Sharjah to open its doors to one of the world’s largest safari parks

Gulf Today, Staff Reporter

Sharjah is set to inaugurate one of the world’s largest Safari Parks on Thursday. The park authorities told media that the safari park would be largest wildlife park outside Africa.

The official Instagram page Sharjah Safari shared a video giving glimpses of the attractions. The wildlife reserve is near the town of Al Dhaid and covers an area of 8 square kilometres.

The authorities said that the reserve has over 120 species of animals and over 100,000 African trees. The park updated its ticket list.

The tickets are categories in three different categories Gold, Silver and Bronze.

The prices go upto Dhs3500 for luxury tours, while as low as Dhs15 for a general group tour.

Last year, Hana Saif Al Suwaidi, Chairperson of the Sharjah Environment and Protected Areas Authority, said that Sharjah Safari witnessed the first breeding process of endangered white rhinos.

Hana said that the weight of the newborn rhino ranges between 60 and 65 kilogrammes.

His Highness Dr. Sheikh Sultan Bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, gave instructions for the Sharjah Safari to be made a suitable environment for African animals without walls, similar to their original environment, she said.

Visitors to Sharjah Safari will feel that lions are standing in front of them because the barriers will be hidden and invisible and all means of safety are provided, she added, noting that most of the trees and plants in Sharjah Safari had been brought from Africa so that the animals would feel that they are still in their environment.

Hana added, "We started by multiplying a number of animals in order to prepare the Sharjah Safari Park for the opening.The Ruler of Sharjah directed us to create the appropriate environment and a veterinary clinic in it. Specialized doctors for all animals are also hired at the park."