New Sharjah wetland centre opens to the public

A brand new wetland centre in Sharjah will now provide a haven for birds and birdwatchers in the Emirates. The Wasit Wetland Centre has been inaugurated by His Highness Dr. Sheikh Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah, and is now open to the public. Officials say the 4.5 sq km eco-tourism site is a first-of-its-kind for wetland environments in the GCC. The centre is home to more than 350 species of bird, and a number of rare species, including the Northern Bald Ibis, Glossy Ibis, Grey Heron, Marbled Duck, Purple Swamphen, Pink-backed Pelican and Greater Flamingo. Staff at the centre have spent two years settling the non-migratory birds into their new home, many of which were bred at Sharjah's Breeding Centre for Endangered Arabian Wildlife.