Al Noor Island is a landscaped island in Khalid Lagoon, and it packs a lot into a small space: a butterfly house, sculpture, light art, a children’s playground and waterside dining. It has operated since 2015, and Visit Sharjah describes a boat link between the island and the Al Qasba canal district. What follows is what the island’s official website lists, alongside what Visit Sharjah says about it.
Before you rely on this page: the island’s own website still shows some older promotional content (including a 2024 summer programme), so confirm passes and opening hours before you go. We checked the pages on 2 October 2026.
What is Al Noor Island?
The island’s website describes a place of shaded woods, wild grasses, seaside boardwalks, a Butterfly House, a Literature Pavilion, art installations, giant cacti, bayside dining and playgrounds. It lists the address as Buhairah Corniche Road, Khalid Lagoon, Sharjah. Visit Sharjah calls it one of the main family attractions in the emirate.
Opening hours (as listed by the island)
- Island: weekdays 9:00 am to 11:00 pm; weekends 9:00 am to midnight.
- Butterfly House: daily 9:00 am to 6:00 pm.
Passes (as listed on the official site)
| Pass | What the island says it includes |
|---|---|
| Island self-guided tour | Entry to the island, with separate adult and child (3–12) tickets |
| Standard Pass | Island entry plus a self-guided Butterfly House tour with an educator; about 1 hour |
| Explorer Pass | Island and Butterfly House, a self-guided island tour, island map and explorer toy kit |
The island also lists dining experiences, including “By the Bay”, which it describes as dining on the shoreline with a view of the Sharjah cityscape, and a sky-watch session with an educator, which is subject to weather. Check current pass details on the official site before you go.
The Butterfly House
The Butterfly House is the island’s signature building. The island says it is an award-winning, sculpted structure with hundreds of colourful butterflies inside, and that children can learn the life cycle from caterpillar to chrysalis to butterfly with educators. The island’s About page says the building received the “WAN Metal in Architecture Award” in 2016.
Art and light
The island’s art page names several works:
- Torus by David Harber, a mirror-polished stainless-steel tube.
- Flutter by Chris Wood, which pays tribute to butterfly migration with dichroic panels.
- OVO, an egg-shaped installation combining wood, LED lighting and water.
- Columns by Susanne Schmögner, a series of painted columns.
- The Swing by Azza Al Qubaisi, inspired by the UAE’s pearling history.
- Fossil rocks, including rock crystal and amethyst pieces.
At night, light and sound installations transform the island, according to Visit Sharjah. Our Sharjah Light Festival guide covers the emirate’s annual festival of light, which is a separate event.
Nature and landscape
The island says its landscape includes more than 70,000 trees and plants, including indigenous and endangered varieties, and a 250-year-old olive tree. It also notes a kids’ playground set in a natural landscape with rope-climbing activities.
Recognition
According to the island’s own About page, it was named “Best Leisure Architecture in Africa and Arabia” by the International Property Awards in 2016 and has received other design recognitions through 2018, including the IF Design Award and the Gold A’ Design Award (2017) and a German Design Award category recognition (2018). These are the island’s own claims.
Combining with Al Qasba
Visit Sharjah suggests combining the island with a boat trip to Al Qasba for dinner by the water. Read the Al Qasba guide for what is on at the canal.
Tips for families
- Pick your pass by interest. The Explorer Pass is aimed at children going on their own island adventure; the Standard Pass focuses on the Butterfly House.
- Check the Butterfly House closing time. It closes at 6 pm, earlier than the island.
- Ask about dining bookings. The island invites guests to book its “By the Bay” experience; check the booking arrangements.
- Think about the heat. The island is largely outdoors, so many families choose late afternoon. This is general advice, not an official statement.
Frequently asked questions
Where is Al Noor Island?
In Khalid Lagoon, Sharjah, with its address given as Buhairah Corniche Road.
What are the opening hours?
The island lists 9 am to 11 pm on weekdays and 9 am to midnight on weekends, with the Butterfly House open daily 9 am to 6 pm.
Do I need a ticket?
Yes. The island lists a self-guided island tour ticket and passes that add the Butterfly House. Check current ticket details on its Guest Experiences page before travelling.
General information only. Passes and hours are as listed by the island on 2 October 2026 and may change. Information checked 2 October 2026.