Al Noor Island

Al Noor Island is a delightful cultural park located in the UAE, Sharjah, Khalid Lagoon. This place occupies an area of 45,470 sq. meters and has received awards for its unique design and the harmony in which it combines elements of nature and human creative activity. Al Noor Park is accessible via a pedestrian bridge, which starts right after the impressive Al Noor Mosque. From the bridge, you can enjoy a view of beautiful scenery over the lagoon and marvel at the tranquility and beauty of the place, as the sounds of the city gradually subside behind you.

This park was opened to visitors in 2015 by the Sharjah Investment and Development Authority (a.k.a. Shurooq). The place was designed as a recreational area for residents of all ages, offering a break from the bustling city. This park cannot be called ordinary; it does not have amusement park attributes or shopping malls. Al Noor island offers space for walks, rest, and enjoying the scenery. It has welcomed over a million visitors who have appreciated the opportunity to relax in a friendly atmosphere and admire the beautiful scenery.

One of the most remarkable features of this place is nature and its contribution to the overall effect of Al Noor Island. More than 70,000 plants and trees have been created within the territory. There are many local plants, including the acacia, the ghaf and sidr trees, growing wildly in the desert, as well as the ever-growing date palm, which is quite common in these parts. In addition, there are olive trees, rare ancient bismarckia palms, cacti, and various other succulents. Various bushes with flowers create shade, giving rest to weary visitors, as well as habitats for local wildlife. Al Noor island has been designed in such a way that all elements of the park, from the tiniest detail to the most significant structures, respect and preserve the natural ecosystem and the wisdom of the desert.

On the walk, you will also come across several sculptures and installations created by local and international authors. Sculpture Torus by David Harber glitters and shines, reflecting the colours of the sky, surrounding trees, and water. Nearby, one can see the installation Flutter by Chris Wood, which creates the illusion of butterflies hovering over one’s head. In turn, local emirati sculptor Azza Al Qubaisi has created a wonderful sculpture entitled The Swing , made in the style of traditional pearl diving boats, which symbolises waiting for pearl divers. In turn, other works of art, such as the light show, the mysterious OVO egg, the columns in the center of the park, also create a sense of space in which people can enjoy nature, art, and a walk in an open area.

Another great novelty of this place is the Butterfly House, which is popular among locals and visitors. Al Noor Park has a special greenhouse with a fantastic view of nature. Inside the Butterfly House, there is a fascinating exhibit of more than 500 butterflies of various species. A walk through this hall allows one not only to enjoy the beauty of the creatures but also to dive into their world and learn about their life cycle. This place is a real educational and entertainment center for children because it invites you to take a walk through an unforgettable adventure and learn new things.

As evening falls, the park becomes even more beautiful because thousands of lights turn on along the 3.5 km path, creating a wonderful reflection on the water’s surface. One of the most striking views is the Gleaming Meadows – glowing flowers made of fiber glass, which change colours from pink to blue. Thanks to the many lanterns, bridges, and lighting, Al Noor Park becomes a real magic forest of glowing signs. People love to come to this place in the evening and enjoy a walk through the scenic view. Sitting on the grass, visitors can contemplate the beauty of the lagoon and the city skyline.

In addition to the described attractions, it is worth visiting the Literature Pavilion, which provides a great opportunity to enjoy a quiet walk and read. Locals also visit the play area with slides and swings for children. In turn, the park’s café offers healthy cuisine with spectacular views of natural beauty. The place organises family workshops and events that promote environmental awareness.

Al Noor Island creates a sense of space in which man, nature, and art live in harmony. This place is designed in such a way that it provides its visitors with an opportunity for reflection, rest, and enjoyment in a spectacular setting.

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The Butterfly House Pavilion is the island’s crown jewel. It is a beautifully constructed building that provides the cool environment needed to ensure the comfort of the insects inside it. This wonderful building hosts more than five hundred species of butterflies inside its glass walls. As one walks into this pavilion, the first thing that attracts you is the coolness that emanates from the walls. Colourful butterflies flutter around the place picking on the leaves, flowers, and even the visitors’ shoulders. They come in all sizes; some as small as a finger-nail while others have wings as big as your hand. The pavilion is melodious with the sounds of fluttering wings and the lovely fragrance of the flowers. Children gasp in delight as they watch these beautiful insects while adults seem to spend more time outside the pavilion looking at the fascinating insects. In this pavilion, one learns a great deal about the fascinating insects. It is an educational institution that enlightens visitors on how these beautiful creatures live their short but amazing lives.

