Our neighbouring emirate of Sharjah is a gold mine of things to do with the kids. From the Eye of the Emirates big wheel (the UAE’s smaller-scale version of the London Eye) at Al Qasba to the Classic Car Museum by the airport, the city’s numerous attractions really are hidden gems – and so much quieter than in Dubai.

We found ourselves in Sharjah again the other day, watching desert animals galloping around at Arabia’s Wildlife Centre (located at Sharjah Desert Park, it’s well worth a visit). There’s also a children’s farm, where the kids can pet and feed the animals, and ride ponies and camels at the weekend. While there, I spotted this sign – I know what it’s trying to say, but it did make me smile…

As a postscript, I googled the wildlife centre just now and the website is priceless too! Why, where else can you see animals as dead as a Dodo…?

‘Arabia’s Wildlife Centre is the only ‘zoo’ in Arabia which exhibits all the animals naturally occurring in the Arabian Peninsula, both current and extinct.’

Or get so up-close-and-personal with the inhabitants:

‘The walk-through aviary allows you to get close to the birds and smaller animals and then you find yourself ‘in the cage’ admiring the larger mammals who roam freely in an open environment.’

Don’t be put off, though – as I said, it’s a great place and you’re sure to come out smiling.