Al Noor Island in Sharjah has grown into a popular hub for residents and tourists looking to unwind in the family-friendly emirate. Stepping foot into Noor Island, Sharjah is like being transported to an entirely different world that lures you with attractions that inspire imagination.
From the phenomenal lighting displays and exceptional art sculptures to the beautiful fluttering butterflies and the seclusion of the Literature Pavilion – this place has tons to offer anyone who wants some time away from the city life and malls of Sharjah. Here’s everything you need to know about Al Noor Island in Sharjah
Attractions in Al Noor Island
Whether you are a nature buff or a culture vulture, there are plenty of things to do in Al Noor Island, making it a great weekend activity for those living in villas or apartments for rent in Sharjah.
Butterfly House
Home to more than 500 butterflies belonging to 20 different exotic species, the Butterfly House in Al Noor Island is the biggest attraction. This dreamy space is located inside an ergonomically designed, nature-inspired structure that retains humidity and allows natural light to enter the butterfly haven.
Covered with plants, the butterfly house provides the perfect sanctuary and camouflage to make the butterflies feel at home. Some of the most precious winged beauties at the Butterfly House include the pink rose, emerald swallowtail and the tailed jay.
Butterfly House Tickets
Entry to the Butterfly House costs an additional amount besides your entry ticket. Details for the guided Butterfly House tour add-on are as follows:
- Cost: AED 15 per person aged 13 and above; AED 10 per kid aged 3 – 12
- Timings: 09:00 am to 06:00 pm daily
Art and Sculpture
Al Noor Island in Sharjah is all about celebrating nature, art and creativity. This is evident in every aspect of the Island, including its bespoke art sculptures and installations. There are 6 different installations across the island, each seamlessly integrated with its cultural and natural environs.
Marvel at the grandeur and artistry of the Torus with its metallic finishes and illusionary light play. Let the egg-shaped OVO leave you awestruck with its skilful manipulation of wood, water and LED lights. Locate the meaningful yet simple rendition of stability and progression in the linear, abstract art of the Columns. Or just lose yourself in the veracity of the rock-solid trio of the Fossil Rocks.
Literature Pavilion
Cheerful colours, plush cushions and poetic verses penned down in beautiful Arabic calligraphy – the Literature Pavilion in Al Noor Island will certainly inspire the inner poet in you. The tasteful décor is only the beginning. As you walk into the pavilion, the sound of a fountain in the background coupled with soothingly soft music transports you into a dreamland.
Make yourself comfortable and get some reading done, or maybe put your mind to work and pen down ideas and expressions. The solace and serenity here will get your creative mojo rolling.
Landscaped Gardens
There is nothing better than finding yourself amid uninterrupted nature. Just breathe and feel the surroundings engulf you in their freshness. Al Noor Island in Sharjah is home to more than 70,000 plants and trees. Each greenery element on the island has been carefully selected to create landscapes as unique as Noor Island itself.
From towering cacti to bottle-shaped trees and medicinal variety of plants to an olive tree that has lived well over 2 centuries – the flora here is worth all the admiration it receives.
Al Noor Island at Night
Noor Island is often termed as enchanted. While its lush landscapes, awe-inspiring art installations and abundance of nature play their part, it is actually the bright display of LED lights at night that truly make the place seem whimsical. As the sun goes down, the island comes alive with bright neons, twinkling fairy lights and luminescence that lights up trees, walkways, art installations, buildings and even the bridge. Catching this stunning display is one of the unmissable things to do in Al Noor Island.
But the most dazzling display of all is the Gleaming Meadows – a flower bed made from 1200 illuminated fiber-glass blooms that change colours in perfect synchronisation. This display of harmony between technology and nature is just magical and you need to see it to believe it.
Al Noor Island Facilities
Playground
One of the popular kid-friendly attractions in Al Noor Island, the playground guarantees quality outdoor fun for kids. With swings, slides, climbing frames and tricky ropes, there is plenty to keep the little ones busy for hours. The abundance of trees and benches around the area make for excellent shaded seating as you monitor your child. This facility at Al Noor Island makes the place entirely family-friendly with something to do for everyone.
Al Noor Café
For those of you who would like to grab a quick bite while touring through Al Noor Island, the Noor Café has just the menu to cater to that. With its healthy selection of refreshing beverages and delicious snacks, the café provides you with a naturally lit, spacious seating arrangement to enjoy a good meal. At night, this quaint little place transforms into a luminarium with bright interiors and warmly lit furniture to set the mood for a great evening.
Noor Café Tickets
Purchase an all-inclusive Al Noor Island entry ticket and you can enjoy a meal at the Noor Café.
- Cost: AED 55
- Timings: All Day* (Open Hours)
*Last order can be placed at 10:00 PM on weekdays and 11:00 PM on weekends.
