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Sir Bu Nair Island, located 112 kilometres off Sharjah's coast, is a significant natural reserve in the UAE. Spanning four kilometres and resembling a horse's tail, this one-of-a-kind island hosts a diverse ecosystem and shelters endangered species like hawksbill turtles and green turtles. Every year, from March to June, rare sea turtles return to the island's beaches to lay their eggs.
The island is rich in marine life, with around 95 species of reef fish and 45 species of stony corals thriving in its waters. A particularly notable discovery is the redcoat squirrelfish, a species never before recorded in the Gulf. The island also serves as a habitat for large populations of sooty gulls, bridled terns, as well as hedgehogs, deer, and reptiles.
Sir Bu Nair Island offers visitors a range of thrilling activities, from diving to exploring the vibrant marine life to boat rides and sailing races. Traditional shows celebrating the region's heritage are also a highlight. It is recommended to visit the island between March and June when the Sir Bu Nair Environmental Heritage Festival and Al Gaffal Traditional Dhow Sailing Race take place. Entry requires a special permit from the Environment and Protected Areas Authority, which has managed the island since 2000.
Historically, the island served as a key meeting point for pearl fishermen and a safe haven for ships during storms. Recognised for its global environmental significance, Sir Bu Nair is listed by the International Union for Conservation of Nature and protected under prominent international agreements, including the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands.
ِAl Qurm Protected Area is a unique ecological reserve that merges marine and terrestrial environments. Situated in the coastal region of Kalba, it spans 4.9 square kilometres at the southern edge of Kalba village on Sharjah’s east coast. This impressive reserve supports a variety of ecosystems, including mangroves, salt marshes, and wetlands.
The mangroves in the reserve act as a vital defence against erosion caused by severe weather. This reserve also serves as an essential habitat for the rare Arabian collared kingfisher and numerous other unique bird species.
It is a crucial sanctuary for various wildlife, including distinctive water birds and large-headed turtles, as well as green turtles. In recognition of its environmental significance, the reserve was designated under the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands in 2013.
The Environment and Protected Areas Authority oversees the reserve, providing visitors a variety of exciting activities such as kayaking, walking tours, and camping. For an optimal experience, winter is the ideal time to visit and explore the Kalba Kingfisher Lodge there. This premier tourism project in the region boasts twenty luxurious tents designed for ultimate comfort and relaxation, allowing guests to fully immerse themselves in the stunning beauty of the mangrove reserve.
Al Fayeh Protected Area, established in 2007 in Mleiha west of the Hajar Mountains, is a renowned natural reserve in the Emirate of Sharjah. Its strategic location within Jebel Al Faya underscores its importance as a key archaeological site in Sharjah and the UAE. Spanning 36 square kilometres, Al Fayeh Protected Area functions as a geological and archaeological museum, showcasing exceptional biological diversity and historical significance.
This reserve is celebrated for its distinct rocky mountains and awe-inspiring cliffs, along with its diverse array of rodents and reptiles. A standout feature is the presence of ancient marine fossils from when the Arabian Peninsula was covered by shallow waters 70 million years ago. Among the significant finds are ammonites, nummulites, and fossils of tetracorallas and trilobites, composed of minerals like calcite and chromite.
Al Fayeh Protected Area provides a distinctive and enriching experience with its breathtaking views, expansive sand dunes, and diverse fossils. Visitors are encouraged to bring magnifying glasses for a closer examination of the fossils and minerals within the reserve. Managed by the Environment and Protected Areas Authority, the reserve is best visited during winter to take advantage of the pleasant, moderate climate.
Established in 2007, this unique reserve is located on Sharjah Al Dhaid Road, near the tenth bridge. Covering approximately 11 square kilometres, it features a flat landscape adorned with acacia and ghaf trees. Known for its sandy nature, Al Mentether Protected Area extends from the largest alluvial plains in the central region. It also has the potential to host around 1.5 million acacia and ghaf trees, creating a striking green belt.
The reserve supports diverse wildlife, including see-see partridge, chestnut-bellied sandgrouse, grey francolins, stock doves, and various reptiles and rodents. This rich biological diversity makes it an ideal environment for numerous species including perennial trees.
Al Mentether Protected Area is historically and culturally significant, having been a key meeting point for caravans arriving from various places. Today, it provides a unique retreat from the urban hustle, allowing visitors to explore the desert ecosystem. Managed by the Environment and Protected Areas Authority, the reserve hosts annual tree-planting campaigns in partnership with governmental and private organisations to promote wildlife conservation awareness.
Al Bardi Reserve, founded in 2007, is a leading natural reserve in the Emirate of Sharjah, located within the Al Dhaid Plain and covering over 18 square kilometres. It is uniquely distinguished as the only reserve in the UAE dominated by vachellia tortilis vegetation. These unique attributes make it a crucial site for environmental research in the region.
Some of the vachellia tortilis in the reserve are over two hundred years old, providing habitat for many wild animals and other living organisms. Moreover, their flowers serve as an ideal food source for honeybees making local honey.
This reserve has successfully reintroduced many species that had been extinct for some time and is committed to enhancing its plant cover and biodiversity. Al Dhaid City Municipality has initiated a project to distribute seeds of desert trees and native shrubs. Furthermore, the Sharjah Safari located within this reserve plays a vital role in boosting the region's environmental diversity. As the largest safari outside Africa, it spans eight square kilometres and hosts over one hundred thousand local and African trees.
Perched on the hillsides of the Hajar Mountains near Kalba in Sharjah, Al Hefaiyah Mountain Conservation Centre is both a haven for wildlife and a sought-after destination for nature enthusiasts. Home to over thirty species of mountain and desert animals, it offers a valuable biological experience and a unique opportunity to explore diverse wildlife.
From the enclosed areas housing snakes, lizards, hedgehogs and scorpions to the vast natural habitats that support endangered species like tahrs, Arabian leopards, and lynxes, the reserve showcases a rich biodiversity. This diverse array of animals underscores the commitment to safeguarding local species and maintaining the ecological balance in the region.
The centre provides an outstanding opportunity for wildlife enthusiasts to explore nature via a 1.5-kilometre trail leading to designated animal observation zones. For a more convenient experience, visitors can use golf carts to navigate the reserve. Glass walkways also allow guests to view animals up close in their natural habitats while ensuring the safety of both visitors and wildlife.
Additionally, Al Hefaiyah Mountain Conservation Centre offers a rare chance to witness the nocturnal activities of mountain animals, enhancing the visitor experience. Alongside live sightings, the site's detailed engravings reveal the area's wildlife history. Focused on education and awareness, the centre conducts workshops throughout the year, including weekly sessions for students. These programmes are important in fostering environmental awareness and underscoring the importance of biodiversity conservation.
References
[1] portal.shjmun.gov.ae, نبذة عن الشارقة
[2] sirbunaiereserve.ae, جزيرة صير بو نعير ملاذ آمن للمخلوقات النادرة
[3] moccae.gov.ae, محمية حزام غابات المنتثر
[4] xsi.sdc.gov.ae, محميات الوسطى.. تنوع بيئي وثراء فطري وحيوي
[5] worldscoolestwinter.ae, مركز الحفية لصون البيئة الجبلية
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