Al Noor Island sits in the middle of Khalid Lagoon in Sharjah. Getting there is easy: walk along the waterfront to Al Noor Mosque and cross the bridge. The bridge has an unusual view of the skyscrapers and the water — especially at sunset, when the sun goes down behind the towers on the opposite shore.
The island is almost entirely green and divided into several zones, with plants unusual for the UAE, such as olive trees, as well as familiar palms and cacti.
Tickets and prices
What to see inside
Butterfly House. The island's main attraction is a glass pavilion under a teardrop-shaped dome with Arabic patterns, home to hundreds of exotic butterflies from India and Southeast Asia. Entry to the Butterfly House is paid separately from island entry.
Art. Sculptures and art installations are dotted around the island, turning a walk into an introduction to contemporary art.
Lighting. In the evening the park is lit with dozens of kinds of lamps and lanterns.
A playground and the Noor Café, with its futuristic design, are near the Butterfly House.
How to get there
The island is in Al Majaz in central Sharjah. Take a taxi to Al Noor Mosque or straight to the bridge; from Dubai, a taxi or car, depending on traffic.
Tips before you go
Come in the afternoon: walk around the park and visit the butterflies while it is light (the Butterfly House closes earlier than the island), then walk around again after dark with the lights on.
There is a package with island entry plus breakfast, lunch or dinner at Noor Café — handy if you want to eat on the island.
Al Noor Island, Al Majaz, Sharjah · 25.334337, 55.384871
