Members of our staff had the opportunity to visit Sharjah Safari – “the new spot for adventure lovers”. This 1,824 hectare (ha) protected area is located southeast of Al Dhaid in Central Sharjah, and showcases the amazing diversity of the fauna and flora that is found throughout Africa. The natural features in the landscape’s design provided an authentic and breathtaking safari experience that allowed our team members to appreciate the animals in surroundings that preserved the natural ecosystem whenever possible.. In fact, we learned that two of the principles guiding the development of the project were that 1) it must involve sustainable land use and 2) be respectful of the environment.
Passion and Commitment
Driven by a passion for biodiversity conservation and conserving the environment for future generations, His Highness Dr. Sheikh Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Ruler of Sharjah and Member of the Federal Supreme Council, has been committed to establishing protected areas and conservation centres for the indigenous fauna and flora of the Arabian Peninsula in Sharjah for more than two decades.
Inaugurated on February 17, 2022 by His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, Sharjah Safari is host to more than 120 species of African animals, and up to 50,000 birds, reptiles and mammals from other regions; such as lions, elephants, giraffes, black and white rhinoceros, crocodiles, deer, and bulls.
Preservation and Reintroduction
In the Emirate of Sharjah, the The Environment and Protected Areas Authority (EPAA) is the Sharjah Government organization responsible for enforcing the UAE’s Federal Environment Law, and thus is involved in monitoring, control, and managing protected areas. Sharjah Safari is one of several conservation centres established by the EPAA under the guidance of His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan Bin Mohammed Al- Qassimi, Member of the Federal Supreme Council, Ruler of Sharjah, and the leadership of Her Excellency Ms Hana Saif Al Suwaidi.
“Canobi has always been about conservation, sustainability and aligning technologies in the global desire to hold on tall the species on this planet. Visiting Sharjah Safari, and meeting with the team their and understanding how they strive to rehabilitate less fortunate animals and in many cases endangered species with a focus on husbandry and providing the right environments in which these species thrive.”
Robin Vincent, CEO at Canobi AgTech
In November of 2022, Sharjah Safari welcomed its first baby Scimitar-horned oryx. Classified as “extinct in the wild” by the IUCN Red List Authority, breeding programs play a very important role in preserving this species and support reintroduction programs.
Shared Passion
“Nestled in the lap of nature”, Sharjah Safari is truly a picturesque place. Our team is thankful for the rare opportunity to closely observe African fauna roam without fences, in an environment similar to their natural home. The visit with the team from Sharjah Safari was a reminder of our shared passion for education, research, and the conservation of plants/animals and their habitats, in the most passionate manner.
