Getting into Sharjah National Park costs AED 2 a person, and the park stays open from 8 AM to 10 PM. Payment at the gate is by card, so bring one.
It’s the largest park in the emirate, about 630,000 square metres of lawns, playgrounds and barbecue ground on Al Dhaid Road (E88). This guide covers what’s inside, the rules that catch visitors out, and how the park differs from Sharjah’s neighbourhood parks, which run on a separate entry card.
Fees, hours & contact
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Entry | AED 2 per person, paid by card at the gate |
| Hours | 8 AM to 10 PM daily |
| Ramadan hours | 7:30 AM to 1 PM, then 4 PM to 1 AM |
| Size | About 630,000 sq m (roughly 156 acres) |
| Address | Al Dhaid Road (E88), Al Qarayen, Sharjah |
| Operator | Sharjah Municipality, 06 562 3333 |
| Time to allow | 2 to 3 hours |
What’s inside
- Barbecue stations and picnic tables, some sheltered and some open-air
- A children’s playground under a canopy, plus a giant slide
- A miniature city with scale models of Sharjah landmarks
- A duck pond
- A small train that circles the park
- Jogging and cycling tracks
- Cafeterias, a mosque and prayer rooms for women
Rules that matter
- Pets aren’t allowed, and that includes dogs.
- Barbecues are limited to the marked stations. Bring your own charcoal and food.
- Football and cricket aren’t allowed on the lawns.
- Cycling stays on the designated tracks.
Best time to go
In summer, go between 4 PM and 8 PM, once the afternoon heat eases. In winter the park works at any hour.
Weekend evenings are the busiest. Arriving before the evening rush makes parking easier and gives you a choice of shaded spots and barbecue stations.
Getting there
The park sits on Al Dhaid Road (E88) in Al Qarayen, about 4 km from Sharjah International Airport. Dubai International Airport is roughly 27 km away, and ride-hailing drivers know the location.
Sharjah Desert Park is further along the same road.
Neighbourhood parks & the Park Entry Card
Sharjah’s residential neighbourhood parks require a Park Entry Card from Sharjah Municipality, which costs AED 15 for residents. Sharjah National Park is ticketed at the gate, so it doesn’t need the card.
To get one:
- Open the Park Entry Card service on the Sharjah Municipality portal.
- Enter your Emirates ID, name, mobile number, nationality and address.
- Attach a copy of your Emirates ID and your tenancy contract or electricity bill.
- Pay the AED 15 fee by debit or credit card, then download the card.
The card is valid for one year and renews through the same service.
Sharjah Desert Park
Sharjah Desert Park is the wildlife and museum option, further out on Al Dhaid Road (E88) at Interchange 9. One ticket covers the Arabian Wildlife Centre, the Natural History Museum, a botanical garden and a children’s farm.
It closes on Tuesdays, and the breeding centre for endangered Arabian wildlife isn’t open to the public. Hours, ticket prices and a venue-by-venue breakdown are in the Sharjah Desert Park guide.
Which park to pick
- Picnic, barbecue and playground on a small budget: Sharjah National Park, from 4 PM in summer.
- Wildlife, museum halls and air-conditioned exhibits: Sharjah Desert Park, on any day except Tuesday.
- Sea air instead of lawns: the Al Hamriyah Beach guide covers a free beach with a Beach Park side.
- A park within walking distance of home: apply for the Park Entry Card.
FAQ
How much is Sharjah National Park entry?
Entry is AED 2 per person, paid by card at the gate.
What time does Sharjah National Park open?
The park opens at 8 AM and closes at 10 PM every day. During Ramadan it runs split hours, 7:30 AM to 1 PM and 4 PM to 1 AM.
Can you barbecue at Sharjah National Park?
Yes, at the marked barbecue stations only. Bring your own charcoal and food.
Are pets allowed at Sharjah National Park?
No. Pets, including dogs, aren’t allowed anywhere in the park.
Do you need a Park Entry Card for Sharjah National Park?
No. The park charges entry at the gate. The card is for Sharjah’s neighbourhood parks.
How long should you spend at Sharjah National Park?
Plan 2 to 3 hours for the playground, the miniature city and a walk around the duck pond.
Where to start
- Pick your day around the hours: 4 PM onwards in summer, any time in winter.
- Carry a bank card for the AED 2 gate fee.
- Pack charcoal and food if you plan to barbecue, and leave the dog at home.
