Sharjah Heritage Museum
Probably the best out of Sharjah’s museums, the exhibit details local customs, traditions, and arts and crafts before the discovery of oil.
United Arab Emirates
Sharjah
Sharjah continues to excel in the economic sense by having the biggest vehicle market in the Middle East. The restored Heritage and Arts areas are some of the best in the UAE and prominent festivals bring international recognition. In 1998, it was awarded the UNESCO Cultural Capital of the Arab World for its commitment to culture, arts and preserving its heritage.
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A CLOSER LOOK
Top places to visit
Bait al-Naboodah
This place is a former pearl trader’s home and a lush example of early Emirati architecture.
Souq al-Arsa
This is the oldest souq in the UAE; its areesh (palm leaf) roof and wooden pillars have recently been restored. It also has a traditional coffeehouse where you can indulge in mint tea and dates.
Al-Eslah School Museum
This is the oldest public school in Sharjah; it was founded in 1935. The Al-Hisn Fort is located on the eastern side.
Sharjah Art Museum
This place is the center piece of the Arts Area; it is renowned as having one of the UAE’s largest and most extraordinary collections of art. It is also the annual organizer of the Sharjah Biennal. The permanent collection houses watercolours, oil paintings and lithographs from the 18th and 19th century. Most of the collection is from the ruling family’s collection but the curators’ stage regular shows of local and international contemporary artists. The building also has a café.
Bait Obaid al-Shamsi
This place is in a restored creek-side house with lots of artists’ studios set around the courtyard. In the evenings you’ll find the artists working here and you chat chat to them about their work. Also in the area are the Very Special Arts Centre (568 7812) which is a gallery and workshop for disabled artists and the Emirates Fine Arts Society (568 4488) which displays the work of local artists.
Sharjah Museum of Islamic Civilisation
If you’ve ever wanted to anything and everything about Islam then this museum is the place to go. A new establishment in a converted souq on the waterfront, the ground floor galleries shows different aspects of Islamic faith such as the Five Pillars of Islam and the rituals of hajj. Other parts of floor plan show the scientific achievements in the Arab world, especially in the areas of mathematics and astronomy. The upper floors contain over 1400 years of Islamic art showcasing manuscripts, ceramics, armour, woodwork, textiles and jewellery. The centerpiece however would be the central dome of the building which has a striking blue zodiac mosaic.
Sharjah Archaeological Museum
The building itself is quite impressive, surrounded by manicured lawns but inside you’ll find extensive and fascinating exhibits on Sharjah’s past. The exhibits, accompanied by audiovisual interpretations, range from the earliest archaeological finds, circa 5000 BC to the present day. Artifacts include jewellery, ceramics and weapons. Note: Wednesday afternoon admission is for women only.
Sharjah Aquarium
Seahorses, clownfish, moray eels and sharks are some of the 250 plus creatures you’ll find here at Sharjah’s newest attraction.
Sharjah Maritime Museum
Next door to the Aquarium, this museum opened in mid-2009. Here you’ll find wooden dhows, fishing tools including devices used in pearl diving and photographs that acknowledge Sharjah’s sea heritage.
Muslim travel planner
Full guidePlan a Muslim-friendly trip in Sharjah
THE LOCAL TABLE
Halal restaurants in Sharjah
Casa Samak
This restaurant has impressive views of the Gulf that compliment the elaborate seafood dishes here. It is always packed so book ahead.
Seashells
A seafood restaurant that serves fried or grilled shrimps, tuna fish and seafood platters at reasonable prices.
Lemongrass
This place is renowned for its pleasant décor, gracious staff and delicious Thai meals. If you like you food spicy though then you’ll have to indicate it to the staff; vegetarians are in for a treat here.
Shababeek
This place serves traditional Lebanese food but you’ll probably find yourself preoccupied with the flashy décor that features deep purple walls, black furniture and Arabic designs.
Lasani
This place serves Pakastani and oriental cuisine – the bbq is the best pick on the menu.
