A Landmark Cultural and Environmental Achievement in Al Dhaid
The desert city of Al Dhaid has welcomed a remarkable new cultural landmark with the inauguration of the Al Dhaid Wildlife Museum by His Highness Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah. The opening ceremony, held on February 8, 2026, marks a significant step forward in Sharjah’s ongoing commitment to environmental preservation, education, and sustainable development.
Strategically located beside Souq Sharia’t Al Dhaid, the museum stands as a beacon of knowledge in the emirate’s Central Region. It is not merely a building filled with exhibits, but a living space designed to connect visitors with the fragile beauty and scientific importance of the desert ecosystem. Developed by the Environment and Protected Areas Authority, the project reflects years of planning, research, and dedication to nurturing environmental awareness across generations.
With a total built-up area of 2,755 square metres, the museum blends modern design with traditional architectural elements that pay tribute to the region’s heritage. The structure reflects Sharjah’s broader philosophy: progress rooted in identity.
An Immersive Journey Through Desert Life
The Al Dhaid Wildlife Museum offers visitors a fully immersive educational experience. Through advanced digital tools, interactive displays, and virtual reality technologies, guests are invited to explore the complexities of desert biodiversity in ways that are both engaging and scientifically rigorous.
The museum is thoughtfully organised into several themed halls, each dedicated to a specific component of desert life. The Desert Hall introduces visitors to the geography and environmental conditions that define the UAE’s arid landscapes. Here, interactive installations explain how life thrives in extreme temperatures and scarce water conditions.
The Plant Hall showcases native flora, highlighting the resilience of desert vegetation. From hardy shrubs to medicinal plants, the exhibits reveal how local species adapt to survive and even flourish in challenging climates. The hall also emphasises the ecological importance of these plants in preventing soil erosion and supporting wildlife.
In the Insect Hall, visitors gain a deeper understanding of the tiny yet vital creatures that play crucial roles in pollination and soil health. Through magnified displays and digital simulations, children and adults alike can discover how insects contribute to the delicate balance of the desert ecosystem.
The Animal Hall presents a closer look at mammals and reptiles native to the region. Carefully curated exhibits explain their behaviours, habitats, and conservation status. The Bird Hall celebrates the diversity of avian species found in the UAE’s deserts and surrounding environments, underscoring the importance of migratory routes and habitat protection.
Together, these halls create a cohesive narrative about the interconnectedness of desert life. The museum’s design encourages curiosity, ensuring that every visitor leaves with a renewed appreciation for nature.
Education at the Heart of the Vision
At the inauguration ceremony, His Highness Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi delivered a powerful speech underscoring the role of science-based environmental protection in shaping a sustainable future. He highlighted Sharjah’s ongoing initiatives aimed at safeguarding biodiversity and advancing agricultural innovation in arid environments.
Among these initiatives is the emirate’s seed bank project, which preserves genetic material from native plant species to ensure their survival for future generations. His Highness also pointed to successful collaborations with international institutions that contribute to research and conservation efforts.
One notable achievement referenced was the development of sustainable desert agriculture, particularly water-saving wheat cultivation. This project demonstrates how scientific research can transform challenges into opportunities, enabling food production in environments traditionally considered inhospitable.
The Al Dhaid Wildlife Museum serves as a natural extension of these efforts. It functions not only as a public exhibition space but also as an educational hub equipped with research laboratories, environmental education facilities, and a dedicated children’s area. The museum’s library provides access to scientific publications and resources for students, researchers, and nature enthusiasts.
By integrating education into every corner of the museum, Sharjah reinforces its belief that knowledge is the foundation of responsible environmental stewardship.
Empowering Youth and the Central Region
Beyond its scientific and educational significance, the museum carries deep social and cultural meaning. His Highness emphasised that the project is part of a broader strategy to empower the Central Region of Sharjah through sustainable development initiatives that generate employment, protect natural resources, and strengthen community identity.
For young people in particular, the museum offers a gateway to scientific curiosity. Interactive technologies and hands-on learning opportunities are designed to spark interest in environmental sciences, biology, and conservation. School groups are expected to benefit greatly from guided tours and tailored educational programmes that align with academic curricula.
The presence of such a sophisticated institution in Al Dhaid signals a decentralisation of cultural and educational resources, ensuring that residents of the Central Region have access to world-class facilities without needing to travel to larger urban centres.
At the same time, the museum’s architectural design reflects local heritage, blending traditional elements with sustainable materials and energy-efficient systems. This thoughtful approach ensures that the building itself becomes part of the story it tells — one of harmony between human development and nature.
A Living Testament to Sustainability
The Al Dhaid Wildlife Museum stands as a testament to Sharjah’s long-standing environmental leadership. Over the years, the emirate has established nature reserves, conservation programmes, and research initiatives that position it as a regional pioneer in sustainability.
This new museum strengthens that legacy by creating a permanent space where science, culture, and community converge. Visitors are not passive observers; they are invited to engage, question, and reflect. Through immersive storytelling and advanced technology, complex ecological concepts become accessible and memorable.
Importantly, the museum also reminds residents and visitors alike that the desert is far from empty. It is a vibrant, living system filled with intricate relationships and remarkable adaptations. By showcasing rare species and highlighting conservation challenges, the museum encourages a sense of shared responsibility.
In a rapidly changing world where climate concerns are increasingly urgent, institutions like the Al Dhaid Wildlife Museum play a crucial role. They bridge the gap between research and public understanding, turning scientific data into meaningful experiences that inspire action.
Strengthening Sharjah’s Cultural Landscape
The inauguration of the museum adds another significant chapter to Sharjah’s rich cultural narrative. Known for its museums, heritage sites, and educational institutions, the emirate continues to invest in projects that combine knowledge with identity.
Positioned beside Souq Sharia’t Al Dhaid, the museum also enhances the city’s appeal as a destination for both residents and tourists. Visitors can now explore traditional markets and cultural landmarks before embarking on a journey through the natural history of the UAE’s desert.
The project reflects a holistic vision — one that recognises the inseparable link between environment, heritage, and progress. By placing environmental education at the forefront, Sharjah reinforces its reputation as a forward-thinking emirate deeply rooted in its values.
The Al Dhaid Wildlife Museum is more than a new attraction; it is a promise. A promise to future generations that the beauty and biodiversity of the desert will be studied, protected, and celebrated. Through this inspiring initiative, Sharjah continues to shape a sustainable future grounded in knowledge, respect, and pride.
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