Sharjah is a popular tourist location mainly looked upon for its massive number of parks present in this city. The city boasts of over 50 parks located in the downtown which are a huge tourist attraction. Let us now look at some of the parks in Sharjah.
SourceLaunched by the Sharjah Investment and Development Authority in 2010, the Al Majaz Park is a combination of several recreational activities which it offers to its visitors ranging from kids to senior citizens. Covering an enormous area of 231,000 square feet, this fabulous park in Sharjah is a depiction of the city's rich cultural heritage.
The Al Majaz Waterfront is an extension of the original park and it adds to the beauty of the place. The waterfront is a family-friendly area aimed mainly for relaxation of the soul through an audio-video dancing fountain, miniature golf and plenty of eateries. It also arranges a variety of events, concerts and festivals throughout the year which makes it a tourist magnet.
Entry Fee: Entrance is free but charges may apply for some activities within the park. Timings: Open 24 hours
SourceThe largest park in Sharjah with an expanse of 630,000 square metres, this park is designed inspired by the European parks but has a distinctly Middle Eastern feel. It is the one stop solution for family get-togethers, picnics and other leisure activities. The park is equipped with large playgrounds, lush greenery as well as a large jungle gym with all sorts of facilities. The park is mainly famous for its barbeque facility. People can use this facility at their free will if they bring in their own coal. Small canteens are available around the park. Visitors are also allowed to rent a bike to move around.
Entry Fee: AED 2 Timings: 8:00 AM to 10:00 PM
3. Al Montazah Park
SourceAl Montazah Park is one of the best family parks in Sharjah which offers a spectrum of opportunities, rides and sports ideal for a dream vacation. It has been gaining a lot of fame in the recent past and is visited by tourists from all over the globe. It provides 500 parking lots, includes disability bays and also offers additional facilities at the Flag Island located opposite. It is also equipped with an amusement park and a water park which is the recipient of the Sharjah Tourism Excellence Award for 2014 as the best new tourist destination in the emirate.
Entry Fee: Children below 80 cm in height - Free Main park entrance - AED 10 Water Park Entrance: Adults: AED 120 Children: AED 75 Timings: 6:00 PM to 2:00 AM Cost: Tickets for some of the sports and games - AED 10 to AED 25
SourceCovering a vast area, the Sharjah Desert Park is an edutainment zone comprising of three sections namely: the Natural History Museum, Arabian Wildlife Centre and the Children's Farm. It helps its visitors to get a better understanding of the flora and fauna of U.A.E as well as scientific explanation of natural processes in the most fun way possible. Situated 28 km from Sharjah on the road to Al Dhaid, this amazing museum is a must-visit, especially for the nature lovers.
Entry Fee: AED 15 (Adult), AED 5 (Age 12-16 years), Free (Under 12 years) Timings: 9:00 AM to 5:30 PM
Source Opened in September 1999, it is known to be the only zoo in Arabia which has around 100 species of animals found in the Arabian Peninsula. Besides this, the Center also promotes awareness about the peninsula fauna, which is becoming extinct.
The Wildlife Center also has a Children’s farm, a Museum, and a Botanical Garden. Children’s farm lets children get close to pet animals. You can feed hay to the goats or watch ducks pedalling in the pool. The other attractions include a bird aviary set, a fish tank, and also a nocturnal house.
Entry Fee: AED 15 (Adult), AED 5 (Age 12-16 years), Free (Under 12 years) Timings: 9:00 AM to 5:30 PM
6. Al Darari Park
SourceAl Darari park in Sharjah is located nearby to Al Darari and Al Darrare with an elevation of 13 metres. It lies southwest of Al Tala and south of Al Khezamia Park. Needless to say, this place is popular for its interlocking of parks and serves as a huge tourist spot. It is rated highly by the tourists due to its lovely and conservative ambience which is of great importance to the Asian culture.
Source The park provides many facilities such as a jogging track and cycling paths, this brings a lot of tourists and locals to the Corniche for a picnic or just to spend a peaceful evening. The Corniche is well connected with the rest of the city. The variety of food one can get in Buhaira Corniche makes it the best choice for foodies in Sharjah. The Al Noor Mosque located along the Buhaira Corniche and Al Noor Island, which is connected to the mainland by a footbridge to Buhaira Corniche are some of the main attractions. Apart from these, the Al Majaz park and Novo cinemas are also among tourists. All these things make it a popular weekend getaway for the people in Sharjah, Dubai and Abu Dhabi.
Entry Fee: Free Timings: 24 hours
8. Al Ittihad Square Park
SourceLocated right in front of the King Faisal Mosque, Al Ittihad Park is an ideal location for tourists to jog or do yoga. It is marked by a 2.5 km stretch characterised by fountains, ponds, children's play area, healthy eateries and supermarkets. It also provides great photographing opportunities with the iconic pearl monument located right in the centre.
Entry Fee: None Timings: Open 24 hours
9. Rolla Square Park
SourceThe Rolla Square park is located in the Al Rolla square famous for its historical significance because of the plantation of the first banyan tree in the 1800s. The Rolla Square Park is a modern park with fountains and lagoons and had been open for the public in 2012. Its vast green lawn stretch is ideal for walking, jogging and even for children to play. This park in Sharjah is really well maintained and well shaded with Banyan trees all around. The entrance of the park leads through a magnificent large gate which enhances the beauty of the park.
Entry fee: AED 2 Timings: 8:00 AM to 10:00 PM
10. Al Talah Park
SourceThe Al Talah park is a nice and small park which serves mainly for relaxation and recreational purposes. It is quiet and calm, making it ideal for families to spend some quality time on a weekend. It is ideally suited for carrying out social activities by the younger generation.
Entry Fee: None Timings: 4:00 PM to 10:00 PM
11. Al Ghafia Park
SourceSituated in the Al Ghafiya district of Sharjah, this park is a bit off the city limits of Sharjah. However, it can serve as an ideal picnic spot, a place for some casual time going for a stroll and some peace. So if you are looking to spend a lazy Sunday afternoon, do consider heading towards Al Ghafiya.
Entry Fee: None Timings: 8:00 AM to 9:45 PM
Have a great time at these parks in Sharjah. Do make a note to acknowledge the beauty of this place and rate it highly to make its tourism flourish even more
