Al Hefaiyah Mountain Conservation Centre is a 12 square kilometre wildlife sanctuary at the foot of the Hajar Mountains, just outside Kalba on Sharjah’s east coast. Run by the Environment and Protected Areas Authority (EPAA) of Sharjah, it protects around 30 native mountain and desert species, including the rare Arabian leopard, Arabian wolf, Arabian tahr, caracal and striped hyena, in large natural enclosures. Adult entry is AED 15 plus VAT, children under 12 go free, and the centre is open Tuesday to Sunday (closed on Mondays). It is about 1.5 to 2 hours by car from Dubai or Sharjah city.
Planning your Next trip? Let White Sky handle it.
We book your attraction tickets and tours, with the option to pay later with Tabby, Tamara or UAE credit card monthly instalments.
Most visits take two to three hours and include a guided buggy ride around the outdoor enclosures, an indoor reptile exhibit and a café with views of the animals. White Sky Travel and Tourism can arrange your tickets, private transport and a full east coast day trip, with the option to pay in instalments through Tabby, Tamara or UAE credit cards for up to 12 months.
Table of Contents
Al Hefaiyah Mountain Conservation Centre at a glance
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Location | Sharjah Kalba Road (E102), Al Hefaiyah, Kalba, Sharjah, UAE |
| Operated by | Environment and Protected Areas Authority (EPAA), Sharjah |
| Opened | 2016 |
| Size | About 12 square kilometres |
| Wildlife | Around 30 native mountain and desert species |
| Adult ticket | AED 15 plus 5% VAT |
| Children under 12 | Free |
| Closed | Mondays |
| Time needed | 2 to 3 hours |
| Drive from Dubai | About 1.5 to 2 hours |
What is Al Hefaiyah Mountain Conservation Centre?
The centre opened in 2016 as a safe home for the endangered animals of the Hajar Mountains. It was developed by the Sharjah Investment and Development Authority (Shurooq) and is operated by the Environment and Protected Areas Authority of Sharjah. Many of its animals came from Sharjah’s Breeding Centre for Endangered Arabian Wildlife and are native to Wadi Al Helo, Khor Fakkan and Kalba.
Unlike a traditional zoo, the focus here is conservation and education. Animals live in landscaped enclosures that recreate their rocky mountain habitat, and the centre runs school programmes, awareness events and art exhibitions. Visit Sharjah, the emirate’s official tourism site, describes it as one of the only parks in Sharjah with indoor exhibits. The centre also won the Middle East Architect educational project of the year award in its opening year.
Animals you can see
The outdoor enclosures are home to the centre’s biggest stars:
- Arabian leopard: critically endangered and thought to be extinct in the wild in the UAE, which makes this one of the few places to see one up close.
- Arabian wolf: listed as a threatened species by the IUCN.
- Arabian tahr: a rare mountain goat found only in the Hajar Mountains of the UAE and Oman.
- Caracal: the sleek desert lynx with tufted ears.
- Striped hyena
- Arabian oryx
- Arabian gazelle and goitered gazelle
- Rock hyrax
Inside the main building, the indoor exhibit houses smaller desert and mountain creatures such as snakes, uromastyx lizards, scorpions and nocturnal hedgehogs. It is a great stop on warm afternoons.
Ticket prices
| Visitor | Entry price |
|---|---|
| Adults | AED 15 plus 5% VAT (AED 15.75) |
| Children under 12 | Free |
| School students | AED 2 |
| University students | AED 5 |
Ticket prices follow the centre’s official rates and may change. Terms and conditions apply, and the final price is confirmed during booking. Want everything sorted in one go? Message White Sky on WhatsApp at +971 4 220 2133 and we will arrange tickets and transport for your group.
Opening hours
| Day | Hours |
|---|---|
| Monday | Closed |
| Tuesday to Thursday | 9:00 AM to 6:30 PM |
| Friday | 2:00 PM to 6:30 PM |
| Saturday and Sunday | 11:00 AM to 6:30 PM |
Timings may change during Ramadan, public holidays and the summer months, and terms and conditions apply. Our team will share the latest hours when you book.
How to get to Al Hefaiyah Mountain Conservation Centre
The centre sits on Sharjah Kalba Road (E102) in the Al Hefaiyah area, around 130 km east of Sharjah city. From Dubai or Sharjah, join the E102 and drive through the mountain tunnel towards Kalba. You will pass the Hanging Garden and then Al Hefaiyah Lake on your right, with the conservation centre just after them. Free parking is available at the entrance.
There is no direct public bus to the gate, so a car is the easiest option. White Sky can arrange a private car with driver from Dubai, Sharjah or Abu Dhabi, so you can combine the centre with other east coast sights without worrying about the long drive.
Best time to visit
The cooler months from November to March are the most comfortable time to visit, and the animals are usually more active. In summer, plan your visit for the late afternoon when temperatures drop and the leopards and wolves move around more.
Tuesday to Thursday is the quietest time. Fridays only open at 2:00 PM, and weekends are popular with UAE families, so arrive early on Saturday or Sunday if you prefer fewer crowds.
What to expect on your visit
After buying your ticket at the counter, a guide takes you around the outdoor enclosures by golf buggy. Guides share facts about each species and happily answer children’s questions, and larger groups can ask for an express buggy tour. You can also walk between the viewing areas at your own pace.
