Since its opening in December 2015, Al Noor Island has won a host of prestigious international awards. The Island was named Best Leisure Architecture in Africa and Arabia 2016 as part of the International Property Awards, and was also the recipient of the IF Design Award 2017 and German Design Award 2018.

The Butterfly House was awarded the WAN Metal in Architecture Award 2016 in appreciation of its unique design in using metal in an innovative way, and in the same year was recognized in the Iconic Awards 2016, one of the largest independent international awards on architecture and design, in the Best Architectural Design category. Also in 2016, this inspirational destination won at the Arabian Property Awards and was a finalist in the WAF 2016 Awards. In 2017, it won the German Design Award and the A Design Award.

THE BUTTERFLY HOUSE
Straight out of a fairytale, this dreamy space is where you can get up, close and personal with over 20 exotic species in their natural habitat.

With an imposing nature-inspired structure covered with plants, the Butterfly House is the Island’s primary attraction and has been ergonomically designed to let in natural light and retain humidity, creating a safe refuge for butterflies of all shapes, sizes and patterns.

Stroll through and learn about the origins of the different species, spot the ones camouflaged with the flora and even challenge each other into identifying them.

With a café within the House too, this is where time flies by as swiftly as these winged beauties.

ART & SCULPTURE
Creativity finds its space on the Island in bespoke art installations and sculptures. We have teamed up with celebrated artists and sculptors to create awe-inspiring pieces that complement the offerings of the Island while integrating seamlessly with its natural space and cultural aspects.

Discover how each of the six installations scattered throughout the Island commands its own presence in concept and use of elements. Marvel at the play of light and shadows. Stimulate the mind with illusions. Awaken the senses with illuminations and reflections.

Touch. Feel. Revel in the grandeur of the masterpieces.

LITERATURE PAVILION
Curl up with your favorite book on the comfy cushions, pen down your thoughts in absolute serenity or simply find inspiration in poetic verses. The Literature Pavilion in the Island is where readers and writers seek solace from the bustling city life to delve into literature, poetry and everything to do with the written word. Light background music, the soothing sounds of a fountain, tastefully designed seating areas and subtle calligraphic reflections create an open platform for the exchange of ideas and literary expressions.

KIDS PLAYGROUND
Open spaces to run around and tricky ropes to navigate. For our young visitors, the Playground promises endless hours of fun. Built around the natural landscape of the Island and surrounded by abundant trees and plants, it’s where children can enjoy some quality outdoor time in a safe and controlled environment while you can supervise from the comfort of shaded seating areas nearby.

illumination & light objects
What’s an enchanted island without some sparkles and flashes? Lighting is at the heart of the Island’s design and ambience. Art installations, structural designs and even the landscape are glowing displays of light in varying intensities and colors depending on different hours of the day. Committed to sustainable lighting practices, LED is the main component that lights up the Island’s buildings, walkways, trees and bridge.

When the sun sets, find yourself in the midst of twinkling fairy lights, warm glows and bright neons that make for a delightfully dazzling evening.

LANDSCAPE
Take a deep breath and feel the freshness. Reconnect with nature and feel alive. Home to over 70,000 trees and plants, the lush landscape of the Island presents an idealized view of nature and complements its architecture in design and diversity.

Among the carefully selected mix of indigenous plants and endangered varieties sourced from around the world, you will findan ancient Spanish olive tree, bottle- and umbrella-shaped trees, towering cactuses, medicinal plants, ornamental grass and more, stretching as far as the eye can see.

In the evenings, the versatile landscape lights up like a dream. Make your way to the Gleaming Meadows and watch with wonder as the glowing flowerbed of 1200 fiber-glass blossoms change color in a synchronized manner. See how LEDs accentuate the trees and cast colorful shadows.

This is a landscape with the perfect harmony between nature and technology. All you have to do is, find your spot.

NOOR CAFÉ
Savor your bites in the company of fluttering butterflies. Noor Café, which is located inside the Butterfly House, offers a healthy selection of delightful snacks and refreshing drinks in a green, spacious and naturally-lit venue, which is also home to over 500 exotic butterflies. Bright and cheery with streaming sunlight during the day, the café transforms into a glowing luminarium at night with warmly lit furniture and interiors that set the mood for a delish indulgence.