· AE

Sharjah

Sharjah, Ash Shariqah, United Arab Emirates

Sharjah: Where Culture Blooms in the Arabian Desert Sharjah, the "Pearl of the Gulf," offers a captivating blend of Arabian heritage, artistic brilliance, and family-friendly fun. While its glamorous neighbor Dubai might…

#Middle East#Cultural hub#Islamic architecture#Art galleries#Museums

Top hotels & flights

Hand-picked stays and the best fares into Sharjah.

Top Hotels in Sharjah

Top Flights to Sharjah

Popular activities

Tours, tickets and experiences travelers book most in Sharjah.

Tours

Visit Al Noor Mosque

Explore the beautiful Al Noor Mosque in Sharjah, with its stunning architecture and peaceful ambiance.

Sharjah Art Museum Visit

Admire Arabic calligraphy and contemporary art at Sharjah Art Museum.

Location videos

Real reels from travelers, plus longer watches to get the full picture.

From travelers
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Practical info

The essentials for planning your time in Sharjah.

Currency
AED | AED | United Arab Emirates Dirham
Population
Information not available.
Languages
Arabic, Arabic, English, Hindi, Urdu, Malayalam
Average weather
Sharjah
Jan
clear
24°13°
Feb
clear
25°14°
Mar
clear
28°17°
Apr
clear
33°20°
May
hot
38°24°
Jun
hot
40°27°
Jul
hot
41°30°
Aug
hot
41°30°
Sep
hot
39°27°
Oct
clear
35°23°
Nov
clear
31°19°
Dec
clear
26°15°

Local guide

What travelers love, what to watch for, and a deeper read on Sharjah.

What people love

Sharjah, located in the United Arab Emirates, offers several unique attractions and experiences for travelers. Here are some of the pros of traveling to Sharjah:

  1. Cultural Heritage: Sharjah is known for its rich cultural heritage and is home to many museums, galleries, and heritage sites. Visitors can explore the Sharjah Museum of Islamic Civilization, Sharjah Art Museum, and Sharjah Heritage Area to learn about the history and traditions of the region.

  2. Family-Friendly Attractions: Sharjah is a family-friendly destination with a variety of attractions for all ages. Families can visit the Sharjah Aquarium, Al Noor Island, and Sharjah Desert Park to enjoy educational and entertaining experiences.

  3. Beaches and Water Activities: Sharjah has beautiful beaches along its coastline where visitors can relax, swim, and enjoy water sports. Al Khan Beach and Khor Fakkan Beach are popular spots for beachgoers looking to unwind and soak up the sun.

  4. Shopping and Dining: Sharjah offers a diverse range of shopping and dining options for visitors. From traditional souks and markets to modern shopping malls, travelers can find unique souvenirs, local products, and international brands. The city also boasts a vibrant culinary scene with restaurants serving a variety of cuisines.

  5. Events and Festivals: Sharjah hosts numerous events and festivals throughout the year, showcasing art, culture, music, and more. The Sharjah Light Festival, Sharjah International Book Fair, and Sharjah Heritage Days are just a few of the annual events that attract visitors from around the world.

Overall, Sharjah offers a blend of cultural experiences, natural beauty, and modern amenities, making it a compelling destination for travelers seeking a unique and enriching vacation.

What to know

Traveling to Sharjah, located in the United Arab Emirates, may have some cons that travelers should be aware of:

  1. Conservative Culture: Sharjah is known for its conservative culture compared to other emirates in the UAE. Travelers should be mindful of local customs and dress codes to avoid causing offense or disrespect.

  2. Alcohol Restrictions: Sharjah is a "dry" emirate, meaning the sale and consumption of alcohol in public places is strictly prohibited. Travelers looking to drink alcohol may find limited options, such as only being available in hotels with the appropriate licenses.

  3. Limited Entertainment Options: Compared to Dubai, Sharjah offers fewer entertainment and nightlife options. It is more family-oriented and less focused on nightlife activities, which may not appeal to travelers looking for a vibrant party scene.

  4. Strict Laws: Sharjah, like the rest of the UAE, has strict laws governing behavior, such as public displays of affection, photography restrictions, and laws related to social media usage. Travelers should familiarize themselves with local laws to avoid any inadvertent legal issues.

  5. Traffic Congestion: Sharjah can experience heavy traffic congestion, particularly during peak hours. Travelers may experience delays when traveling around the city or to neighboring emirates.

  6. Lack of Public Transportation: While Sharjah has public buses and taxis, the public transportation system is not as extensive or efficient as in other cities like Dubai. Travelers may find it more challenging to navigate the city without a car.

  7. Limited Tourist Attractions: While Sharjah has some cultural and historical sites, it may have fewer tourist attractions compared to other emirates in the UAE. Travelers seeking a wide range of tourist activities and attractions may find Sharjah to be more limited in this regard.

Please note that these cons are subjective and may vary based on individual preferences and travel experiences. It is always recommended to research and understand the destination you plan to visit to have a safe and enjoyable trip.

Sharjah is one of the seven emirates that make up the United Arab Emirates and is located on the eastern coast of the country. It is the third largest and third most populous emirate in the UAE. Sharjah has a rich history dating back several centuries and has been an important center of trade and culture in the region.

Significant events in Sharjah's history include:

  1. Early Settlements: Sharjah was originally settled by the Bani Qitab tribe in the early 18th century. The area's strategic location along the coast made it an important trading hub for the region.

  2. British Influence: In the 19th century, Sharjah became a British protectorate, along with the other Trucial States (now the UAE). This helped establish stability and security in the region.

  3. Union with the UAE: Sharjah joined the United Arab Emirates in 1971 when the country was formed. It has since played a key role in the development and growth of the UAE.

  4. Cultural Heritage: Sharjah is known for its commitment to preserving Arab and Islamic heritage. The emirate has several museums, including the Sharjah Art Museum and the Sharjah Heritage Museum, which showcase the region's history and culture.

  5. Economic Development: Sharjah has diversified its economy beyond oil and gas, with a focus on industries such as manufacturing, tourism, and trade. The emirate is also home to several free zones, which have attracted international businesses and investment.

Historical figures associated with Sharjah include:

  1. Sheikh Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi: The current ruler of Sharjah, Sheikh Sultan has been instrumental in the development of the emirate and is known for his support of culture and education.

  2. Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan: The founding father of the United Arab Emirates, Sheikh Zayed played a key role in uniting the emirates, including Sharjah, into a single country.

Important landmarks in Sharjah include:

  1. Sharjah Fort (Al Hisn Sharjah): This historic fort was built in 1820 and served as the residence of the ruling family. Today, it is a museum showcasing Sharjah's history.

  2. Al Noor Mosque: One of the most iconic mosques in Sharjah, Al Noor Mosque is known for its stunning architecture and peaceful ambiance.

  3. Sharjah Museum of Islamic Civilization: This museum houses a vast collection of artifacts and exhibits related to Islamic history and culture.

  4. Al Majaz Waterfront: A popular destination for residents and tourists, Al Majaz Waterfront is a vibrant waterfront promenade with restaurants, shops, and entertainment options.

Overall, Sharjah's history is marked by its strategic location, cultural heritage, and commitment to preserving its traditions while embracing modern development.