Sharjah may not be as glamorous as Dubai or as modern as Abu Dhabi, but it is one city you should not miss while in the United Arab Emirates. It is the center of the country’s culture and history, taking pride in preserving its Islamic and Arabic heritage. Read on and learn all the top things to do in Sharjah for an unforgettable holiday.
A good place to start in your cultural journey in Sharjah is visiting the Sharjah Museum of Islamic Civilization. Its magnificent architecture alone will entice you to visit. But once you’re inside, you’ll be fascinated by its extensive display of over 5,000 artifacts relevant to the world of Islam. Its exhibition includes manuscripts, carvings, coins, and even scientific instruments dating to as far back as the 7th century. The museum has two floors with seven galleries that might take a couple of hours to explore, so come as early as you can.
Sharjah National Park is the largest and one of the most popular green spaces in the city. It’s approximately 630,000 m2 and is open to the public with a very cheap entrance fee. Both locals and tourists also frequent Sharjah National Park thanks to its family-friendly facilities. It has picnic tables and designated barbecue areas for those who want to eat outside. There’s also a playground, giant slide, and a duck pond to keep kids busy. However, Sharjah National Park is not a dog-friendly place, so best to leave your pups at home. Playing football is also prohibited in the area.
Al Noor Mosque, situated near the Khalid Lagoon, is the only mosque in Sharjah that welcomes non-Muslims. It opened only in 2005, and its design honors the classic Turking Ottoman style. If you’re curious to dive deeper into Al Noor’s history, there’s a weekly tour every Monday operated by the Sharjah Centre for Cultural Communication for free. Visitors need to dress modestly, and women will be required to wear an abaya provided at the mosque during their visit.
Located in the area of Al Shuwaihea is where you’ll find Sharjah Art Museum, one of the largest art museums in the United Arab Emirates. It is considered one of the leading art institutions in the Persian Gulf Region as it houses some of the most prominent works of various Middle Eastern artists. The museum has a total floor area of 111,000 m², where you’ll find temporary and permanent exhibitions. Sharjah Art Museum also hosts art festivals and workshops that are open to the public.
If you’re looking for fun things to do in Sharjah that kids will love, make sure to add the Sharjah Aquarium to your itinerary. It opened in 2008 and is the first and largest government educational center in the UAE. It consists of two stories, with 6,500 m² of floor space, housing 21 aquariums filled with almost 100 species. Here, you’ll find everything from the majestic reef sharks to the adorable clownfish. Sharjah Aquarium also makes sure to take part in taking care of the environment with their turtle rehabilitation program and annual marine habitat clean-up campaign.
For a breath of fresh air, Al Noor Island is the perfect place to unwind in Sharjah. It blends the natural beauty of Khalid Lagoon with eye-catching artworks for everyone to appreciate. There are six art installations scattered in the area, including the egg-shaped OVO and the mind-boggling Torus. If you’re into reading, there’s also a Literature Pavilion on the island you can take advantage of. But the must-see attraction here is the Butterfly House, where you’ll find over 500 butterflies from different species!
Al Montazah Parks is another attraction that should be on the top of your things to do in Sharjah with your family. The entertainment complex has a water park and an amusement park, both of which your loved ones will surely enjoy. The Pearls Kingdom is an aquatic paradise filled with exciting water slides, tube rides, and splash zones perfect for kids and kids at heart. Meanwhile, the Island of Legends is a magical theme park where you’ll find a mix of fun and thrilling rides like the Volcano Tower and the Eye of Emirates.
A vacation in Sharjah wouldn’t be complete without experiencing the Al Majaz Waterfront. It is considered the ultimate family destination thanks to the many attractions and activities they offer. The 231,000-square feet hub has mini-golf, mini-train, splash park, a mosque, restaurants, and a playground, to name a few. Al Majaz Waterfront is also a popular events place where locals and tourists can catch a variety of performances throughout the year. If you don’t have time in the morning, you can also stop by at night and witness the impressive Sharjah Fountain light show!
If you’re looking for things to do in Sharjah with your family, Al Mamzar Beach Park is the perfect place for you. This lengthy beach is lined with palm trees to make your picnics as comfortable as possible. Parents can lounge at the shore or savor a couple of local dishes at any of the food concessionaires in the area, while kids can make the most of Al Mamzar’s crystal clear waters. At night, it’s also a favorite spot among joggers, cyclists, and walkers!
The Rain Room at Sharjah Art Foundation is a one-of-a-kind art installation opened in 2018. Created by the art group Random International, the Rain Room allows a person to walk through non-stop downpours of rain without getting wet. No water is wasted in this unique experience as it uses self-cleaning recycled water, monitored and controlled by a system of 3D tracking cameras. Random International aims to “explore how humankind's relationships to one another and to nature are increasingly mediated through intangible technologies.”
Sharjah is best known as the center of culture and history of the United Arab Emirates. Its efforts in upholding the rich Islamic and Arabic heritage of the country paid off when UNESCO declared Sharjah as the Cultural Capital of the Arab World in 1998 and the Capital of Islamic Culture in 2014. The city also takes pride in its strict laws regarding the consumption of alcoholic beverages, making it a favorite destination for Islamic tourists.
The best time to visit Sharjah is between December to March. It’s considered the city’s winter season when the temperatures are warm and comfortable enough to explore and enjoy the area. Be careful when visiting Sharjah during its summer months, particularly from May to September, as temperatures can be extremely hot.
If you prefer to stay near the water, the area of Al Majaz 1 can be a great choice. It overlooks the waterfront promenade and is near attractions like the Al Noor Mosque and Al Noor Island. If you’re traveling with your family, Al Muntazah is also a great place to consider. Many kid-friendly attractions surround the area, like the Murjan Splash Park and Abu Dhabi History Museum and Aquarium.