H.H. Dr. Sheikh Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, visited Al Dhaid city on Sunday and inspected a number of vital projects, as heritage, tourism and educational , such projects will develop the Central Region and serve the citizens and residents.

The people in the Central Region welcomed, His Highness on his visit, and appreciated all the efforts by His Highness to develop the area; they also appreciated all the vital projects which make the Central Region oasis of security and stability.

His Highness inspected Al-Dhaid Fort which is considered one of the most important historical buildings. It dates back to the second half of the 18th century AD around 1750. The Fort witnessed the history of the region. His Highness briefed about the Al Dhaid Fort and about its restoration.

His Highness visited the oasis of Sharia Al Dhaid, which includes palm trees and water canals ,the oasis is considered one of the heritage areas in the Central Region.

The Ruler of Sharjah visited also Sharia Park, and briefed about the work on it, His Highness directed to provide the necessary services to serve those who wishing to see the history of the region.

His Highness inspected the Sharjah Seeds and Grass Bank Building, at the Sharjah Research Academy and briefed about the progress of the project.

The Sharjah Seeds and Grass Bank will contribute to preserve the biodiversity and deserts, it will protect the endangered plant species, and it will develop strains that can live in the desert environment, difficult climatic conditions, high temperatures, drought and salinity.

The Sharjah Seeds and Grass Bank located in Al Dhaid city, because of its suitable climate for the seeds. The bank has seeds of unparalleled quality in the world and bears the name of Sharjah.

His Highness unveiled a new project, the establishment of the Desert Plant Garden, which includes a variety of desert plants in the Central Region, and will start the project soon.

The Ruler of Sharjah also reviewed about the Sharjah Institute of Desert Research, which is located near the University of Sharjah, Al Dhaid Branch. The institute is specialised in desert sciences of animals and plants as well as conserving underground water in cooperation with the most prestigious universities and international institutes in the field of desert sciences.

His Highness visited Al Bardi Reserve and Safari Bardi Park Project, which is the largest safari in the world outside Africa, it’s on the area of 6 km and it will be 10 km in case of future expansion. The park will be open to visitors by the end of 2019.

The project aims to revive the region and activating Eco-Tourism and privileged the Central Region. The park includes 400 animals in the first phase, with 50 thousand animals gradually, with providing suitable environment for the animals. The project also includes the largest animal pens in the world.

The project will include several service facilities and small hotels for those wishing to stay and enjoy the beauty of desert nature.

His Highness ordered the development of neighborhoods in the city of Al-Dhaid and provided them with modern road networks, in order to serve the people and ensure the safety and security of those who pass these roads.

His Highness the Ruler of Sharjah was accompanied by senior officials.