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 H.H. Dr. Sheikh Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member 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 have led to the Island attracting over 28,000 visitors and in such a short period of time. We want to make Al Noor Island a landmark attraction 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 9 a.m. - 11 p.m. from Saturday to Wednesday, and from 9 a.m. - 12:00 midnight on Thursday and Friday. The Butterfly House is open everyday from 9 a.m. - 6 p.m..
Source :WAM