Sitting smack-dab in the middle of one of UAE’s top waterfronts and surrounded by the city skyline, Al Noor Island in Sharjah was once a deserted wasteland that was home to an army of crows. But today, it stands as a glimmering island of beauty and lights that is very noticeable from the shores of the Majaz Waterfront.

This 45.470 square meter of wasteland has been transformed into a gorgeous attraction of nature, art and tranquility by the Sharjah Investment and Development Authority (Shurooq), making it a perfect place for some outdoor fun. It’s connected by a bridge from the main shores to the lake’s center.

The best time to visit Al Noor Island is between November to March when the temperatures are down and wandering around the island is comfortable with soothing breezes and cooler temperatures. It’s one of the best things to do in Sharjah to freshen your mind and have some time with nature.

If you plan to visit the island, you can get the entrance ticket for cheaper rates on Klook and just present the voucher at the entrance gate.

Al Noor Island Butterfly House

If your purchase the entrance ticket that includes the butterfly house (you can purchase this at the entrance or if you’re coming from Dubai, you can book this ticket that includes the butterfly house as well as private pick-up and drop-off), then you’ll be able to access the small yet beautiful home of a thousand fluttering wings. This award-winning butterfly house nurtures a dozen different types as well as making an environment for new pupa and caterpillars to thrive.

Visitors can see pupas cocooned in a temperature-controlled glass case with an open top so that they can fly out when they are ready. With heavy green and tons of bright colors flying around, this place brightens the mood of those who step in here, giving you a time of delight and glee.

Lights and Nature

An out-of-the-box thinking, some clever lighting designs that’s otherwise enveloped in total darkness, the Al Noor Island light creates an atmosphere that’s truly magical almost transporting you into a land that’s fit for a fairytale.

While Al Noor Island is beautiful in daylight with its abundant green and dense trees, the island’s night provides a completely different atmosphere that gives a very otherworldly feel. The island comes alive with trees that light up in bright reds and purples like twinkling stars, cactuses that glow in the dark and a small field with lights like fireflies in between tall grasses. Al Noor Island in the night gives a feel like you’re in the world of Pandora from Avatar.

While it is partially man-made, the island is still one the best nature places in UAE with never ending green stretching all around the island.

Trampolines and Mazes

It’s not just leisure strolls that makes the park so much fun. Al Noor Island is fitted with activities that makes both adults and children loosen up their legs and let out their child-like fun. The island has walkways, a small maze camouflaged in between its hundred dozen trees and a flat trampoline tucked amidst the walkway in another part of the island.

There is also a small children’s playground for the mini energy balls that still have a lot of stamina left to run around. Add to that multiple art installations, a literature pavilion for rest and reading and a mini beach with views of Majaz’s skyline is enough to keep you and any visitor occupied at Noor Island.

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