Attached to the Butterfly House is a large garden with captivating artworks scattered all over it. This garden has world-class sculptures that offer spectacular displays to the visitors. The best sculpture in the garden is the egg-shaped structure known as OVO. During the day, this structure is dazzling as it captures the light and displays vibrant colours that are quite hard to miss. As dusk falls, the whole place becomes mysterious as the OVO sculpture starts glowing from within. Different colours gradually change their positions as the music plays. The music is quite intriguing as it complements the show that the sculpture is putting on without overbearing the whole place. At night, people gather at the OVO sculpture and sit on the grass while enjoying this breathtaking view that is absolutely mesmerising. Apart from the OVO sculpture, other masterpieces are scattered around the place. Each of the sculptures has its unique features and size. Some are short while others are tall. Each of the sculptures offers the visitors a magnificent view that leaves them in awe.

From the sculptures, one can easily reach the Literature Pavilion by taking a short trail. This pavilion is well-furnished with writing utensils such as pens, papers, and highlighters to help the visitors write down their thoughts. The place has comfortable sets of chairs and tables strategically placed to serve their purpose. Books, magazines, and journals line the shelves that run along the wall. The walls have beautiful colours and designs since the place was made to help boost the visitor’s concentration. Large windows allow daylight inside the pavilion while sconces provide enough lighting during the night. All these features create an atmosphere that is pleasing to the eye and at the same time helps one relax. One can occupy the place for as long as they want without feeling bored. During my time in the pavilion, I have watched people read from books and write down their thoughts using the notebook they brought along. Others took a nap as they enjoyed the place’s serene environment. One would feel refreshed after occupying this place as it provides a means for people to unwind.

Connecting the Literature Pavilion to the rest of the island is a boardwalk that runs through the property. This long trail is 3.5 km making sure that every visitor explores every part of the island. Along this trail, there are a series of gardens and nature that one finds quite captivating. At a specific point, the trail passes through a desert of giant cactuses with bizarre shapes. At another point, the trail meanders through a forest of tall trees that offer a cool place for the walkers. Further ahead, the trail winds through vast grasslands to the open plains where one can interact with the environment and enjoy the beauty of the place. There are benches along the trail where the tired walkers can sit and enjoy the view. The trail is broad and smooth which makes it easy for people of all ages to use it. Families with young ones, the elderly, and individuals all enjoy this trail as they each set their own pace and discover different things along the way.

All these features make up the island that seems like heaven. The Butterfly House provides comfort to the beautiful insects that inhabit it while the amazing art outside the pavilion amazes the visitors as it transforms its appearance every hour of the day. The Literature Pavilion offers a tranquil environment for people to utilise as they spend quality time reading and writing. Finally, the long trail ensures that people can explore the rest of the island and enjoy every bit of it. One can spend the whole day in the place discovering new things and enjoying a fantastic view. Morning is the best time to see the butterflies while the afternoon is suitable for exploring the vast open land. Night is the best time to enjoy the amazing artworks as they provide a dramatic but lovely view. Anyone who visits this island goes back home enlightened as every part of it serves its purpose of helping the visitors unwind. The butterfly house is the most amazing part of the island as it ensures beautiful butterflies are not away from the visitors’ sight. The beautiful insects live in a glass house that keeps them warm all the time of the year. Outside the Butterfly House, the artworks are well protected as they survive the night to put on a spectacular show for the visitors. The Literature Pavilion stands out as one of the best places that offer serenity to the weary travelers that visit it. Last but not least, the 3.5 km boardwalk that runs along the property helps the visitors discover other parts of the island. This trail is perfect for people who like the outdoors as it connects the desert of giant cactus to the tall trees and cool grassland. At this trail, the visitors find themselves in awe as they experience the fascinating environment that the island offers. 

• Best Time to go: Arrive early to catch the Butterfly House before it closes at 6:00PM and get to witness the island being transformed into a dazzling display of lights as it gets dark.
• How to Get There: There is no road leading to the car-free island; however, there are places to park near Al Noor Mosque on the Buhaira Corniche with a pleasant walk over a pedestrian bridge.

In general, the decision to keep the outdoor section open until the evening and close the Butterfly House earlier in the day perfectly suits the visitors. It allows them to enjoy the amazing views while being able to observe the numerous species of butterflies. The split schedule is a great way to improve the visitor experience, making their stay at the island comfortable, enjoyable, and full of adventure.

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