The Al Hefaiyah Mountain Conservation Centre is a mountain-wildlife conservation and visitor centre near Kalba on Sharjah's east coast. It was opened on 6 March 2016 by the Ruler of Sharjah and is run by Sharjah's Environment and Protected Areas Authority. It is not an Arabian leopard breeding centre: it is an exhibition and conservation centre for the animals of the Hajar Mountains.
What to see
According to the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment, large landscaped enclosures hold about thirty mountain species, and separate halls show nocturnal animals. Animals named at the centre include the Arabian leopard, Arabian wolf, striped hyena, caracal, Arabian tahr, Arabian oryx, gazelles and rock hyrax, and indoors snakes, lizards and hedgehogs. Check beforehand what is on view, as there is no official species list. Guided golf-cart tours take you round the enclosures.
In March 2024 an expansion opened with the Arabian Tahr project and a viewing platform over an acacia forest, where a herd of mountain gazelles can be seen. Al Hefaiyah Lake, covering 132,000 square metres, opened nearby at the same time with walking routes: an 11.7 km network of mountain trails, a children's play area and a rest house overlooking the lake.
Getting there
The centre is on the Sharjah–Kalba road (E102) past the Al Hiyar tunnel, on the outskirts of Kalba; the lake is on the same road. The Kalba Bird of Prey Centre and the Khor Kalba mangrove reserve are a few minutes' drive away. A car is easiest.
Planning your visit
The centre is open Sunday to Thursday 9:00–18:30, Friday from 14:00 and Saturday from 11:00; Monday is closed. According to guides an adult ticket costs AED 15–25 (sources differ, and VAT may apply) and children under 12 enter free; confirm the price and payment method by phone. Allow 1.5–2.5 hours, or half a day together with the lake and the Bird of Prey Centre.
Before you go
Come in the morning or late afternoon to avoid the midday heat. Bring water, snacks and cash in case cards aren't accepted. Photography is allowed.
Al Hefaiyah, Sharjah-Kalba Road (E102), Kalba, Sharjah · 24.993000, 56.324900
