![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/RX2GGTL4R5DHHAFF6FXTYOUV7Q.jpg?smart=true&auth=fe6f6cc189c28bbae289a38746c650fdab9c2a8a287cf8bd70bebf440e9a5f37&width=400&height=225)
Sharjah Safari's logo is a celebration of the animal kingdom. Photo: Sharjah Safari
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/3FA6SKAQXRDFDD3O4QIOTFGJA4.jpg?smart=true&auth=22801a7562ccc71bd01dad5a1c3d3d6dbf5e3a89fe8add9d304fc9e5edb5ce54&width=400&height=225)
Sharjah Safari covers an area of eight square kilometres. All photos: Antonie Robertson / The National
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/XANFCCCPXZFCPHOHZFENQNFGIM.jpg?smart=true&auth=15dad53b34f062fe3ef66deed1065cd8d2404f7b8bb428b0683998d944ae4f47&width=400&height=225)
The official opening of the Sharjah Safari Park took place on Thursday, February 17.
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/A4UTJ3RKBVHEXGCUJDF4CCWRD4.jpg?smart=true&auth=3835ca802e2028f49cac84578bbc985ff930f5eae2c3dd3764ca58da676debfc&width=400&height=225)
Sharjah Safari Park is said to be the largest safari in the world outside Africa.
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/36LOV5QPKZBXRKWRASNLZ7H4Z4.jpg?smart=true&auth=94de70350c79fea407c3fb730cb3707b4dc98bddac2dacf630e5b47d118c4110&width=400&height=225)
It is located in Al Bridi Nature Reserve in the city of Al Dhaid in Sharjah.
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/GIVHLGA7VVADJLAIGDTXW3SXGU.jpg?smart=true&auth=cf00e5fc51b5da775ebba35cf931024fcbf6ba66f403df4fe364364f950c388d&width=400&height=225)
Sharjah Safari is home to more than 120 species, including rare animals native to Africa, the rarest of which is the black rhinoceros.
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/P4RV5K2P5RDE5CDP6JIKREZPHA.jpg?smart=true&auth=9407930367aad8fc425e983f1c52532e5b3f26ae99c474daa1f8cda2285c2c13&width=400&height=225)
Visitors can meet Bridi, the first African female giraffe born in Sharjah Safari. Bridi's parents arrived in Sharjah from South Africa in May 2017.
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/PPZHLIBPMBEZPEAEJ4GXHD3XT4.jpg?smart=true&auth=d02325bef26ae88a9122db7e1802710e841cd7fe1c9d1f95317c7294712fddd3&width=400&height=225)
Visitors experience the safari through 12 themed 'environments', each representing a region in Africa.
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/RP4PD63DEJD7VMRMPN2PLFWBCE.jpg?smart=true&auth=3d407cc17c49c04aa6f7c1dfb7baf145e290e85809d73efd35157c79a3264ec4&width=400&height=225)
More than 1,000 native and African trees, including the umbrella-shaped Acacia tortilis, have been planted across the site.
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/OZJY3NVBXBGGXOMZEVKAOAXS3M.jpg?smart=true&auth=53960a1c6ed8a7f5b3c00d472a8ded95f18f02d3e050a7300050161538ad2067&width=400&height=225)
Another highlight is Wuhaida, the first female southern white rhino born in Sharjah Safari in August 2021.
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/UM422VTFPJFU3KE2G6OPVCE5KA.jpg?smart=true&auth=e1fda91aa34c596f0e8f4c332a8fea8ac1b99c7ccd7ab38124d7ab33839cf3ee&width=400&height=225)
Tickets start from Dh15 for children aged 3 to 12, and Dh40 for over 12s.
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/A5SWBXFJQRB7HOBZBOKSQ6BUUE.jpg?smart=true&auth=9f82a39154dcf314187237d65d23d21e0a2c0c8076517887354f7eadeabc1940&width=400&height=225)
Sharjah Safari will be open daily from 8.30am until 6.30pm.
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/ETEFQ4YFAVBIZAF4IE6HOPPIIQ.jpg?smart=true&auth=e7aa80eec5dc30dcb3278a32c3af39709d28fab6e88d18de8a6c0781a4d73abe&width=400&height=225)
Sharjah Safari is located within Al Bridi Nature Reserve, created by Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Ruler of Sharjah.
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/YQVJ6XLU6BATNB5C2JA76DTTZA.jpg?smart=true&auth=78cf32d5cd4b6a17a4fc015b415a25f26d6fa17e8c9bff711c908672225b88db&width=400&height=225)
Al Bridi reserve is located in the oasis town of Al Dhaid, about 49 kilometres from the city of Sharjah.
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/YTXLT74ALRC25NZCGMYYBH6CTI.jpg?smart=true&auth=7b7f91fc3f6ef26255e666f82302903b6b879f05f1bc9963898c3050fd1925db&width=400&height=225)
Visitors show up on opening day.
