The Islamic Botanical Garden in Sharjah is a peaceful garden inside Sharjah Desert Park that grows about 50 plants mentioned in the Holy Quran and the Sunnah, such as figs, olives, pomegranates, grapes, date palms, black seed, saffron and the rare agarwood (oud) tree. Opened in 2014 when Sharjah was named the Capital of Islamic Culture, it sits at Interchange 9 on the Sharjah to Al Dhaid Road, about 40 to 50 minutes by car from Dubai. The garden is open every day except Tuesday, and one Sharjah Desert Park ticket covers the garden, Arabia’s Wildlife Centre, the Sharjah Natural History Museum and the Children’s Farm, with children under 12 entering free. White Sky Travel and Tourism can book your flights, hotels and transfers, with easy payments through Tabby, Tamara or UAE credit card installments for up to 12 months.
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What Is the Islamic Botanical Garden in Sharjah?
The Islamic Botanical Garden was created by Sharjah’s Environment and Protected Areas Authority to show the close link between Islam and caring for nature. Botanists spent around three years collecting the plants with guidance from UNESCO, and the garden was described at launch as the first of its kind in the Middle East.
Each plant has an identification card, and touchscreen displays explain its Arabic and English names, the verse or Hadith that mentions it, and its benefits and uses. Plants are arranged by height so you can see every one clearly. Gulf News reported that the garden welcomed around half a million visitors in its first years.
Plants You Can See at the Islamic Botanical Garden
The collection mixes fruit trees, herbs, spices and fragrant plants. Some of the highlights include:
- Fruit trees: fig, olive, pomegranate, grape vine, date palm and lemon.
- Herbs and spices: black seed (habbat al barakah), mustard, ginger and saffron.
- Healing and beauty plants: aloe vera, henna and miswak (the tooth stick tree).
- Rare trees: agarwood, the source of oud, and the native ghaf tree.
Paved walkways, shaded pergolas, colourful flower beds and small water channels run between the plants, with modern curved buildings at the heart of the garden, so the walk feels calm and easy for families and older visitors.
Where Is the Islamic Botanical Garden Located?
The garden is inside Sharjah Desert Park, Interchange 9, Sharjah to Al Dhaid Road (E88), Al Rafea area, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates. It is about 15 minutes from Sharjah International Airport and on the way to the farms and heritage sites of Al Dhaid Sharjah.
- By car or taxi: the easiest option, with a large car park near the main entrance.
- By bus: buses E400 and E311 stop near the Sharjah Cement Factory and Sajaa, but not at the park, so you will need a short taxi ride to finish the trip.
- With White Sky: book a private transfer from Dubai or Sharjah on WhatsApp +971 4 220 2133.
Islamic Botanical Garden Timings and Tickets
| Day | Opening hours |
|---|---|
| Sunday, Monday, Wednesday, Thursday | 9:00 AM to 5:30 PM |
| Friday | 2:00 PM to 5:30 PM |
| Saturday | 11:00 AM to 5:30 PM |
| Tuesday | Closed |
There is no separate ticket for the Islamic Botanical Garden. Your Sharjah Desert Park entry ticket includes the garden, Arabia’s Wildlife Centre, the Sharjah Natural History Museum and the Children’s Farm, and children under 12 enter free. Timings and ticket prices may change, especially during Ramadan and public holidays.
Tips for Visiting the Islamic Botanical Garden
- Plan your visit between October and April, when the weather is cool and the garden looks its best.
- In summer, arrive at opening time and spend the hottest hours inside the museum and the wildlife centre.
- Allow about one hour for the garden and three to four hours for the full Desert Park.
- Wear comfortable shoes, a hat and sunscreen, and carry water.
- Do not pick leaves, flowers or seeds, as the garden is a protected conservation area.
- Stop at the café for a drink and visit the small library if you want to learn more about the plants.
More to See Inside Sharjah Desert Park
Your ticket opens the rest of the park too. At Arabia’s Wildlife Centre you can see the Arabian oryx, Arabian leopard, wolves and desert birds in indoor viewing halls. The Sharjah Natural History Museum covers fossils, meteorites, the desert and marine life of the UAE, while the Children’s Farm lets kids feed goats, camels, ponies and ducks. Together they make a full family day out.
Tourist Places Near the Islamic Botanical Garden
Make the most of your drive into central Sharjah with these nearby stops:
- Al Dhaid Fort, a restored heritage fort surrounded by palm groves.
- Al Dhaid Wildlife Museum, with seven halls about the animals of the region.
- Mleiha Archaeological Centre, a UNESCO listed area with ancient tombs, fossil rocks and desert stargazing.
- Buhais Geology Park, an outdoor museum of rocks and fossils near Al Madam.
- The red sand dunes of Al Badayer, popular for dune drives and sunset photos.
