The Best Travel Guide to Sharjah

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United Arab Emirates

Sharjah

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Overview

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Sharjah The guide was updated: 2023-03-07

Sharjah, the not-so-obvious UAE destination for many, unjustly remains in the shadows of its glistening immediate neighbour of Dubai. In the meantime, few are aware Sharjah was named the Capital of Islamic Culture (2014) and Cultural Capital of the Arab World by UNESCO sixteen years prior. Sharjah's Heritage Area is home to multiple historic sites and museums, and the Emirate itself boasts recent, modern additions to its art and entertainment scenes enough to compensate for the strict "no-alcohol" regulations.

Facts

Population:	1.4 million
Currency:	1 UAE Dirham = 100 fils
Search Accommodation:	Hotels »
Emergency numbers:	Fire 997 Police 999 Ambulance 998
Newspapers:	The Gulf Today — www.gulftoday.ae The Gulf News — gulfnews.com Khaleej Times — www.khaleejtimes.com
Website:	www.visitsharjah.com
Opening hours:	Government offices and local businesses open and close early, often 7:30am–2:30pm. Shops are normally open from 9am to 1pm and from 4pm to 9pm, but shopping centers stay open all through the day, and often later into the night, with extended working hours on weekends (Friday and Saturday). Most businesses close for Juma prayers on Friday (11:30am to 1:30pm).
Tourist information:	Sharjah Commerce & Tourism Development Authority +971 6 556 6777 info@sharjahtourism.ae Crescent Tower, 9th Floor Buhaira Corniche Street Al Malaz Area, UAE

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Section in Sharjah

Tradition meets modernity in Sharjah, where museums and architectural monuments compete for visitors' attention with modern high-tech venues such as the recently inaugurated Al Noor Island. The Sharjah Heritage Area is where most museums and historic sights are concentrated. Sharjah also boasts a few places where one can get close to nature - marine life is best observed at the local Aquarium, and the Arabian Wildlife Center allows for close contact with and observation of animals native to the area.

Al Majaz Waterfront

Al Majaz Waterfront

Best explored after sundown, the Al Majaz waterfront area draws visitors to its multiple restaurants and cafés which offer front-row seats to the colorful fountain shows that happen several times a night. During the daylight hours, visitors are free to enjoy the public park, recreation areas, mini-golf course and well-equipped children's playgrounds.

Sharjah Museum of Islamic Civilization

Sharjah Museum of Islamic Civilization

With over five thousand exhibits, the Museum of Islamic Civilization offers visitors an extensive overview of Islamic historical and cultural artifacts, while also providing educating insights into the scientific discoveries and achievements of Arabic scholars over the ages.

Sharjah Aquarium

Sharjah Aquarium

An amazing experience for the whole family, the Sharjah Aquarium ranks among the finest in the UAE, arguably outshining its Dubai competitors. The aquarium contains a variety of marine animals and creatures (including giant stingrays and sharks dashing through the water close enough to touch) separated from viewers by transparent walls only.

Sharjah Heritage Area

Sharjah Heritage Area

The historic neighborhoods of Al Sheyoukh and Al Maraija constitute Sharjah's main Heritage Area. The neighborhoods are compact in size, very walkable and contain a number of small museums that make for short educational and entertaining pit stops along the way.

Al Hisn Fort Museum

Al Hisn Fort Museum

Formerly the residence of Al Qawasim ruling family and the seat of Sharjah's local government, the Sharjah Fort today functions as a museum, and houses a vast array of exhibits, as well as the old Al Muhalwasa jail, war cannons and defense watchtowers.

Al Noor Mosque

Al Noor Mosque

The elegant white-stone Al Noor Mosque defines the Corniche, and is, perhaps, Sharjah's most famous (of Sharjah's more than 600). It is a place of religious worship and a sight not to miss both inside and out - the mosque is currently the only one open to tourists, offering guided tours to the general public every Monday.

Al-Qasba & Eye of the Emirates Wheel

Al-Qasba & Eye of the Emirates Wheel

The Al-Qasba neighborhood packs a punch with its many inviting restaurants and cafés, along with a few entertainment venues (such as the Maraya Art Centre - a gallery containing modern art). Water taxis offer trips around the lagoon, and the legendary Eye of the Emirates wheel ride makes for a fascinating journey into the skies above Sharjah.

Classic Car Museum

Classic Car Museum

The Sharjah Classic Car Museum is a must-see for old-timer car lovers. With its impressive collection of over 100 cars manufactured in the early years of the 20th century, the museum attracts enthusiasts from all over the globe, and is of interest to visitors of all ages.

Arabian Wildlife Center

Arabian Wildlife Center

The Arabian Wildlife Center houses several venues, such as a Children's farm (where little ones can feed and ride horses and donkeys), a Botanical garden and the Wildlife Center itself. Multiple species of animals are on display, from carnivorous leopards to birds and harmless small rodents.

Al Noor Island

Al Noor Island

Sharjah's newest attraction, the artificial Noor Island was opened to the public in 2015. It contains a Butterfly House with over 500 butterflies roaming free under the hall's ornate roof, and a Literature Pavillion, with plenty of quiet reading spots. There is a long walkway running through the island that takes visitors through it's key pavilions, scenic areas and multi-media installations.

Sharjah Heritage Museum

Sharjah Heritage Museum

Despite its compact size, the Sharjah Heritage Museum offers visitors a comprehensive insight into the Emirate's history, culture and traditions - and how those transformed over the past ages. Clothing, musical instruments, coins, pottery and various other artifacts are on display.

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