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/MQF2IFOEWFCAZE5SSN7U3X7QPU.jpg?smart=true&auth=b148a2deb07aed5bd7882f9bee05b825fc845d6fe40b79fe88f8662a36189322&width=400&height=225)
Sharjah Safari is a new major tourist attraction in the emirate.
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/Z3JYDHVM7RAE3NGDRZ3Y6SHYPQ.jpg?smart=true&auth=6955476d83c7baabe5399bd74574ef98e19eec4f8341e5117f73a58118a168b7&width=400&height=225)
Last entry is 2pm for Gold and Silver ticket holders and 4pm for those with Bronze tickets.
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/BCFKIORFTRC4XI6M3NTUCUVH5Q.jpg?smart=true&auth=fd1f941a0e44b810b28b8a770a8c8986a7d8f1024e6712dba6b7bf1c20bee2a5&width=400&height=225)
Indigenous creatures make their home in Sharjah Safari.
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/L3PXE6Q2OREZPDWGOAGET33A4Y.jpg?smart=true&auth=e07bbc5c9ff4ed9c052e0c4215cbef00dee1428b08408d462b9defcd02f27ab3&width=400&height=225)
Giraffes also reside here.
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/CMJCRCGJURFJNLA46GHHXX6IFQ.jpg?smart=true&auth=68be95132591d45018d65988509d5ee8095b4ba7b1914425fafadaef8dbb376e&width=400&height=225)
On opening day, visitors to Sharjah Safari were able to see more than 1,000 animals and birds, including 70 species that are native to Africa.
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/NH2BCFDTNFA2XMNLXHAJ3WQFZU.jpg?smart=true&auth=d1af82c48368e1187fa5fd0bbe1e399e0f12a1f1ec7a4bff76e2b0d678095ab4&width=400&height=225)
Initially scheduled to open in late 2021, the launch of the UAE's latest attraction was delayed due to the coronavirus pandemic.
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/HD3E366ZDBBYFHAD6PA4YQO76Y.jpg?smart=true&auth=6154bc42441aafba19ae9b24ccdc563dcd8d59ed1fffc9a667efbe582de450ed&width=400&height=225)
Animals settle into their new habitats.
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/RX2GGTL4R5DHHAFF6FXTYOUV7Q.jpg?smart=true&auth=fe6f6cc189c28bbae289a38746c650fdab9c2a8a287cf8bd70bebf440e9a5f37&width=400&height=225)
Sharjah Safari's logo is a celebration of the animal kingdom. Photo: Sharjah Safari
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/3FA6SKAQXRDFDD3O4QIOTFGJA4.jpg?smart=true&auth=22801a7562ccc71bd01dad5a1c3d3d6dbf5e3a89fe8add9d304fc9e5edb5ce54&width=400&height=225)
Sharjah Safari covers an area of eight square kilometres. All photos: Antonie Robertson / The National
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/XANFCCCPXZFCPHOHZFENQNFGIM.jpg?smart=true&auth=15dad53b34f062fe3ef66deed1065cd8d2404f7b8bb428b0683998d944ae4f47&width=400&height=225)
The official opening of the Sharjah Safari Park took place on Thursday, February 17.
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/A4UTJ3RKBVHEXGCUJDF4CCWRD4.jpg?smart=true&auth=3835ca802e2028f49cac84578bbc985ff930f5eae2c3dd3764ca58da676debfc&width=400&height=225)
Sharjah Safari Park is said to be the largest safari in the world outside Africa.
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/36LOV5QPKZBXRKWRASNLZ7H4Z4.jpg?smart=true&auth=94de70350c79fea407c3fb730cb3707b4dc98bddac2dacf630e5b47d118c4110&width=400&height=225)
It is located in Al Bridi Nature Reserve in the city of Al Dhaid in Sharjah.
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/GIVHLGA7VVADJLAIGDTXW3SXGU.jpg?smart=true&auth=cf00e5fc51b5da775ebba35cf931024fcbf6ba66f403df4fe364364f950c388d&width=400&height=225)
Sharjah Safari is home to more than 120 species, including rare animals native to Africa, the rarest of which is the black rhinoceros.
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/P4RV5K2P5RDE5CDP6JIKREZPHA.jpg?smart=true&auth=9407930367aad8fc425e983f1c52532e5b3f26ae99c474daa1f8cda2285c2c13&width=400&height=225)
Visitors can meet Bridi, the first African female giraffe born in Sharjah Safari. Bridi's parents arrived in Sharjah from South Africa in May 2017.
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/PPZHLIBPMBEZPEAEJ4GXHD3XT4.jpg?smart=true&auth=d02325bef26ae88a9122db7e1802710e841cd7fe1c9d1f95317c7294712fddd3&width=400&height=225)
Visitors experience the safari through 12 themed 'environments', each representing a region in Africa.
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/RP4PD63DEJD7VMRMPN2PLFWBCE.jpg?smart=true&auth=3d407cc17c49c04aa6f7c1dfb7baf145e290e85809d73efd35157c79a3264ec4&width=400&height=225)
More than 1,000 native and African trees, including the umbrella-shaped Acacia tortilis, have been planted across the site.
