Sharjah, places to visit?

Home to authentic culture, adventure and beauty

Sharjah is home to rich cultural and natural heritage which attracts many visitors from around the world, driving the growth of the emirate’s tourism sector. Golden desert sands, serene beaches and ancient mangroves coupled with modern day attractions and outdoor adventures, Sharjah has developed a reputation as a go-to destination for families, offering them a chance to experience some of the unique wonders and beauty of the Arab world.

Once the hub of Sharjah’s merchant trade, the original city centre has been reborn as a vibrant creek-side heritage and arts district with creative spaces and museums housed in traditional barjeel (windtower) buildings. The heart of Sharjah is home to the emirate’s newest boutique hotel, Al Bait, which also incorporates the UAE’s only round wind tower.

Visitors can spend hours meadering through the traditional souqs or enjoying annual events such as the Sharjah Biennial and Sharjah Light Festival.

The Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ISESCO)’s heritage committee added the Heart of Sharjah site and the Sharjah Fort to the list of heritage in the Islamic world in July 2022.

As part of Sharjah’s newest award, UNESCO World Book Capital of 2019, celebrations, the emirate built and opened a new library; The House of Wisdom, a high-tech library and culture centre set to be a catalyst for a new cultural quarter in the emirate, featuring more than 100,000 books. The dramatic modernist building is situated beside Sharjah’s University City area.

Sharjah - Sisterscom - Sharjah Tourism Development Authority

More than five years in the making, the largest mosque in Sharjah- Sharjah Mosque, opened its doors in 2019. The Dh300 million building occupies 185,806 square metres with a capacity to accommodate over 25,000 worshippers. Inside there is dedicated seating for around 5000 worshippers, plus 610 seats exclusively for women.

The east coast of Sharjah

Kalba and Khorfakkan, along the east coast of Sharjah, is considered an exceptional tourism destination with offerings for all ages and interests –adventure, nature, heritage underpinned by the intriguing biodiversity of the region. Picturesque natural surroundings showcase tourism projects that focus on sustainability, such as the Kalba eco-tourism project, one of the largest ecotourism projects in the UAE.

The attractive seaside town of Khorfakkan is home to one of the world's leading container transshipment ports and a key cruise tourism destination with a long history as an important port. Khorfakkan offers a variety of additions to its bastion of attractions with several new and enhanced landmarks. A celebrated local icon, the newly-built Khorfakkan Amphitheater can accommodate over 3500 spectators and is an inspiring sight augmented by the magnificent man-made 45m-high waterfall cascading beside it. Nearby Souq Sharq is a testament to the traditional crafting and marketing history of the region, dedicated to the professions that emerged from the local environment, fishing, pearl diving and weaving.

The exquisite curve of Khorfakkan beach, a bay with outstanding views bordered by mountains, creates an ideal backdrop for alfresco dining in nearby cafes and restaurants and a range of exciting activities, including parasailing, jet skiing, and sailing. Off the coast is Shark Island, rivaling the most famous diving spots of the world, an underwater marvel for snorkeling, scuba diving and swimming.

The east coast of Sharjah offers numerous untouched coastal areas for enticing water adventures. Kalba Beach is a relaxing stretch of shimmering sand and ocean while the nearby Kalba Mangroves Nature Reserve, the most northerly mangrove forest in the world and home to a variety of rare plant, marine and birdlife can be explored by kayak. Tourists can enhance their adventure further by visiting the newly opened architecturally splendid Khor Kalba Mangrove Centre.

The region is home to a myriad heritage attractions, not to mention several historical sites. The Kalba Bird of Prey Centre displays falcons and preserves the age-old falconry traditions of the people of the Arabian Peninsula. One of the most recent highlights in Kalba, inaugurated by His Highness Dr. Sheikh Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah in March 2022, is the Clock Tower Square located at the intersection of Al Wahda Street and Corniche Street in Kalba. The tower is surrounded by a series of innovative water fountains, which operate on the clock system. The first deck is located on the fifth floor at a height of 33 metres and has a restaurant for visitors. The second is 46 metres above the sea level and offers views of Kalba and the surrounding mountains. The tower design was inspired by modern Islamic architecture, with a spacious dome covered with gilded mosaic.

The East Coast, given its strategic location, has seen the introduction of an extensive list of tourism projects; the development of Khorfakkan city, Al Suhub Rest, situated at an altitude of 580 metres above sea level features breathtaking panoramic views, Wadi Water Canal, providing visitors with the opportunity to ride water buggies, connects to the sea of the Khorfakkan beach. Furthermore, Al Rayaheen hostel, Youth Hostel in Khorfakkan, Shees Park and Lounge Project, Najd Al-Maqsar Village, the Amphitheatre, Khorfakkan Fort, Al Rabi Tower, and Al Adwani Tower, to name a few, have been conceptualised to seamlessly integrate the elements of sustainability, heritage and nature, with a focus on maintaining the balance between the environment and tourism growth.