Mushmaool Arabic Grill Restaurant
Good food and great service, this place serves bbq and grill food.
Automatic Restaurant
One of the many branches of this popular chain that serves Lebanese mezze, shwarma and grilled meats.
Sadaf
Authentic Persian cuisine is the order of the day here which fills up quickly with expat Emirate families (you can book private booths here). One of the best things on the menu is the ‘Zereshk Polo Meat’ which is rice with Iranian red barberries and chicken or meat.
Al-Gahwa al-Shaabiya
A traditional coffeehouse overlooking the lagoon serving mint teas, local coffee, ginger milk and Arabic snacks.
Caffe Undici
Stylish café serving continental breakfasts, sandwiches and strong espresso.
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Where to stay in Sharjah
Coral Beach Resort
This hotel is located near the border with Ajman, 15 minutes from Sharjah International Airport; most rooms have ocean views and there is a private beach but it can get crowded. This hotel is perfect for families with children as it has two pools (one with slides) and a playground. There is also a gym, tennis court and a hammam. There is also a car-hire service, laundry services and a tours desk.
Hotel Holiday International
This hotel overlooks the Khalid Lagoon and boasts 253 rooms, all of which have plush fittings, satellite TV and a minibar. The hotel itself has a gym, heated outdoor pool, private balcony and 3 on-site restaurants. There are also shops, luggage storage, babysitting and child minding services, a playground, tour desk and car hire among other facilities.
Sharjah Palace Hotel
This place lives up to its name as a palace with a four-star reputation. There are 155 rooms here, all with flat-screen TVs and an en-suite. There’s a rooftop swimming pool that you can use as you take in the views over the Mamzar Lagoons. There is also a gym, sauna, a restaurant that offers a varied buffet of European, Asian, Indian, Chinese and Arabic cuisine and a café/lounge area. Other services include car hire, laundry, children’s playground, currency exchange and express check in/out. Wired Internet is available but it’ll cost AED 15 per hour.
Ramada Sharjah
This hotel is ideally located in the city, situated across from the Sahara Shopping Centre and 7km from the Corniche. There are 250 rooms with modern furnishings and a kitchenette. The hotel itself offers an indoor pool, the restaurant Zaafaran serves international cuisine, a café and fitness centre with sauna. Other services include a babysitting service, car hire, tour desk, a free airport shuttle and currency exchange among others. Wired internet is available and costs AED 25 an hour.
Lou’Lou’a Beach Resort
If you’re after accommodation that offers its own private beach and a panoramic outdoor pool right on the Persian Gulf then this is the place for you! With 134 rooms to choose from, with satellite TVs, radio and mini bar. Some rooms have a balcony. The hotel itself offers babysitting services, tour desk, business centre, restaurant, sauna, fitness centre, luggage storage among other services. The spa offers exotic treatments includes chocolate and red grape body treatments. Airport transfer can also be arranged for a fee and internet (both wireless and wired) is also charged.
Millennium Hotel
One of the busiest midrange hotels in the UAE, let alone Sharjah, it is best to book ahead to secure a room here. The rooms are very plush and there is a swimming pool; the hotel itself is not far from Qanat Al-Qasba and there is a shuttle bus to Deira (in Dubai). The website is currently not taking online bookings so you may have to book via phone.
Marbella Resort
There are 50 private villas set in a lush tropical garden for this resort which makes it a favourite for visiting families. There are two pools, a gym, tennis and squash courts plus a free daily shuttle bus to Dubai.
Sharjah Rotana Hotel
Located right in the city, this hotel is prefect if you’d prefer to be in walking distance of all the souqs and museums. There are 205 rooms and suites – if you get a room on the upper floors you might get sweeping views of the city. The hotel rates also include a shuttle bus to a private beach club.