Back at the main building, explore the indoor exhibits and conservation displays, then relax at the café. Clean toilets and free parking are available on site. This is a place for quiet observation, so there is no petting area or animal contact.
Tips for your visit
- Avoid Mondays, when the centre is closed.
- Wear comfortable shoes, a hat and sunglasses, as the mountain sun is strong.
- Carry water, especially between April and October.
- Keep your voice low and move slowly so the animals stay near the viewing areas.
- Turn off your camera flash. A zoom lens helps for leopard and wolf photos.
- Stay on the marked paths and follow your guide’s instructions.
- Smoking and littering are not allowed anywhere in the centre.
- Pair your visit with nearby Kalba attractions to make the most of the drive.
Who will enjoy this visit
Al Hefaiyah Mountain Conservation Centre suits families with children, school groups, nature lovers and wildlife photographers who want to see rare Arabian animals in a calm setting. With modest ticket prices, it is also a good value stop on an east coast road trip. If you are looking for rides or hands on animal encounters, a theme park or petting farm will suit you better.
Nearby attractions in Kalba and the east coast
- Al Hefaiyah Lake: kayaking, walking trails and lakeside cafés just a minute’s drive away.
- Hanging Garden Kalba: terraced gardens on the mountainside with sweeping valley views.
- Kalba Birds of Prey Centre: falcon and owl flying displays, also run by the EPAA.
- Khor Kalba Mangrove Centre: explore the oldest mangrove forest in the UAE.
- Wadi Shees: a green mountain village with a waterfall and Shees Park near Khorfakkan.
- Khorfakkan Beach: a scenic beach and corniche for a relaxed evening.
Plan your trip with White Sky
Your total cost depends on entry tickets, transport and any extras such as a guided east coast tour. Booking through White Sky lets you bundle everything into one price and spread it with Tabby, Tamara or UAE credit card instalments of up to 12 months. See our flexible payment options or browse our United Arab Emirates tours for more day trip ideas.
To book, message us on WhatsApp at +971 4 220 2133. Share your travel date, group size and pickup location, and our team will send you a quote.
Related Articles
Planning more of Sharjah’s east coast? These guides will help:
- Al Hefaiyah Lake Kalba: Kayaking, Trails, Hours and Tips
- Hanging Garden Kalba in Sharjah: Tickets, Timings and Things to Do
- Khor Kalba Mangrove Centre in Sharjah: Tickets, Timings and What to See
- Wadi Shees in Khorfakkan: Shees Park, Waterfall and Travel Tips
- Khorfakkan Beach in Sharjah: Things to Do, Tips and How to Get There
- Al Rafisah Dam in Khorfakkan: Kayaking, Waterfall and Visitor Tips
- UAE Tourist Attractions Near Me
Frequently asked questions
Where is Al Hefaiyah Mountain Conservation Centre?
The centre is on Sharjah Kalba Road (E102), Al Hefaiyah, Kalba, Sharjah, UAE. It sits at the foot of the Hajar Mountains, just past Hanging Garden Kalba and Al Hefaiyah Lake.
How much is the Al Hefaiyah Mountain Conservation Centre ticket?
Adult entry is AED 15 plus 5% VAT (AED 15.75). Children under 12 enter free, school students pay AED 2 and university students pay AED 5. Prices may change and terms and conditions apply.
What are the opening hours of Al Hefaiyah Mountain Conservation Centre?
It opens Tuesday to Thursday from 9:00 AM to 6:30 PM, Friday from 2:00 PM to 6:30 PM, and Saturday and Sunday from 11:00 AM to 6:30 PM. It is closed on Mondays. Timings may change during Ramadan and public holidays.
What animals can you see at Al Hefaiyah Mountain Conservation Centre?
You can see around 30 native species, including the Arabian leopard, Arabian wolf, Arabian tahr, caracal, striped hyena, Arabian oryx, Arabian and goitered gazelles and rock hyrax, plus snakes, lizards, scorpions and hedgehogs in the indoor exhibit.
How long does a visit take?
Most visitors spend two to three hours, enough for the guided buggy tour, the indoor exhibits and a break at the café.
How far is Al Hefaiyah Mountain Conservation Centre from Dubai?
It is about 1.5 to 2 hours by car from Dubai or Sharjah city via the E102 Sharjah Kalba Road, around 130 km east of Sharjah city.
Is Al Hefaiyah Mountain Conservation Centre good for kids?
Yes. Children under 12 enter free, the guided buggy tour keeps little ones comfortable, and guides encourage children to ask questions about the animals.
Can I book a trip to Al Hefaiyah Mountain Conservation Centre with White Sky?
Yes. White Sky Travel and Tourism arranges tickets, private transport and east coast day trips. Message us on WhatsApp at +971 4 220 2133 and pay with Tabby, Tamara or UAE credit card instalments of up to 12 months.
Conclusion
Al Hefaiyah Mountain Conservation Centre is one of the best places in the UAE to see the critically endangered Arabian leopard and other rare mountain wildlife in natural surroundings. With low ticket prices, guided buggy tours and easy links to Al Hefaiyah Lake, the Hanging Garden and Khor Kalba, it makes a rewarding east coast day trip for families and nature lovers. Message White Sky on WhatsApp at +971 4 220 2133 and we will handle your tickets, transport and payment plan so you can simply enjoy the wildlife.
Enjoying our content? Make us a preferred source on Google.
Add us as a Preferred Source on Google
