What to see in Sharjah

Cultural experiences, artistic wonders and hidden treasures 

in the most authentic heart of the Gulf

The city of Sharjah, overlooking the turquoise waters of the Persian Gulf, is the capital of the Emirate of the same name and one of the most fascinating destinations in the United Arab Emirates. Getting there is simple: Sharjah International Airport, the hub of the Air Arabia airline, is located just a few minutes from the city center. Sunny throughout the year, the best time to visit is during the second half of the year, when the weather is milder and more pleasant.

The city is a perfect tourist destination and offers unique experiences, from the most cultural to the most naturalistic, and is also ideal for families. From mosques and historical monuments to museums and souks, beaches and water sports to nature reserves and parks, there is so much to discover in Sharjah.  

Must-see tourist attractions in Sharjah 

The old city of Sharjah

Just beyond the Corniche, the narrow alleys along the stream of Sharjah's Old Town lead into a neighborhood of timeless charm with traditional architecture. Rich in history and art, it houses historic houses, galleries and museums in the "wind towers" (traditional barjeel buildings) such as the Al Hisin Fort, with its rare round tower, unique in the architectural panorama of the United Arab Emirates. 

Here you can visit several museums, such as the Museum of Islamic Civilization and the Museum of Calligraphy or the Sharjah Heritage Museum, or you can shop for souvenirs in typical souks such as the Souq Al Shanasiyah (between Corniche Road and Al Hisn Street) or the Souq Al Arsah and the Souq Saqr on the waterfront where you can indulge yourself in Arabic oils, perfumes, incense, spices, herbs, henna, clothes, fabrics, pearl chests, jewelry and much more. A stop in the traditional restaurants of the area for a cup of Arabic coffee or a tasting of typical Emirati cuisine is not to be missed.

The mosques of Sharjah

Overlooking the Khalid Lagoon, along the striking Buhaira Corniche, the Al Noor Mosque is one of Sharjah's architectural symbols. With its elegant domes and two slender minarets inspired by the Ottoman style, this mosque - also accessible to non-Muslims - welcomes visitors eager to admire the beauty and spirituality of the place. 

At sunset, the night lighting enhances its majesty, giving an almost fairytale atmosphere. Just opposite, beyond the calm waters of the lagoon, is the Island of Al Noor, easily accessible and perfect for a walk in the countryside.

 About a twenty-minute drive from the center, on the other hand, stands the Sharjah Mosque, the largest in the emirate. Capable of accommodating up to 25,000 worshippers, it impresses with its monumental proportions and refined Islamic design that is reflected in the manicured gardens, scenic fountains, columns, domes and minarets. Inside there is also a prayer room open to visitors, a rich library with texts dedicated to Islamic culture, a souvenir shop and a cafeteria.

The Al Majaz waterfront in Sharjah

Overlooking the stunning Khalid Lagoon along the Buhaira Corniche, the Al Majaz waterfront is one of Sharjah's most beloved spots, ideal for spending time outdoors with the whole family. Here you can stroll among palm trees and manicured flower beds, cycle along the cycle paths that run along the lake, watch the choreographed light and sound show of the Sharjah Fountain or get involved in the fun of water games and mini golf. 

Also not to be missed is the experience of a relaxing dhow boat cruise, to admire the city from offshore. As the sun goes down, Al Majaz transforms into one of the most evocative spots in the city: perfect for a romantic dinner or with friends, thanks to the many restaurants and cafes overlooking the water, with the lights of the city reflecting off the lagoon creating an enchanting atmosphere.

Al Montazah Parks in Sharjah

Located on Flag Island, in the heart of the Khalid Lagoon and right across from the Central Souk, Al Montazah Parks is one of the most beloved places for recreation in Sharjah. The complex is a perfect mix between a water park and an amusement park, ideal for spending a day of relaxation and fun but also learning with theme parks dedicated to ancient legends. A trip to the navigable lake or a go-kart race is very suggestive, but also a visit to the amphitheater of Flag Island. For a tasty break, there are also numerous restaurants and bars where you can stop to savor typical dishes or you can relax with a picnic in the many green meadows overlooking the lagoon.

A trip to the navigable lake or a go-kart race is very suggestive, but also a visit to the amphitheater of Flag Island. For a tasty break, there are also numerous restaurants and bars where you can stop to savor typical dishes or you can relax with a picnic in the many green meadows overlooking the lagoon.

Al Noor Island
Nestled on the Khalid Lagoon, right in front of Al Majaz and the evocative Al Noor Mosque, Al Noor Island is a timeless oasis, where cars do not circulate and silence blends with the beauty of the landscape. It is accessed via an elegant pedestrian bridge at the back of the mosque, and then immerse yourself in an enchanted world. 

