Tucked away in the desert landscape of Sharjah, the Arabian Wildlife Center is a hidden gem and the only zoo in the UAE that exclusively showcases animals native to the Arabian Peninsula. Established in 1999 by the Environment and Protected Areas Authority (EPAA), this unique conservation facility offers an immersive, educational experience for visitors of all ages.
If you’re looking to explore the UAE’s natural heritage, meet elusive desert species, and enjoy a break from the commercial tourist path — Arabian Wildlife Center is the perfect destination.
🏞️ Where Desert Wildlife Comes Alive
Unlike traditional zoos that feature exotic animals from around the world, the Arabian Wildlife Center focuses entirely on endemic and regional species, some of which are critically endangered or rarely seen in the wild.
Visitors walk through climate-controlled indoor enclosures, with large glass partitions and natural habitats that mimic the animals’ real ecosystems — all while staying comfortable regardless of the desert heat.
🦅 What You’ll See
The center is home to over 100 species of animals, including:
🐾 Mammals:
- Arabian leopard – the most elusive and endangered big cat in the Middle East
- Caracal – a wild cat with tufted ears and stealthy agility
- Arabian wolf – a rare, smaller desert wolf species
- Striped hyena, mongoose, Arabian tahr, gazelles, and sand cats
🐍 Reptiles:
- Lizards, chameleons, horned vipers, monitor lizards, and desert snakes
- Outdoor terrariums and cave-style exhibits showcase their natural behaviors
🦉 Birds:
- Desert eagle owls, falcons, buzzards, and migratory birds
- A huge walk-through aviary with free-flying birds typical of regional oases and wetlands
🦂 Invertebrates:
- A special nocturnal house displays desert creatures active at night — scorpions, hedgehogs, and foxes under red light for natural behavior observation.
🌱 Education & Conservation First
The Arabian Wildlife Center is more than a display — it’s part of Sharjah’s broader vision for environmental protection and sustainability. Key efforts include:
- Breeding endangered species like the Arabian leopard and Arabian oryx
- Habitat restoration and rewilding programs
- Collaborations with international wildlife organizations
- School outreach, workshops, and guided educational tours
- Research in desert ecology and species adaptation
Signage in Arabic and English provides valuable facts, and trained staff are on hand to answer visitor questions.
🧭 Visitor-Friendly Layout
The center is entirely indoors and well air-conditioned — a rare and welcome feature in the region. Visitors walk along a glass-enclosed path that gives a 360° view into naturalistic enclosures while ensuring safety and comfort.
There’s also a large panoramic window in the café overlooking the Arabian oryx, gazelles, ostriches, and baboons — a unique setting for lunch or coffee.
🛍️ What’s Nearby?
The Arabian Wildlife Center is part of the Sharjah Desert Park complex, which includes:
- Children’s Farm – a petting zoo with goats, camels, donkeys, and birds
- Natural History & Botanical Museum – focusing on UAE geology, desert life, and plants
- Breeding Centre for Endangered Arabian Wildlife (not open to public) – active in species conservation and reintroduction programs
You can easily spend 2–3 hours or more exploring the full park.
🗓️ Plan Your Visit
| Info | Details |
|---|---|
| 📍 Location | Sharjah Desert Park, 28 km from Sharjah City |
| 🕒 Opening Hours | Sat–Thu: 9:00 AM – 5:30 PM, Fri: 2:00 PM – 5:30 PM |
| 🎟️ Ticket Price | AED 15 (children), AED 20 (adults) – covers all areas |
| 🌐 Website | epaa.shj.ae |
| ☎️ Contact | +971 6 531 1999 |
Free parking is available, and the location is suitable for school trips and group tours.
📷 Photo Tips
While photography is permitted, flash is not allowed in certain areas. The best photo spots include:
- The leopard and wolf enclosures with rock and cave features
- The walk-through aviary with natural lighting and colorful birds
- The panoramic café view with wild animals roaming outdoors
💬 Final Thoughts
Arabian Wildlife Center is a sanctuary for species native to the Arabian desert — and a rare chance to see them up close in naturalistic conditions. It’s quiet, thoughtful, educational, and deeply rooted in ecological awareness.
If you want to learn more about the true wildlife of the UAE — not just imported zoo animals — this is the most authentic experience available in the region.