Crystal Plaza Hotel
Located less than a kilometer from Shahjah Mega Mall, this hotel takes a lot of pride in its comfortable amenities and friendly services. There is a restaurant and café, free wireless internet connection, and shuttle buses to Emirates Mall (twice a week), Deira and Al Nasar Square (this is dependent on groups of 20 or more).
Al Sharq Hotel
Another city based hotel, this one offers a restaurant, business centre, shuttle bus to the beaches and shopping locals, a health club (gym and sauna), late check outs, and a doctor on call.
History and today in Sharjah
Sharjah Today
Sharjah continues to excel in the economic sense by having the biggest vehicle market in the Middle East. The restored Heritage and Arts areas are some of the best in the UAE and prominent festivals bring international recognition. In 1998, it was awarded the UNESCO Cultural Capital of the Arab World for its commitment to culture, arts and preserving its heritage.
Sharjah History
The history of Sharjah begins 5000 years ago when it was one of the wealthiest civilizations of the Gulf region, originally called Sarcoa. Trade was conducted through farming, hunting, fishing and peal farming. During the 16th century the Portuguese conquered the area to control the spice trade; the fort at Khor Fakkan, Kalba and Dibba were built during that era, with the Dutch then trying to take over. In the 17th century the British arrived and began trading with Qawasim, the founding fathers of the present ruling family however the relationship between them deteriorated during the 18th century for attacks between parties. In the year 1820, the first of many peace treaties was signed to confirm peace and protection from British attacks for the next 150 years. The coast was then known as the Oman Peaceful Coast and Sheikhdoms of Oman as reconciled countries. These names would remain until the formation of the United Arab Emirates in 1971 which also ended the British presence in Sharjah. On 2nd December 1972, Sharjah became part of the UAE as a founding member; his Highness Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi succeeded as the ruler of Sharjah in 1972. In the same year oil was discovered which led to a new era of prosperity for the region.
Visa Information
Visa requirements vary between cultures for entry into the UAE; hence it is advisable that you check before you travel. All passports must be valid for up to six months from date of arrival. At the current time, all nationals except those of the Gulf Cooperation Council (Kuwait, Oman, Bahrain, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia), expatriate residents of the GCC and British citizens with the right to abode in the UK. Nationals of over 34 developed countries (including most of Western Europe, Australia, Brunei, Japan, Hong Kong, New Zealand and the USA) can receive free visas upon arrival in the UAE by air, land or sea travel.
Sharjah Fast Facts
• Location: situated on the west coast of the UAE: • Dialing code: country - 971 city - 06; Emergency numbers –Please include the following:: • Police: Emergency – 999, Headquarters – 563 1111 • Fire: 997 • Ambulance: 998/999 • Tourist Information Helpdesk: 556 6777 • Car Breakdown Service: Arabian Automobile Association – 800 4900 • Highway Patrol: Unknown • Telephone Directory Services: • Airport Enquiry: +971 6 5581111 • Railway Enquiry: Not applicable; • Population: 801,004: • Languages: Arabic is the official language. English is used as a preferred communication in trade and commerce. Signs in the UAE are in both languages. • Time zone: UTC/GMT is +4 • Average January temperatures: 23°C • Average July temperatures: 38°C • Annual rainfall: Unknown as rainfall in Sharjah is scant however the wettest months are considered to be January, February and March. Rainfall can sometimes be accompanied by tropical storms so keep a pair of rubber boots handy.
When to go
The climate in Sharjah is considered most pleasant in the months between November and April.