Also known as the Butterfly Island, Al Noor is home to the magnificent Butterfly House, a tropical biosphere with floating butterflies. Here you can stroll through landscaped gardens, relax at the Literature Pavilion or admire contemporary sculptures and art installations such as the iconic "Ovo". As the sun goes down, the soft lights and sound atmospheres make the entire island a fairytale place, with a privileged view of the illuminated architecture of the Sharjah skyline.

Al Qasba

In the heart of Sharjah, between the Khalid Lagoon and the Al Khan Lagoon, Al Qasba is one of the most fascinating places in the city, especially at nightfall. This lively district, crossed by a kilometre-long canal and dotted with elegant pedestrian bridges, invites you to stroll among lights reflected on the water, contemporary art and relaxing atmospheres.

 Al Qasba is also a dynamic cultural center: here you will find the Maraya Art Centre, with its always amazing exhibitions, and the Masrah Al Qasba Theater, where shows, concerts and cultural events are staged. The little ones have fun among musical fountains, electric go-karts and play areas, while families can rent bikes or enjoy a stop at one of the cafes with a view. For a more evocative touch, Al Qasba can also be reached by boat from Al Noor Island: a short journey that offers unique views of one of Sharjah's most loved and popular neighborhoods.

Al-Jada
In the lively Muwaileh area, Aljada is a cultural and recreational district with a visionary design, signed by Zaha Hadid Architects. Surrounded by greenery and designed with elegant oval buildings that develop around a central axis, Aljada is the beating heart of Madar, a space designed for leisure, art and conviviality. Among the unmissable stops, Zad is the reference point for lovers of local gastronomy: a modern food hall that offers Emirati dishes in a contemporary way, with the possibility of enjoying them in the car while watching a movie, thanks to the drive-in service. East Boulevard invites you to shop with trendy boutiques, trendy clubs and designer cafés, while the little ones find their corner of happiness at Playscape, a large play area with climbing and games trails. For those who love adrenaline on wheels, Aljada Skate Park offers skating rinks, while Areej 6 conquers the most curious palates with honey, dates, nuts, chocolate, artisanal juices and amazes with a hydroponic farm.

Sharjah's beaches

Sharjah's beaches, overlooking the Arabian Gulf, are ideal for enjoying the sun and sea, relaxing or practicing water sports such as surfing, kayaking, parasailing or flyboarding. Al Khan Beach is located in the Al Khan district, near the Sharjah Aquarium and Maritime Museum, and is 600 meters long with fine sand, showers and changing rooms.

While Al Heera Beach stretches for 3.5 kilometers along Al Muntazah Street to Al Rifa'ah Beach and is the longest in the city. It offers a jogging track, a bike path, shops and restaurants, sports fields, children's areas and the 'Kota Skate Park' for roller skating, scooter and motocross. Fishing enthusiasts can go to Al Mamzar Beach adjacent to the Sharjah Aquarium in the Al Mamzar area, between Al Khan Lagoon in the north and Al Hamriya Port in the south, where angling is allowed. Finally, the family-friendly Al Hamriyah Beach with assistance for the disabled, offers white sand and various activities such as football and volleyball.

Sharjah Aquarium

The UAE's first largest government education center, the Sharjah Aquarium is located in the old Al Khan area and is the perfect place to explore the region's incredible aquatic biodiversity and get up close and personal with the marine ecosystems of the Arabian Gulf. The aquarium's tanks perfectly recreate coral reefs, natural pools, lagoons, mangroves and, thanks to a walkway, you can closely observe fish and other marine creatures in their habitat. 

Also ideal for an evening visit, the aquarium is perfect to pair with a relaxing day on nearby Al Khan Beach. Your admission ticket also includes access to the Sharjah Maritime Museum, where you can learn more about the relationship between the city and the sea, learning about fishing traditions and the historical importance of the Emirati coast.

The Wasit Nature Reserve

The Wasit Nature Reserve is located in the Ramtha area, within the urban boundaries of Sharjah. In the reserve you can admire an ecosystem of native flora and fauna, along sand dunes, salt marshes, ponds and a suggestive lake. You can discover different species of birds, small mammals, reptiles, insects and the extremely rare, endangered Arabian oryx, the national symbol of the United Arab Emirates. 

For a convenient tour of the reserve, electric golf carts are also available. After exploring, you can continue the day with dinner at Al Majaz, where Sharjah's illuminated skyline is reflected on the waters of the lagoon giving an unforgettable view.
 

Texts by Alisè Vitri, Avion Tourism Magazine
Photo: Copyright © Sisterscom.com / Depositphotos
All rights reserved. Copyright © Sisterscom.com

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