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/OZJY3NVBXBGGXOMZEVKAOAXS3M.jpg?smart=true&auth=53960a1c6ed8a7f5b3c00d472a8ded95f18f02d3e050a7300050161538ad2067&width=400&height=225)
Another highlight is Wuhaida, the first female southern white rhino born in Sharjah Safari in August 2021.
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/UM422VTFPJFU3KE2G6OPVCE5KA.jpg?smart=true&auth=e1fda91aa34c596f0e8f4c332a8fea8ac1b99c7ccd7ab38124d7ab33839cf3ee&width=400&height=225)
Tickets start from Dh15 for children aged 3 to 12, and Dh40 for over 12s.
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/A5SWBXFJQRB7HOBZBOKSQ6BUUE.jpg?smart=true&auth=9f82a39154dcf314187237d65d23d21e0a2c0c8076517887354f7eadeabc1940&width=400&height=225)
Sharjah Safari will be open daily from 8.30am until 6.30pm.
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/ETEFQ4YFAVBIZAF4IE6HOPPIIQ.jpg?smart=true&auth=e7aa80eec5dc30dcb3278a32c3af39709d28fab6e88d18de8a6c0781a4d73abe&width=400&height=225)
Sharjah Safari is located within Al Bridi Nature Reserve, created by Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Ruler of Sharjah.
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/YQVJ6XLU6BATNB5C2JA76DTTZA.jpg?smart=true&auth=78cf32d5cd4b6a17a4fc015b415a25f26d6fa17e8c9bff711c908672225b88db&width=400&height=225)
Al Bridi reserve is located in the oasis town of Al Dhaid, about 49 kilometres from the city of Sharjah.
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/YTXLT74ALRC25NZCGMYYBH6CTI.jpg?smart=true&auth=7b7f91fc3f6ef26255e666f82302903b6b879f05f1bc9963898c3050fd1925db&width=400&height=225)
Visitors show up on opening day.
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/MQF2IFOEWFCAZE5SSN7U3X7QPU.jpg?smart=true&auth=b148a2deb07aed5bd7882f9bee05b825fc845d6fe40b79fe88f8662a36189322&width=400&height=225)
Sharjah Safari is a new major tourist attraction in the emirate.
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/Z3JYDHVM7RAE3NGDRZ3Y6SHYPQ.jpg?smart=true&auth=6955476d83c7baabe5399bd74574ef98e19eec4f8341e5117f73a58118a168b7&width=400&height=225)
Last entry is 2pm for Gold and Silver ticket holders and 4pm for those with Bronze tickets.
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/BCFKIORFTRC4XI6M3NTUCUVH5Q.jpg?smart=true&auth=fd1f941a0e44b810b28b8a770a8c8986a7d8f1024e6712dba6b7bf1c20bee2a5&width=400&height=225)
Indigenous creatures make their home in Sharjah Safari.
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/L3PXE6Q2OREZPDWGOAGET33A4Y.jpg?smart=true&auth=e07bbc5c9ff4ed9c052e0c4215cbef00dee1428b08408d462b9defcd02f27ab3&width=400&height=225)
Giraffes also reside here.
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/CMJCRCGJURFJNLA46GHHXX6IFQ.jpg?smart=true&auth=68be95132591d45018d65988509d5ee8095b4ba7b1914425fafadaef8dbb376e&width=400&height=225)
On opening day, visitors to Sharjah Safari were able to see more than 1,000 animals and birds, including 70 species that are native to Africa.
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/NH2BCFDTNFA2XMNLXHAJ3WQFZU.jpg?smart=true&auth=d1af82c48368e1187fa5fd0bbe1e399e0f12a1f1ec7a4bff76e2b0d678095ab4&width=400&height=225)
Initially scheduled to open in late 2021, the launch of the UAE's latest attraction was delayed due to the coronavirus pandemic.
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/HD3E366ZDBBYFHAD6PA4YQO76Y.jpg?smart=true&auth=6154bc42441aafba19ae9b24ccdc563dcd8d59ed1fffc9a667efbe582de450ed&width=400&height=225)
Animals settle into their new habitats.
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/RX2GGTL4R5DHHAFF6FXTYOUV7Q.jpg?smart=true&auth=fe6f6cc189c28bbae289a38746c650fdab9c2a8a287cf8bd70bebf440e9a5f37&width=400&height=225)
Sharjah Safari's logo is a celebration of the animal kingdom. Photo: Sharjah Safari
Sharjah Safari park opens its gates after seven years in making
New 800-hectare park will offer a taste of Africa as the region's largest wildlife reserve
![Nick Webster](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/https%3A%2F%2Fs3.amazonaws.com%2Farc-authors%2Fthenational%2F9cfba7f3-8cc8-4789-bcec-97bd0007d9ef.png?smart=true&auth=96a9a5766af20e4704e52306e74ecd02669a7e0ffd084d4151d31e0039a945d3&width=70&height=70)
Nick Webster
17 February, 2022
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