Public Holidays
• New Year’s Day (1st January) • Accession Day (of HH Sheikh Zayed – 6th August) • National Day (2nd December)
Annual Temperature
Month Average Temperature (High) Average Temperature (Low) January 23 °C 12 °C February 24 °C 14 °C March 27 °C 16 °C April 30 °C 18 °C May 34 °C 22 °C June 36 °C 25 °C July 38 °C 28 °C August 39 °C 28 °C September 37 °C 25 °C October 33 °C 22 °C November 31 °C 18 °C December 26 °C 14 °C
Sharjah Residents
The psyche here is the same as that throughout the UAE – residents are proud of their Bedouin and Emirati heritage yet open to different influences, though in small doses. Emirati men have a strong sense of self-worth which can be construed as arrogance though this isn’t always the case, especially in business where they are shrewd and sophisticated. Women, who wear the abeyya (full lengthed black robe) and shayla (headscarf) out of choice, are making increasing advances in the workforce and Emirati culture. Emirati households are generally segregated by gender with some type of home help: an Indonesian or Filipino housemaid for example. These foreigners make up 80% of the population and most are unskilled labourers who work for long hours for low wages; their conditions, especially in the labour camps in the desert, have been noticed in the local and international communities. The Emiratis are considered to be polite and genial though keep in mind that as Sharjah takes its decency laws seriously, the residents will do the same.
United Arab Emirates Currency
Currency in United Arab Emirates: Emirati dirham (AED)
Best of the city in one day
Given that Sharjah is highly regarded as the cultural heart of the UAE, you should start your day with a visit to the Sharjah Heritage Museum to learn about this city, the culture and its people. Then pay a visit to the oldest souq in the city, the Souq al-Arsa, to take in its brilliance as you haggle over handicrafts and souvenirs. As the day turns into night, indulge in the rides and restaurants at the Qanat al-Qasba, a perfect end to the day!
Useful information
Shopping
Central Souq
Also called the Blue Souq, this shopping centre boast over 600 stores which are spread over two double storey buildings that are joined by two footbridges. The ground floor has all the designer boutiques and gold and jewellery shops. If you’re after something a bit more affordable and different, the upstairs shops stock pashminas, rugs and curiosities from places such as Afghanistan and Rajasthan. Don’t forget to bargain and always shop around and compare prices. If you can, go shopping in the evening – during the day it is overrun with tourists.
Sharjah Mega Mall
A real exercise in luxury with over 140 designer shops, cafes including a Starbucks, restaurants, cinemas and a 24hr supermarket. There is also Antic Land, the first and largest indoor theme park which has a monorail, rollercoaster, haunted house, 3D cinema with the latest kid’s movies, and a mini ferris wheel.
Souq al-Arsa
Located in the Heritage Area in the UAE’s oldest souq, you’ll find some decent-quality handi-crafts, carpets and souvenirs. Get ready for some intense haggling.
Khlas Malaki Dates
A sweet shop that specializes in dates, which are packed into small gift boxes and make nice souvenirs.
Book Mall
A massive bookshop with a café and reasonable English language section with fiction and travel books; lf you wish to use the internet it costs DH5 per hour.
Signature sights in Sharjah
Al Qasba Canal
This strip, which runs on both banks of a canal and are linked by a twinkling bridge, has a great assortment of cafes, restaurants and family-orientated entertainment. The strip itself is a car-free zone and strolling is encouraged though be prepared for crowds on Friday nights and Saturdays. For a grand view of the city there is the Eye of the Emirates (Sun-Thu 4pm-midnight, Fri 4pm-1am, Sat 10am-midnight. Adult AED30, child AED15) which is a 60m high Ferris Wheel or for view closer to the ground you can go on a cruise on an abra (per 15min, ride adult AED10, child AED5). There is also a go-kart track (Sun-Thu 3pm-1am, Fri & Sat 10am-1am, per 30min solo AED20, duo AED 30, family AED40) or there are carousels. There is also a cinema, the Grand Buheirah Cinema (556 2200, Buheirah Corniche, tickets AED30 or VIP seating AED50).
Sharjah Desert Park
This park is located 26 kilometers from the city centre and has four venues stretched over 1 sq-km; there is a café and picnic facilities on the grounds. The biggest venue here is the Arabian Wildlife Centre (531 1999) which incorporates a zoo and a breeding centre. There is an indoor aviary that houses flamingoes, houbara bustards and Indian rollers while the outdoor enclosures have baboons, striped hyenas, Arabian wolves and Arabian leopards. There is also a restaurant that overlooks an open-range area with flamingoes, Nubian ibex, ostriches and sand gazelles just to name a few. There is also a Children’s Farm (see What to do with Children in tow).
