Eid Al-Adha gifted us with something we rarely get. Time. With the long holiday ahead of us, my husband and I made a quiet deal, no crowded malls. Why not explore more places? We like to explore further in Sharjah, a place we often go through. That choice led us to discover one of Sharjah’s most calm and charming gems. Al Noor Island, this is a man-made island located right in the heart of Sharjah. Surrounded by the Khalid Lagoon. This island turned out to be a peaceful haven from the everyday rush. A beautiful blend of nature, art, and tranquility that surprised us in the best way.
When we reached the place, we paid the entrance fee and began our walk toward Al Noor Island. The pathway bridge leading to the island was beautifully bowed and lined with sleek metal railings, stretching over the calm waters of the Khalid Lagoon. Its curved design and the wooden board below our feet gave a soft sound with each step, adding to the peaceful ambiance.
Al Noor Island Map
Just before entering Al Noor Island, we saw two signs that marked the beginning of our island experience. A detailed map of the island, beautifully designed and easy to read. It gave us a clear overview of what to expect inside, from the Butterfly House to the art installations and garden trails. Beside it stood the Al Noor Island signage, perfect for a quick photo before stepping in.
As we entered, the first thing that caught our eyes was the wonderful structure. A true architectural wonder. It was the building that sheltered the Butterfly House, wrapped in a twisted metallic mesh that shimmered in the sunlight. The golden lattice curved around the glass walls, giving the sense of a delicate structure rising from the landscape.
First stop was the Butterfly House. A glass structure that shines like a gem among the greenery. The air was warm and filled with life. Delicate butterflies in vivid blues, oranges, browns and greens swing around us, some landing delicately on leaves or even on visitors. My husband and I held out our hands, hoping a butterfly would land on us and they did. We took some photos and I couldn't help but smile. I also saw slices of oranges around, perhaps as food for these delicate creatures.
Leaving the butterflies behind, we wandered deeper into the landscape. We came across something fun and unexpected, a trampoline walk. It was like a net between strong frames, gently bouncing with each step. We were carefully stepping and I was giggling as I walked across it.
As we continued exploring the island, we saw a maze garden. We decided to go in and take different paths to see who would find the way out first. The winding paths made it feel like a little adventure. I went one way, and my husband went the other. We were laughing as we tried to find each other, calling out from time to time. After a few turns and playful guesses, we finally met again at the exit, smiling and a little proud that we both made it through.
A 2 metre high fossil tree, 35 million years old, weighs around 1.5 tonnes and was found in Java, Indonesia
We continued walking along, enjoying the peaceful surroundings. We saw this stone tree. It's like a piece of art, combining nature and creativity. We stopped for a moment to take a closer look, amazed at how detailed and unique it was. It added a special touch to the quiet beauty of the island.
A 90 cm illuminated Rock Crystal found in Minas Gerais, Brazil in 1995. The crystal weighs more than 200kg and is about 300 million years old.
A 1,5 metre large Amethyst, which is a solidified lava blister from the world's largest amethyst mine in Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
Just a few steps after the stone tree, we spotted two fossil rocks placed side by side. They looked ancient and full of history. It was a quiet but fascinating moment, adding a touch of the past to our peaceful walk.
A swing was placed right in front of the towering buildings across the water, a perfect spot to relax. From there, you could watch the water shimmer and the reflections of the skyline dancing on its surface.
OVO Art Installation
As we continued exploring, we came across this stunning egg-shaped design. It was made of wood with LED lights and water to create a unique experience. Sunlight passed through the small spaces, creating soft shadows on the ground. I noticed a bird beside this egg-shaped design. I hurriedly took a shot before it flew away.
This tree is more than 100 years old and belongs to the Malvaceae family
As we walked along the path, we found this silk floss tree, and it truly stood out. We were amazed by its unique shape and texture. Its trunk was thick and covered with small, sharp thorns. It was both strange and beautiful.
Not far from the silk floss tree, we came across the Columns Sculpture. It was a group of tall, slim column sculptures featuring abstract color patterns.
Torus Sculpture is beautifully formed mirror polished stainless steel
As we continued our walk, we found a large, ring-shaped piece that looked both modern and mysterious. It was smooth and perfectly round. The way it framed the background, whether trees or skyline, made it fun to look through and take photos.
We saw a round, gold, hollow steel structure that immediately caught our attention. It stood proudly in the open, shining under the sunlight with its smooth, metallic surface. The golden color made it look elegant and modern. It was another beautiful piece on the island that blended art and nature.
Next was the cactus garden. A quiet and lovely spot filled with all kinds of cacti in different shapes and sizes. I couldn’t help but take out my phone and snap different shots from every angle.
I took more shots as we continued our walk, capturing the last few moments of our peaceful visit. Before heading out, we made one final stop at the island’s café. It was a cozy spot, perfect for resting after all the walking. With a cold drink in hand, we sat down and enjoyed the quiet view around us.
What surprised me most about Al Noor Island was how easily it motivates mindfulness. Without ever saying so, the place invited you to slow down, look closely and listen not just to your surroundings, but to yourself.
Photos taken using Samsung S25 Ultra
Collage using Canva
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