More than 28,000 people have visited Al Noor Island, Sharjah’s newest tourist and leisure destination in its first month since opening to the public. The island, which combines art and nature, was inaugurated by His Highness Sheikh Dr Sultan Bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah last month to coincide with Sharjah being selected as the Capital of Arab Tourism for 2015.

The Sharjah Investment and Development Authority (Shurooq) launched Al Noor Island as part of its commitment to solidifying the emirate’s status as a leading cultural, tourist and investment destination in the region.

Mohammed Fadhil Al Mazroui, Manager of Al Noor Island, said, “We are already seeing the results of Shurooq’s outstanding efforts that has led to the Island attracting over 28,000 visitors and in such a short period of time. We want to make Al Noor Island the one landmark attractions for nature and art lovers and present a cultural image of Sharjah to the world.”

Al Mazroui said that the Island’s design and facilities have been inspired by nature and so the entire island has been built by adhering to international environmental standards in order to make Al Noor Island an ideal destination choice for Sharjah’s residents and visitors to relax. He also said that the motive behind the Island’s design was to create a peaceful and calm haven for visitors.

Al Noor Island houses state-of-art facilities including The Butterfly House, which is one of Al Noor Island’s main attractions. Al Noor Island also hosts eight unique sculptures by some of the world’s most famous artists including the egg-shaped OVO art Installation that has been displayed in leading cities around world and is also one of the reasons behind the tremendous footfall of visitors to the Island.

Al Noor Island is open from 9am-11pm from Saturday to Wednesday, and from 9am-12:00 midnight on Thursday and Friday. The Butterfly House is open everyday from 9am-6pm.

Strategically located in the center of Khalid Lagoon, next to Al Noor Mosque, Al Noor Island is a new tourist destination that keeps step with the development experienced by the emirate, reflects its unique architectural style and highlights its vibrant cultural and artistic stature. The island will stimulate Sharjah’s vibrant tourism sector, increase tourism and contribute to Sharjah’s vision to attract 10 million visitors by 2021.