.
- Recreation: Jogging and walking tracks.
- Amenities: Clean restrooms.
- Scenery: Landscaped gardens with a duck pond.
- Parking: Large, on-site parking facilities.
- Accessibility: Features wheelchair-accessible entrances and parking lots.
- Contact Number: +971 6 545 8996.
Frequently Asked Questions
Tickets for the Sharjah National Park (located on E88 - Al Qarayen) are very affordable, costing approximately AED 6 for adults. Entry for children under 5 is free
Yes, Sharjah National Park is an excellent, popular spot for picnics, featuring extensive green spaces, dedicated barbecue areas, and a family-friendly atmosphere. Located on E88 in Al Qarayen, the park offers, among other amenities, a playground, a duck pond, and miniature landmark models.
Sharjah National Park is located on Al Dhaid Road (E88) in the Al Qarayen area, conveniently situated about 20 minutes (approx. 15 km) from the city center near the Sharjah International Airport. It is a large, popular green space known for picnics, playgrounds, and miniature models of city landmarks.