The Central Region of Sharjah

Adventurers and explorers should head to the Central Region of Sharjah where the majestic Hajjar mountain range and astonishing natural landscapes are perfect for all kinds of sports and outdoor activities. The swooping desert sands and of Badayer and Mleiha are ideal for extreme thrills and trying out your off-roading and dune bashing skills, while the rugged terrain attracts intrepid trekkers and mountain bikers. Immerse yourself into role the of desert explorer by delving into the nearby archaeological sites where pre-Islamic forts and Bronze age tombs are waiting to be discovered.

Mleiha, a UNESCO nominated World Heritage site in the Central Region of Sharjah, is home to a number of significant sites. The Mleiha Archaeological Centre, which opened in 2016, houses the artefacts and fossils discovered here, including pottery, iron, tools and camel skeletons. Mleiha offers the opportunity for a variety of activities such as dune-bashing or desert trekking out to Camel Rock.

Head to the Buhais Geology Park in Sharjah’s Central Region for a fascinating glimpse into the historical terrain of the region. The park’s interpretative centre was built to resemble fossilized sea urchins, with five interconnected pods in a barren desert of sand rocks on the former seabed of Al Madam Plain - a region of exceptional prehistoric and geological significance. The interpretative centre uses interactive displays to explore and explain Sharjah’s mountain ranges, sand dunes and history.

Spend time in Sharjah’s Central Region and you’ll find the best of the UAE’s dune bashing, buggy driving, hiking and exploring opportunities. In Al Badayer, the undulating dunes rise and fall, perfect for 4 wheel driving or dune bashing with quad bikes. This area is home to the notorious Big Red dune to conquer.

For a slower approach, pick out one of the countless hikes and trails that wind across this unique landscape and find the perfect spot to take in the remarkable landscape and sunsets that Al Badayer has on offer.

The Central region is where visitors will find the mysterious Buried Village in the desert, abandoned homes, streets and even a mosque slowly being buried in the desert. This enigmatic tourist attraction remains an enticing mystery to explorers.

The Central region is also where one of Sharjah’s most exciting projects can be found; the largest safari park outside of Africa, Sharjah Safari. 12 different environments, inspired by parts of Africa, Sharjah Safari is host to more than 120 species of animals, which live in Africa and up to 50,000 animals, ranging from birds, reptiles and mammals; such as lions, elephants, giraffes, black and white rhinoceros, crocodiles, deer, bulls and many other endangered animals.

Visitors to Al Dhaid can explore the historically significant Al Dhaid Fort (Hisn), the ancient fortress which dates back to 1820 during the reign of Sheikh Sultan bin Saqr Al Qasimi, then ruler of Sharjah, consists of a square-shaped building and includes historical displays of the city of Al Dhaid and its heritage. This historical fortress is a symbol of the legacy and characteristics of the people of the region and circumstances they sustained over time.

Edited by Avion Tourism Magazine
Text, photos and video: Copyright © Sharjah Tourism Development Authority

Tourist Board

www.sharjahtourism.ae

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Where to sleep in Sharjah

Sharjah is a welcoming city and offers different possibilities for accommodation.

To find the ideal hotel and the best offers you can do a search for the stars but also for districts or landmarks.

STARS

Hotels for stars, differentiated by type of services:

HOUSES, APARTMENTS, B&B

LANDMARKS

Hotels in tourist areas

Sharjah City Center

University of Sharjah

American University of Sharjah

Sharjah National Park

Sharjah Mega Mall

Sharjah Heritage Museum

LANDMARKS

Hotels in tourist areas

Sharjah Aquarium

Sahara Centre

Museum of Islamic Civilization

Al Jawaher Convention Centre

Adventureland

LANDMARKS

Hotels in tourist areas

Al Majaz Waterfront

Al Jazeera Park

DISTRICTS

Hotels in the districs

Al Majaz

Al Khan

Beach & Coast

REGION

Hotels in the region

Sharjah Emirate

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WHERE TO GO IN SHARJAH

Tourist attractions in Sharjah

Sharjah Mosque

The largest mosque in Sharjah, which opened in 2019, occupies 185,806 square metres and is surrounded by gardens and water fountains. Inside, it houses 5,000 worshippers with places allocated to 610 women. The domes, minarets and columns are in Islamic architectural style. The main prayer hall has arched windows with stained glass windows and walls decorated with verses from the Quran. The mosque also offers a shop, a cafeteria and a library of Islamic works.

Al Noor Mosque

Located along the corniche, the Al Noor Mosque is a popular tourist site in Sharjah and place of worship open to the public. Eye-catching features of the building are its cascading domes and two towering Ottoman-style minarets. The interior of the mosque is engraved with calligraphy of verses from the Holy Quran. For the visit, the mosque offers visitors traditional dress at the entrance area.