Al Noor Island Ticket Prices
The Noor Island entry gate is located adjacent to the Al Noor Mosque, which is famous for conducting one of the best mosque tours in the UAE. You can buy your Al Noor Island tickets at the gate. With the basic entrance ticket, you can roam around the island, access the Gleaming Meadows and enjoy a nature and photography walk.
- Al Noor Island Sharjah ticket price*: AED 35 per person aged 13 and above; AED 20 per kid aged 3 – 12
* This price does not include a Butterfly House visit
Al Noor Island Packages
If historical places in Sharjah are not your cup of tea, spending time at Al Noor Island can be just the getaway you need from the bustling city life. The island offers excellent recreation packages as well to suit your preferences.
Tropical Labyrinth
Enjoy a guided tour of the Al Noor Island Butterfly House paired with an indoor butterfly workshop, a nature walk, and snacks and beverages for refreshments.
- Cost: AED 65 per person or AED 190 per family (2 parents & 2 kids)
- Duration: 2 hours
By the Bay
Enjoy a tranquil meal by the lagoon at Al Noor Island, while you appreciate the majestic views of Al Majaz Waterfront. A guided island tour and nature walk are included in the package.
- Cost: AED 85 per person aged 13 and above; AED 35 per kid aged 3 – 12
- Timings: 09:00 am to 10:30 pm (Daily)
Sky Watch
Interested in stargazing and astronomy? Al Noor Island allows you to explore the night sky with its powerful telescopes and their resident expert astronomers.
- Cost: AED 50 per person
- Timings: Sunset to 11:00 pm on weekdays; sunset to 12:00 am on weekends
Junior Butterfly Keeper
Kids aged between 8 and 15 can learn about the different species of butterflies and moths. The education department at Al Noor Island conducts these educational tours to teach young minds about butterfly husbandry, feeding and rearing techniques. The package also includes an Al Noor Island guided tour.
- Cost: AED 150 per family
- Duration: 1 hour
Yoga at Sunrise (Ladies Only)
Only a few places in Sharjah can compete with the calm and solace of Al Noor Island. Using these traits to the best of its advantage, the island conducts yoga classes for women every month on the second Saturday.
- Cost: AED 50 per person
- Timings: 08:00 am to 09:00 am
Nurture Nature
Sign up for this once-a-month workshop at Al Noor Island to learn how to cultivate your own garden. The sessions have no minimum age requirements and are great for people living in rental villas in Sharjah. It’s even better if you have a garden in your home.
- Cost: AED 100 per person
- Duration: 2 Hours
How to reach Al Noor Island, Sharjah
Al Noor Island enjoys a peaceful location on Khalid Lagoon across the Al Majaz waterfront, which itself is a popular destination among people looking for free things to do in Sharjah. There is a pedestrian bridge behind the Al Noor Mosque that leads you to the island.
The important thing to keep in mind when planning a visit to Al Noor Island is the region’s popularity. People in Sharjah come from far and wide to relax and unwind at Al Majaz, which makes the area traffic-clogged. Finding a good parking spot is near impossible and you can end up wasting a lot of time on traffic lights.
So, if you visit Al Noor Island over the weekend, take the cab. In case you don’t have an option, but to drive, park your car near King Faisal Mosque and then walk from there. Obviously, this advice does not apply for hot summer days. Driving to Al Noor Island on weekdays is perfectly all right.
Other Information on Al Noor Island
- Al Noor Island Location: Buhaira Corniche Road, Khalid Lagoon, Opposite Al Noor Mosque – Al Majaz, Sharjah
- Timings: 09:00 am to 11:00 pm. Closes at 12:00 am on weekends
- Best time to visit: Mornings between 09:00 am and 11:00 am or Evenings between 04:00 pm and 07:00 pm
- Contact: +971-6-506-7000
Our Verdict – Is An Al Noor Island Visit Worth It?
Al Noor Island in Sharjah is designed to resemble a sanctuary where people can relax and unwind. Every aspect of this place fosters a deeper connection with your surroundings and nature. When you visit Al Noor Island, it’s like you have entered a world of enchantment. And for those who live in nearby areas such as Al Majaz and Al Qasimia, this family-friendly destination is only 10 minutes away by car.
The peaceful ambience enhanced with the omnipresent sound of waves crashing at the shore soothes your mind. The meditation music that continuously plays in the background only adds to your overall experience at the island.
As far as the attractions are concerned, The Butterfly House takes the prize with its unique setting that allows you a chance to observe butterflies up close. The playground and ample seating arrangement make it a great place for families.
Some people, however, may find the entrance fee and Al Noor Island ticket costs for other activities exorbitant. But what you get in exchange for that is totally worth the money you spend. If you love nature and peaceful surroundings, Al Noor Island should be on your list of places to visit in Sharjah.
In case you’re looking for more family-friendly places to visit in Sharjah, don’t miss out the Sharjah Desert Park.
