It is the first facility of its kind in the region dedicated exclusively to the wildlife of the Arabian Peninsula.
The centre utilizes a specialized lighting system in nocturnal sections to keep animals active for viewing while maintaining their natural circadian rhythms.
The Arabian leopard exhibit is part of a dedicated captive breeding program aimed at preventing the extinction of this critically endangered subspecies.
The entire complex was designed to function as an educational and research institution under the Environment and Protected Areas Authority of Sharjah.
The facility manages the breeding of the Arabian oryx, a species once declared extinct in the wild in the early 1970s.
The building structure is intentionally low-profile to blend into the surrounding desert landscape of the Sharjah Desert Park.
It houses a comprehensive collection of venomous reptiles native to the region, including various species of vipers.
The centre is situated within the Al Dhaid desert region, which acts as a sanctuary for free-roaming wildlife.
Arabia's Wildlife Centre is the only indoor facility in the Middle East designed to exhibit the diverse fauna of the Arabian Peninsula. The centre operates as part of the Sharjah Desert Park complex, which also includes a natural history museum and an Islamic botanical garden. All animal enclosures are climate-controlled to ensure the health of species adapted to desert environments. The facility houses rare and endangered animals, including the Arabian leopard, Arabian oryx, and the Gordon's wildcat. Visitors explore the exhibits via a walk-through glass-walled corridor that simulates natural habitats. Nocturnal animals are housed in specialized darkened rooms to mirror their natural active cycles. The centre emphasizes conservation and scientific research, focusing on protecting indigenous species from the peninsula. It is situated away from the urban center of Sharjah, integrated into a sprawling protected nature reserve.
The large panoramic viewing glass in the leopard enclosure provides the best opportunity for unobstructed photography.
Wear comfortable walking shoes, as the viewing corridor covers a significant distance.
Bring a light jacket as the indoor climate-controlled environment is kept quite cool compared to the outside temperature.
Start your visit early to avoid the peak heat of the desert afternoon when traversing between the parking area and the entrance.
Do not attempt to feed or interact with the animals through the glass, and avoid bringing large bags which may be cumbersome in the corridor.
Closed on Tuesdays for facility maintenance.
Dress modestly in line with Sharjah’s local cultural norms; refrain from tapping on glass enclosures to avoid startling the animals.