Culture Square in Sharjah

Culture Square, the spiritual heart of the city, houses a sculpture of the Holy Quran on a 14 meter high pedestal. The sculpture was designed by the Spanish sculptor Marinas Rubias and is surrounded by buildings in Islamic architecture such as the Office of the Sovereign and the Ahmad Bin Hanbal Mosque. In the square there is also the Palace of Culture, used for concerts and events

House of Wisdom in Sharjah

To celebrate Sharjah as the 2019 UNESCO World Book Capital, the emirate has opened a new library. The House of Wisdom is a high-tech library and cultural center with over 100,000 books. The two-story library is located next to The Scroll, a public work of art by British sculptor Gerry Judah, outside the university city on Sharjah International Airport Road.

Khorfakkan Amphitheatre in Sharjah

The newly built Khorfakkan Amphitheatre was inspired by Roman architecture and covers over 1,700 square metres to accommodate over 3,500 spectators. It is an ideal venue for outdoor events, but also for tasting dishes at the amphitheatre's restaurant or cafeteria. An artificial waterfall carved into the natural rock and 45 metres high cascades down alongside the amphitheatre and is often illuminated at night. Both the amphitheatre and the waterfall overlook the bay of Khorfakkan.

Al Noor Island in Sharjah

Al Noor Island, one of Sharjah's most scenic spots, is pedestrianised and located opposite Al Noor Mosque on Khalid Lagoon, across the water from Al Majaz Island, and accessed via a footbridge behind the mosque. The island is known for its tropical biosphere filled with floating butterflies. Don't miss: the literature pavilion, sculpture, art installations such as the OVO structure, gardens and children's playground.

Al Majaz in Sharjah

The Al Majaz waterfront offers several attractions such as a mini golf, a splash park, a little train and is the perfect place for the family and to dine in one of the many restaurants, or take a boat ride (dhow), see the Sharjah fountain with the night show of lights and admire the city illuminated by reflections on the water. Al Majaz is also ideal for cycling, walking, running or jogging.

Al Qasba in Sharjah

Al Qasba is located in the Al Majaz area, where a 1 km long canal connects the Khalid lagoon and the Al Khan lagoon. The road to reach Al Qabsa by boat from Al Noor Island is very scenic. Ideal to visit at night with a walking tour between the pedestrian bridges along the canal. The area is also a center for the arts with exhibits at the Maraya Art Center and the Masrah Al Qasba Theater.

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Hop-on hop-of bus to Sharjah

Panoramic tour of Sharjah city to discover museums, cathedrals, gardens and much more with audio guide. Information and reservations: Tiqets.com

Museums in Sharjah

Sharjah Art Museum

The museum offers temporary art exhibitions and a permanent collection of Arab art by local painters and artists. The permanent collection of modern and contemporary Arab art includes paintings and sculptures by Middle Eastern artists such as Abdulqader Al Rais, Louay Kayali, Bashir Sinwar, Faiq Hassan, Mohammed Yusuf and Ismail Fatah Al-Turk.

Al-Mahatta Museum in Sharjah

Al Mahatta, opened in Sharjah in 1932, was the first airport in the region to be used for commercial flights from Britain to India. The museum illustrates the history of aviation and the importance of this airport in the region and in the development of the United Arab Emirates. The museum also explores the history of flight, from man's first attempts at flight to the moon landing.

Sharjah Museum of Islamic Civilisation

A building with a gold dome that was transformed in 2008 from a traditional covered market into a museum. On display are more than 5,000 rare artefacts and manuscripts from the Islamic world, ideal for discovering the Islamic faith and science from the 1st century AH (7 AD) to the 14th century AH (20 AD). The museum is located along the Al-Majarrah waterfront in central Sharjah.

Sharjah Calligraphy Museum

This is the first museum in the Arab world dedicated to unique Arabic calligraphy, with works from the 7th century to modern times, where visitors can admire this fascinating artistic form of writing. The museum is located in the house of Hamad Al Midfa in the heart of Sharjah and showcases masterpieces and paintings by local and international artists and calligraphers.

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Tour in Sharjah and its surroundings

Sharjah City Tour by Tourist Bus

The Sharjah City Tourist Bus makes the following stops: Central Souk I, Palm Oasis, Al Noor Island, Al Majaz Promenade, Al Majaz Amphitheater, Al Montazah and Flag Island, Al Khan I Beach, Al Khan II Beach , Sharjah Aquarium, Al Qasba, Sahara Center, Sharjah Center. The Tour is an unlimited 1 day hop-on hop-off bus tour and includes a 15-minute boat tour. For more information and reservations: Sharjah City Tour by Tourist Bus.

From Sharjah to the Sahara desert

A four-wheel ride from Sharjah in the Sahara dunes, just outside Dubai. Try the sport of sandboarding or ride a camel. Half-hour or one-hour ride with guide. For more information and reservations: ride on a four wheel from Sharjah in the Sahara desert.

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