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Sharjah Ruler inaugurates Al Dhaid Wildlife Museum, donates rare butterflies
The Desert Animals Hall displays the anatomical structure of a camel through a three-dimensional model; others, like the Plant Hall display methods for estimating the age of trees in arid environments
- PUBLISHED: Sat 7 Feb 2026, 9:33 PM
- By:
- WAM
The new Al Dhaid Wildlife Museum was inaugurated today by Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Ruler of Sharjah and Supreme Council Member.
Sheikh Dr Sultan unveiled the commemorative plaque. The museum targets families, students, researchers, and those interested in nature, through the development of interactive educational platforms that employ the latest tech.
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In a speech at the opening, Sharjah Ruler discussed his efforts in collecting seeds through the establishment of a seed bank to preserve them. Over 5 million seeds were collected in Sharjah. The same number of seeds of plants and trees from the Arabian Peninsula region were preserved in UK under the supervision of specialised international research institutions to propagate them and conduct scientific experiments.
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Sheikh Dr Sultan pointed out that all the new projects contribute to providing jobs for the people of the region, and all of this is a gain for Sharjah and the United Arab Emirates. He said: “We must be proud of our land, proud of ourselves and our good morals, and raise our children well so that they will be useful young people in the future.”
Halls, features
The musuem covers an area of 2,755 square meters. It includes specialised halls that highlight the characteristics of the Arabian desert, methods of adapting to its conditions, and the biodiversity it harbours of different living organisms.
Desert Hall: It showcases the environmental characteristics of the Arabian Desert and the means of adapting to its harsh conditions. It includes:
A model of the Bedouin tent as a symbol of desert heritage
An introduction to methods of determining the seasons through the stars
Types of sand dunes and the movement of sand
Information about the minerals and rocks spread in the region
Plant Hall: It showcases scientific and interactive content about seasonal and perennial plants in the desert environment, and some endangered species. It includes explanations about the plant cell and the mechanism of photosynthesis, and methods for estimating the age of trees in arid environments.
Insect Hall: It includes a collection of rare butterflies donated by the Sharjah Ruler to the museum, along with models of preserved insects. The exhibits are supported by an application that provides scientific information about classification, areas of distribution, and degree of toxicity, as well as a virtual reality experience to learn about the "camel spider" and its life cycle.
Desert Animals Hall: It highlights the diversity of reptiles, mammals, and other desert creatures. The hall also displays the anatomical structure of a camel through a three-dimensional model.
Birds Hall: Types of resident and migratory birds in the desert environment, including falcons and eagles. Interactive screens display information such as differences in behavior, hunting methods, and diets, in addition to displaying nests and how to distinguish them.
Book Halls: These offer integrated knowledge content highlighting nature reserves, the Environment and Protected Areas Authority’s publications and e-books, as well as an interactive e-book about Al Dhaid city as an agricultural oasis of historical and environmental importance.
Children’s Hall: Children visiting the museum can play and participate in colouring and drawing activities, with the aim of promoting a love of nature, developing scientific curiosity and establishing environmental awareness among children from an early age.
Facilities, architectural design
The main gate of the museum reflects the character of traditional Emirati architecture in the central region, through an arched entrance that evokes the arches of forts and heritage buildings, as a symbolic threshold to cross into a cultural and intellectual space.
The earthy-toned facade blends with the surrounding desert environment, while the hand-carved wooden gate, with its Islamic-inspired motifs, adds a sense of authenticity and craftsmanship, presenting a contemporary model that celebrates Emirati identity and evokes the memory of the place.
The museum includes a comprehensive set of facilities that support its scientific and educational mission. It includes various administrative offices, two offices for scientific researchers, a laboratory equipped to support research work, in addition to a technical support department. It also has offices specialising in environmental education, a programmes and activities department, and a guidance department, in addition to visitor service facilities such as parking and others.