- Back in the city, the art trail of Al Noor Island in Sharjah and the lawns of Sharjah National Park.
Hotels and Resorts Near the Islamic Botanical Garden
If you want to turn your visit into a weekend, the desert retreats near Mleiha, such as Mysk Moon Retreat and Mysk Al Faya Retreat, and Mysk Al Badayer Retreat in the dunes are good choices for a quiet stay. In Sharjah city, heritage stays like Al Bait Sharjah and beach hotels such as Sheraton Sharjah Beach Resort keep you close to the museums and the corniche. You can read more about the area in our guide to Mleiha Sharjah. White Sky handles hotel bookings for all of these areas.
Book Flights, Hotels and Transfers with White Sky
The garden is a public attraction, so White Sky does not sell its entry tickets, but we can take care of the rest of your trip. White Sky Travel and Tourism can book your flights, hotel stay and private transfers from Dubai or anywhere in the UAE to Sharjah Desert Park. Spread the cost with Tabby, Tamara or UAE credit card installments for up to 12 months. Message us on WhatsApp +971 4 220 2133 and our team will arrange your flights, hotels and transfers.
Related Articles
Explore more places to visit in Sharjah:
- Al Dhaid Sharjah: Top Attractions and Travel Guide
- Mleiha Sharjah: UNESCO Heritage, Things to Do, Tickets and Where to Stay
- Mleiha Archaeological Centre in Sharjah: Tickets, Timings and What to See
- Al Dhaid Wildlife Museum in Sharjah: Seven Halls, Location and Visit Tips
- Sharjah National Park: Top Attractions and Visitor Guide
- Hanging Garden Kalba in Sharjah: Tickets, Timings and Things to Do
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Islamic Botanical Garden in Sharjah?
The Islamic Botanical Garden is a garden inside Sharjah Desert Park that grows about 50 plants mentioned in the Holy Quran and the Sunnah, including figs, olives, pomegranates, date palms, black seed and agarwood. It opened in 2014 to mark Sharjah as the Capital of Islamic Culture.
Where is the Islamic Botanical Garden located?
It is inside Sharjah Desert Park, Interchange 9, Sharjah to Al Dhaid Road (E88), Al Rafea area, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates, about 40 to 50 minutes by car from Dubai.
What are the Islamic Botanical Garden timings?
Sunday, Monday, Wednesday and Thursday from 9:00 AM to 5:30 PM, Friday from 2:00 PM to 5:30 PM and Saturday from 11:00 AM to 5:30 PM. It is closed on Tuesday. Timings may change during Ramadan and public holidays.
Is the Islamic Botanical Garden open on Tuesday?
No. The whole Sharjah Desert Park, including the Islamic Botanical Garden, is closed every Tuesday.
Do I need a separate ticket for the Islamic Botanical Garden?
No. One Sharjah Desert Park ticket covers the Islamic Botanical Garden, Arabia’s Wildlife Centre, the Sharjah Natural History Museum and the Children’s Farm. Children under 12 enter free. Ticket prices may change.
Which plants grow in the Islamic Botanical Garden?
You can see fig, olive, pomegranate, grape, date palm, lemon, black seed, mustard, ginger, saffron, aloe vera, henna, miswak, ghaf and the rare agarwood tree, each with cards and touchscreens explaining its Quran or Hadith reference.
How long should I spend at the Islamic Botanical Garden?
About one hour is enough for the garden. Plan three to four hours if you also want to see the wildlife centre, museum and Children’s Farm.
What is the best time to visit the Islamic Botanical Garden?
October to April is the best season because the weather is cooler. In summer, go early in the day and spend the hot afternoon hours indoors at the museum and wildlife centre.
Is the Islamic Botanical Garden good for children?
Yes. The paved paths are easy for strollers, children under 12 enter Sharjah Desert Park free, and kids can enjoy the Children’s Farm and the animals at Arabia’s Wildlife Centre on the same ticket.
How do I get to the Islamic Botanical Garden from Dubai?
The easiest way is by car or taxi along the Sharjah to Al Dhaid Road. White Sky Travel and Tourism can book your private transfer, plus flights and hotels, with Tabby, Tamara or UAE credit card installments for up to 12 months. Contact us on WhatsApp +971 4 220 2133.
Conclusion
The Islamic Botanical Garden in Sharjah is a calm and meaningful place to see the plants of the Quran and Sunnah up close, learn their stories and enjoy a family day at Sharjah Desert Park. Visit in the cooler months, pair it with Al Dhaid or Mleiha, and stay a night in the desert to make it a full trip. When you are ready, let White Sky Travel and Tourism book your flights, hotels and transfers with flexible payments through Tabby, Tamara or UAE credit cards. Contact us on WhatsApp +971 4 220 2133 to start planning.
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