Al Noor Island and Butterfly House
Al Noor Island
Al Noor Island is quite magical with its lush greenery, exquisite Butterfly Pavillion, beautiful butterflies and colourful night lighting and yet another quiet haven in the city of Sharjah. The island was designed by Austrian André Heller and has won numerous prestigious international awards.
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It is home to a small meadow, cactus garden, maze, several floss trees as well as many others. You will notice some trees with a label that say ‘I was saved’. These were trees that were saved from being cut down.
Stop off at the literature pavilion where you can sit and read to your heart’s content.
Al Noor Butterfly Pavilion
The Butterfly Pavilion, designed by German architects 3deluxe, is a beautiful golden structure which houses the Butterfly House. It has won multiple international awards for Architecture and Design. If you would like to know more about the design of the building, this is an interesting read.
Outside the butterfly house is a cafe serving delicious snacks and drinks. It has both indoor and outdoor seating. You can also book a Dining in the Bay experience with a view of the lagoon at sunset.
Al Noor Island Butterfly House
Of course, the Butterfly House shouldn’t be missed. You will find a variety of butterflies flying around the temperature controlled area and will see cocoons at different stages. Depending when you go, you may see caterpillars.
Cocoons are flown in every two weeks. If you would like to see caterpillars, it might be best to check with them when it is best to visit.
Al Noor Island Sharjah Nightime Lighting
Just before sunset, the island transforms into what I like to think of as a fairy forest.
And you can book your Dining in the Bay experience for the evening too.
Al Noor Island Art and Photography
As well as the Butterfly Pavilion and literature pavilion, the island has various art pieces and also several great spots for a selfie or a photo shoot. (Professional photo shoots require prior permission in most places.)
Al Noor Island Fossils
It also has fossils, such as the 35 million-year-old stone tree from Indonesia and the amethyst crystal from Brazil. A play area with wooden frames and ropes to climb and swing on are in keeping with the natural environment.
Al Noor Island Play Area
The island has a great play area for children with wooden frames and ropes to climb and swing on, in keeping with the natural environment.
One of our favourite parts of the island is the trampoline path. Children can have hours of fun bouncing back and forth.
Al Noor Island ticket price, timings and activities
Admission to the island is AED 35 (AED 20 for children 3-12) and AED 15 (AED 10 for children) to the Butterfly House (Combined ticket available for 2 for 1 in The Entertainer).
Al Noor Island Timings daily 9am to 11pm, weekends till midnight. Butterfly House Timings 9am to 6pm.
You may be interested in extra activities such as Yoga at Sunrise (ladies only), Junior Butterfly Keeper, Skywatchers after sunset. You can find more details of these and Dining in the Bay on their website.
As the island is often used for private events, it is recommended to call or email before your planned visit to make sure they are open.
This post was first published on 29 May 2021 and last updated on 7 October 2023.
Buy Exploring the Emirate of Sharjah – Walking and cycling tours and itineraries in the city and Central and Eastern Regions. Several include Al Noor Island – buy now
Buy Exploring the Emirate of Sharjah – walking, cycling tours and itineraries
If you want to combine this visit with other sight sin Sharjah, why not buy a ticket for the Hop On Hop bus tour? Buy your tickets online now.
Other places to visit near Al Noor Island
- Al Noor Mosque (especially during Sharjah Light Festival)
- Heart of Sharjah
- Al Qasba
- Sharjah Art Area
FAQs
- What’s the best time to visit Al Noor Island? That depends on the time of year. In December or January, I’d go any time of day, but the other winter months, I would go morning or about two hours before sunset. the rest of the year, an hour before sunset.
- What are Sharjah Butterfly House timings? 9am to 6pm
- What is the Butterfly House Sharjah ticket price? It’s AED 50 for an adult for island entrance and buttefly house entrance, AED 30 for a child aged 3-12, free for 2 and under. Buy tickets online now.
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