Al Noor Island

Sharjah


Paths meander past art sculptures amid landscaped gardens on this island across a bridge behind the Al Noor Mosque. The main draw is the wavy-roofed butterfly house, where you can spy 20 species including emerald swallowtails and red lacewings flitting between plants. If butterflies aren't your thing, visit after sunset when the gardens are lit up like a magical fairyland with a 'glimmering meadow' of flickering neon flowers, pink cacti and glowing silk floss trees.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Sharjah attractions

1. Al Noor Mosque

0.14 MILES

Among the most beautiful of Sharjah's 600 mosques, with its architecture based on traditional Ottoman design, Al Noor has a dream setting overlooking the…

2. Al Majaz Waterfront

0.62 MILES

This park at the bottom of the Khalid Lagoon fills with strolling families, roller-skaters and power-walkers after sunset. The main attraction are the…

3. Eye of the Emirates

0.79 MILES

This 60m-high observation wheel is the place to head for bird's-eye views of the Sharjah skyline. Hop into one of the 42 capsules here to do a full circle.

4. Shakarchi Mural

0.79 MILES

Street-art fans should make a short detour from the Al Qasba waterfront area to view this joyous mural by British-Iraqi artist Marwan Shakarchi of…

5. Al Qasba

0.97 MILES

This canal-side pedestrian-zone development presents a mix of cafes and kid-friendly activities, including an outdoor amusement park and an inside soft…

6. Maraya Art Centre

1.02 MILES

If you're interested in modern art, it's worthwhile checking Maraya's website to see if there's an exhibition on while you're in town. This art centre has…

7. Sharjah Heritage Museum

1.58 MILES

This museum goes a long way towards demystifying Emirati culture for visitors. Each of the five galleries examines different aspects of local life, from…