Sharjah: His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, inaugurated the Petting Farm in the Fili area as part of the ‘Heritage Fili’ project. The farm spans 14,815 square metres and is situated next to the Heritage Souq, the fort, the falaj, and the Fili Sharia’t.
According to Emirates News Agency, H.H. Sheikh Dr. Sultan unveiled the commemorative plaque to mark the farm’s official opening. Following the ceremony, he watched a performance by children celebrating their love for the Ruler of Sharjah and highlighting his contributions to the Emirate’s development.
H.H. Sheikh Dr. Sultan toured the farm’s facilities, which offer an educational experience for children and adults alike. The farm educates visitors on the historical role of pets in human life, their importance in sustainable lifestyles, and the values of environmental care and social responsibility.
The farm is divided into three main sections. The first section comprises the main hall and an educational hall for school visits and workshops, administrative offices for daily operations, and an indoor caf© for families. It also includes eight barns and various cages, with indoor areas housing small animals like turtles and rabbits. Outdoor enclosures accommodate birds such as peacocks, pigeons, and parrots, along with ducks and chickens. Larger animals like camels, cows, donkeys, ponies, goats, and sheep are found in open areas, where visitors can interact with them through educational programmes.
The second section features a veterinarian’s house and an outdoor clinic providing medical services and periodic examinations for the animals. The third section includes workers’ accommodations, quarantine barns, food preparation areas, and storage rooms, ensuring a sustainable operational system with high-quality care for the animals.
The farm offers 179 parking spaces, with a Camel Rest Area symbolising historic caravan routes. This area is designed in a heritage style with open courtyards and shaded resting areas for camels, reflecting Emirati history.
At the event’s conclusion, the Ruler of Sharjah watched a bird show by the Sharjah Falconers Club members. The farm aims to raise awareness of pets’ historical role in human life within a sustainable heritage environment. It provides an interactive experience for visitors of all ages, promoting animal welfare and environmental awareness through educational programmes and field activities.
Accompanying the Ruler of Sharjah at the opening were Sheikh Majid bin Sultan Al Qasimi, Sheikh Dr. Khalid bin Humaid Al Qasimi, Sheikh Hamad bin Hamdan Al Nahyan, Abdulrahman Mohammed Al Owais, and other senior officials and dignitaries.