Sharjah

DESTINATIONS united arab emirates sharjah

Sharjah

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.

The Emirate

The Emirate of Sharjah has received worldwide acclaim as the one that best preserves Emirati culture and traditions, which rings out loudly through the city's Heritage Area packed with sights and museums. The possible downside to such deep-routed connection to the past might be the ban on alcohol sale and consumption (allowed for "alcohol license" holders only, which have to be non-Muslim, locally employed and relatively well-paid). Unlike in other Emirates, drinks cannot be served even at some of the most upscale hotel bars, and modest clothing is required for both men and women. However, Sharjah has managed to embrace modernity while still firmly holding on to its heritage, which makes up for some of its shortcomings on the nightlife front. Unique new cultural centers, such as the Al Noor Island project, are turning Sharjah into an entertainment hub in its own right. The Corniche and waterfront areas come alive after sundown, and the multiple modern shopping centers and traditional souqs offer unlimited shopping opportunities. The Sharjah Emirate is not geographically restricted to the North of Dubai - it reaches to the Gulf of Oman on the eastern coast of the UAE via its seaside territories of Dibba Al Hisn, Khor Fakkan and Kalba.

Do & See Dining Cafés Bars & Nightlife Shopping Tourist Information

Do & See

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

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

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

Dining

Modern Emirati cuisine is quite cosmopolitan, and contains elements of a whole variety of Middle Eastern and Asian culinary traditions. Dishes traditionally include a grain (rice is most common) and some variety of meat (often chicken or lamb, no pork) or seafood (which is abundant). Alcohol is not served anywhere in Sharjah, so meals are normally followed by hot drinks (spiced coffee or tea) or fruit juices.

Gazebo

A top contender for being one of best Indian restaurants in town, Gazebo serves authentic North Indian cuisine. Patrons favor the biryanis, but a large variety of beloved classics is on offer as well (both meat and vegetarian dish options …

Zahr el Laymoun

Zahr el Laymoun, another local favorite on the Al Majaz Waterfront, creates a fusion of Mediterranean and Middle Eastern flavors with a special emphasis on Lebanese food. The menu is extensive, and includes hot (grilled kebbeh, sausages, meats) and cold (salads, hummus, eggplant and more) …

Fish Corner Restaurant

The restaurant specializes on seafood, and offer diners the option of taking their very own pick from the display of the day's catch. You are free to select the way your fish is cooked, too. Complementary snacks (such as a plate of olives, for example) are served …

Bangkok Town

Bangkok Town is a Thai restaurant serving many of the old familiar Thai classics (curries and soups) in a large dining room area fit to accommodate big parties and families. The service is above average, and the food quality to price ratio one of the best in the …

Cafés

Due to a seizable expat presence in Sharjah, Western-style cafés serving foods like burgers, salads and pizza are not uncommon. There are, however, quite a few traditional establishments that function as evening venues for locals, where coffee, teas and juices are served instead of alcoholic drinks, and backgammon is played in the outdoor seating areas.

Shakespeare and Co.

Located on the scenic Al Majaz Waterfront, this Sharjah installment of an Emirates-wide chain is beloved by locals and visitors alike. The food is superb (with seafood being one of the main culinary foci), and can be enjoyed in the outdoor patio with a …

Al Qahwa Al Shaabiyah

Located on the Buheira Corniche, this traditional local café is always busy with customers. Hot drinks, such as mint tea and coffee, are served along with a few traditional snacks and sweets. Seating outdoors is available, and provides a nice view over the …

Al Mukhtar Bakery

Al Mukhtar is a sit-down bakery operating 24 hours a day. It serves a large variety of Arabic sweet and savory goods, such as meat and cheese pies, stuffed pastries, Arabic mini-pizzas and layered dough custard cakes. The place buzzes with locals on …

Ratios Coffee

This hip little coffee shop located on Corniche Street very close to the Heritage Area serves a large variety of drinks, including the now popular matcha lattes and cold brews. Savory foods and desserts are on the menu as well. Both in- and outdoor seating …

Bars & Nightlife

One will not find much in the way of bars and clubs in Sharjah, since alcohol sale and consumption is banned in all of the Emirate. Most visitors looking for vibrant nightlife head to neighboring Dubai, where alcohol regulations are much more lax and party venues are aplenty. Evenings in Sharjah itself are mostly spent at restaurants or outdoor cafés, enjoying a meal accompanied by freshly squeezed juices. One of the most popular after-sundown spots in the city is the Al Majaz Waterfront, where quite a few establishments located right by the water offer unobstructed views of the daily fountain light show in the lagoon.

Shopping

The unmissable shopping venue in Sharjah is the covered Central Souq, also called "Blue Souq" for the sky-blue color of its domes. This souq is Sharjah's largest and busiest, and sells a variety of items ranging from local handicrafts and rugs to gold and jewelry. There are, however, quite a few modern malls in and around Sharjah. These sell items at a fixed price, and often house entertainment centers and even amusement parks.