Arabia’s Wildlife Center Sharjah

The Quietest Zoo in the UAE — and One of Our Annual Summer Favourites

Arabia's Wildlife Centre has been part of our annual summer routine for years now, and it ticks every box — indoor, educational, nature-focused, and almost always quiet. The only fully indoor zoo in the Middle East, it sits within Sharjah Desert Park on Al Dhaid Road and showcases animals that either currently call the Arabian Peninsula home or have done so in the past. Arabian leopards, oryx, desert foxes, hyenas, wolves, porcupines, reptiles, birds, and nocturnal animals — it is fascinating to see just how much wildlife thrives in our desert environment.

One ticket covers all four venues at Sharjah Desert Park — the Wildlife Centre, the Natural History Museum, the Botanical Garden, and the Children's Farm — and is valid for two months, so you do not need to do everything in one visit. Entry is AED 15 for adults, AED 5 for children over 12, and free for under-12s. The cafeteria overlooks a herd of oryx and mountain goats and serves freshly made juices that feel genuinely old school — the kind you used to find in Deira or Bur Dubai. You are also welcome to bring your own snacks.

Open Saturday to Wednesday 9am to 5:30pm, Thursday 11am to 5:30pm, Friday 2pm to 5:30pm. Closed Tuesdays. Pay by cash.

Insider tip: allow 4 to 5 hours if you want to see all four venues without rushing — and go on a weekday morning when it is at its quietest.