[gallery td_select_gallery_slide="slide" ids="24654,24653,24652,24651,24650,24649"] Abdurabb Sharjah's Al Noor, the region's first island that combines nature, art and entertainment is attracting tourists locally and internationally. The 45,470 square meter island in Khalid Lagoon, which is connected to Buhairah Corniche by a footbridge behind Al Noor mosque, becomes alive in the evening with vivaciously-colored lights, creating a spectacular scene. This latest cultural and recreational destination, which was opened by Sheikh Dr. Sultan Bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah, two weeks ago (on Dec. 15), has already become the talk of the region. One of the main attractions here is the Butterfly House. It is a nature-inspired structure that hosts as many as 600 exotic butterflies brought from Far East Asian countries. Many residents and visitors reach here to visit the butterfly park. As one enters the butterfly house, the staff gives a brief talk about the life cycle of a butterfly which is meant to educate the visiting children. The island, which reflects the art styles of world-renowned designer, André Heller, consists of a uniquely-designed, covered and streamlined structure inspired by the butterflies' natural environment, a literature pavilion, a children's playground, an egg-shaped art sculpture and unique, exclusively commissioned art sculptures. The blossom-shaped literature pavilion is an open seating area for writers, intellectuals and book worms, and an ideal haven for those seeking serenity and relaxation away from the hustle and bustle of urban life. The trees, some of which are oddly shaped, have been imported from other countries, including a 250-year-old olive tree from Spain. There are also 300 million-year-old crystal rocks and art sculptures installed at various points. The island is home to 2,200 trees and plants. It has a beautiful cactus garden which illuminates aesthitically in the evenings. The play area is partially covered with sand and grass, and integrated lights cover all parts of the playground. A Saudi family from Jeddah visiting the park said that they came after reading reports in media about the island. "We decided to come to check out the butterflies and the new island, and the beautiful trees and the lighting makes us feel like we are inside a small forest," said Amina A, from Jeddah who came with her family. The island also has a pontoon for boats to transport visitors of Al Qasba, Al Majaz Waterfront and the Heart of Sharjah to and from the island. The island is developed by Sharjah Investment and Development Authority (Shurooq) at a cost of AED 80 million. According to Sheikha Bodour Bint Sultan Al Qasimi, chairperson of Shurooq: "The inauguration of Al Noor Island was an exciting milestone event for Shurooq, representing the vision of Dr. Sheikh Sultan to create unique destinations in the emirate that highlight its aesthetic and artistic values and cutting-edge architecture. Marwan Bin Jassim Al Sarkal, CEO of Shurooq added: "We are confident that Al Noor Island will attract thousands of visitors from different countries and will be one of the most popular landmarks in Sharjah."
