Sharjah: Al Noor Island, Sharjah’s latest leisure attraction, is a bastion of exotic trees, prehistoric rocks, a Butterfly House and other features.
The small island in Khalid Lagoon was officially inaugurated on Tuesday evening by His Highness Dr Shaikh Sultan Bin Mohammad Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah.
Dr Shaikh Sultan toured the island along with other dignitaries, including senior government officials.
The island, connected to Buhairah Corniche by a footbridge near Al Noor mosque, is intertwined by meandering wooden walkways that take visitors through the greenery.
Inside the island, the centre piece is a Butterfly House that houses 500 exotic East Asians butterflies, donates by Dr Shaikh Sultan.
It was not immediately clear when the island will open to the public. An entry booth mentions day adult tickets are priced at Dh45 per head while children’s tickets are Dh25 per head.
After 6pm, adult tickets are Dh30 and children tickets are Dh15 per head.
The trees, some of them oddly shaped, have been imported from other countries, including a 250-year-old olive tree from Spain.
There are also 300 million-year-old crystal rocks and art sculptures installed at various points.
There is also a play area for children and a Literate Pavilion where visitors can relax.
A cafeteria is also available within the Butterfly House.
Rest rooms have been furnished as well.
At night, special laser lighting gives the island a fantasy fairy tale look, with trees and rocks illuminated in bright colours.
The island is part of wider development works by Shurooq, the company behind Al Majaz Waterfront and other projects.
Water festival
Also announced on Tuesday was the ninth annual Sharjah Water Festival, scheduled for December 16 to 20 at Khalid Lagoon and Al Majaz Waterfront.
The event, held 4pm-11pm, will be held daily during the period, organisers Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority said.
The Authority stated that new activities have been incorporated this year, including family leisure activities, carnivals, mini stage shows, a jet ski school, a freestyle show and a heritage village.
As part of the festival, the Authority is including Sharjah World Championship Week and this features three World Championship titles all being played out in Grand Prix finals on Khalid Lagoon from December 17-20.
The F1H20 World Championship 2015 — Grand Prix of Sharjah at the Khalid Lagoon, hosted by the emirate over the last 16 years as part of the Sharjah Water Festival, will be as usual the most prominent round in the championship.
