What Makes Al Noor Island Special
Al Noor Island is where nature comes to life in glorious technicolour . The island blends landscaped gardens, contemporary art, and interactive light displays into a single experience that appeals to families, couples, art lovers, and anyone seeking a peaceful escape from the city .
The island is car-free. Vehicles are prohibited, and visitors reach it by walking across a pedestrian bridge behind Al Noor Mosque on Sharjah Corniche Street . This pedestrian-only approach sets the tone: slower, quieter, more contemplative.
The Butterfly House: The Island’s Crown Jewel
The Butterfly House is the centrepiece of Al Noor Island and the reason many families make the trip. Home to more than 20 species of exotic butterflies (some sources report over 500 species globally represented), this climate-controlled sanctuary mimics a tropical rainforest environment, allowing visitors to walk among hundreds of delicate, colourful creatures .
The experience is educational as well as visual. Butterfly experts are on hand to explain the life cycle—from caterpillar to chrysalis to the final metamorphosis . The Junior Butterfly Keeper experience gives children the chance to learn directly from these experts.
Butterfly House Timings: 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM daily .
Ticket Options: Choosing Your Experience
Al Noor Island offers several ticket tiers, each with different inclusions. Here is how they compare:
Free Entry: Children under 2 years enter free of charge .
Important Note: A 5% VAT applies to ticket prices. Some third-party platforms list slightly different rates, so confirm current pricing at booking .
Opening Hours: Plan Around the Butterfly House
The island and the Butterfly House operate on different schedules—a detail that catches many visitors off guard.
Island Hours:
Butterfly House Hours:
If the Butterfly House is your priority, arrive before 6 PM. If you want to experience the island’s famous night illuminations, arrive after sunset—the interactive light displays transform the gardens and pathways into something completely different .
Getting There: The Practical Route
Al Noor Island is located on Khalid Lagoon, accessible via Corniche Street (S110) . The island is car-free; visitors park nearby and walk across the pedestrian bridge behind Al Noor Mosque .
By Bus: The nearest bus stop is Buhaira Corniche Al Noor Mosque, approximately a 7-minute walk from the island entrance .
By Car: Al Noor Island is approximately 20 minutes from Sharjah Airport . Paid parking is available near the corniche.
From Dubai: Al Noor Island is a feasible day trip from Dubai. The Sharjah City Sightseeing bus service connects the Expo Center with Al Noor Island and other popular Sharjah destinations .
Scenic Walking Route: For those who enjoy a longer walk, Al Noor Island can be reached by following the corniche trail from Sharjah Expo through Al Qasba and Al Majaz Waterfront—a scenic and photogenic route along some of Sharjah’s cultural landmarks .
