The Best Travel Guide to Sharjah (UPDATED 2024) | ArrivalGuides.com

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Sharjah

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Overview

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Sharjah The guide was updated: 2024-07-30

Sharjah, often overshadowed by its glitzy neighbour Dubai, is a hidden gem rich in culture and history. Named the Capital of Islamic Culture in 2014, Sharjah boasts a vibrant Heritage Area filled with historic sites and museums. The Emirate's contemporary scene shines through with events like the Sharjah Biennial and attractions such as the acclaimed Rain Room. This blend of the old and new makes Sharjah a unique destination for travellers seeking a deeper cultural experience in the UAE.

Facts

Population:	1.8 million (2024)
Currency:	United Arab Emirates Dirham (AED)
Search Accommodation:	Hotels »
Emergency numbers:	Fire: 997 Police: 999 Ambulance: 998
Newspapers:	Gulf Today: www.gulftoday.ae 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 centres 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).

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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 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 Centre 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 colourful 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 Heritage Area

The historic neighbourhoods of Al Sheyoukh and Al Maraija constitute Sharjah's main Heritage Area. They 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.

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.

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 its key pavilions, scenic areas, and multi-media installations.

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.

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 artefacts are on display.

Sharjah Fort (Al Hisn)

Sharjah Fort (Al Hisn)

Formerly the residence of the 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 defence watchtowers.

Al-Qasba

Al-Qasba is a vibrant cultural and leisure hub, perfect for an enriching visit. This waterfront neighbourhood features a picturesque canal flanked by beautiful Islamic architecture, housing an array of restaurants, cafés, and bookshops. Visitors can explore the Maraya Art Centre, enjoy performances at the Masrah Theatre, or take a serene boat ride around the lagoon. For families, there are fun play parks and indoor play areas, as well as go-karts and water taxis. The area comes alive with various festivals throughout the year, such as the Food Festival and Ramadan Nights, making it a dynamic destination for all ages.

Arabia's Wildlife Centre

Arabia's Wildlife Centre

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

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.

Classic Cars Museum

Classic Cars Museum

The Sharjah Classic Cars 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, alongside motorcycles and bikes, with the earliest model dating from 1917.

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