What to do with Children in Tow
One of the best places to take children in Sharjah is the Sharjah Desert Park. The Arabian Wildlife Centre offers a Children’s Farm (531 1127, noon-4pm, Dh5 on weekends) where children can pet and feed goats, ducks and ride ponies and camels. The Natural History Museum might also be a good draw card for your children as well as Qanat al-Qasba with the Eye of the Emirates and go-kart track (see Places to Visit).
Heritage Area
This area is within the Corniche, between Al Burj Street and Al Mareija Street. The heritage area contains homes of Sharjah's most prominent figures since the 19th century. If you lose your way in one of its streets, you will discover that most of the homes here are very old houses that have been restored.
Dibba Al Hisn
It is (66 kilometres) from Fujairah and contains ancient remains such as Dibba Fort and traces of the Ridda wars between the Muslim army during the reign of Abu Bakr Al Siddiq and the Asadi tribes. Collections of silver coins dating to ancient times have also been discovered there, as has Islamic pottery.
Mleiha
It belongs to Sharjah and contains an Islamic cemetery and Islamic remains levelled to the ground. Large circular tombs have also been discovered there, all resembling the burial places of Jebel Hafeet in Al Ain. Many coloured Islamic pottery pieces have been found at these sites, demonstrating the place's political and economic importance to the ancient Arabian Peninsula, specifically in the period 2000 years ago.
Festivals and events in Sharjah
Sharjah International Book Fair
It is one of the major fairs held in Sharjah, showcasing the latest books in Arabic, English and other languages. It takes place during October and November each year.
Sharjah tours and experiences
Sharjah City Sightseeing Tour
This tour departs from centrally located hotels in Dubai so if you are staying in a hotel in Sharjah you may have to check with your concierge for availability. You travel by bus with a local guide; one of the first landmarks you visit is the King Faisal Mosque, then the Fort of Sharjah, built in 1820 and former residence of the ruling family. Other landmarks you visit are the Sharjah Heritage Museum, the Al Arsa souk and the markets of the Al Markazi.
4x4 Dubai Desert Safari
Duration: 5hrs Departure Time: 3:40pm – hotel pickups commence approximately 30 - 60 minutes prior to this time, exact pickup time will be advised on reconfirmation of tour. If sand boarding on dunes and dining under the stars seem like your thing then this tour is for you. Travelling by 4WD, you’ll make your first stop at a camel farm then continuing on to witness a desert sunset. When you arrive at your campsite you get the chance to ride a camel, go sand boarding and get henna tattoo art done on your hands and feet. A BBQ dinner, a shisha and a belly dancer are also included (the belly dancer cannot perform during Ramadan). Free hotel pickup and drop off included.
Dubai Hot Air Balloon Flight
Duration: 5hrs (approx) Depart Time: 5:00am (approximately) – you MUST confirm your exact departure time by 6:00pm the day prior to your scheduled balloon flight. All flights are set to an approximate timeframe and are subject to change due to weather conditions and weight restrictions.
Sharjah masjids and Muslim travel
Abdulrahman Alzaid Masjid
Al Riffa - Sharjah - United Arab Emirates
Aasim Ibn Thabet Masjid
Al Riffa - Sharjah - United Arab Emirates
Zaid Ibn Alkhattab Masjid
E 88 - Sharjah - United Arab Emirates
Sameer Almahmood Masjid
Al Riffa - Sharjah - United Arab Emirates
Masjid
Muwaileh Camp - Sharjah - United Arab Emirates
Masjid Salaf Al Salih
Al Juraina 1 - Sharjah - United Arab Emirates
Transportation
Buses
All buses in Sharjah, whether they be local or express, travel between 5:30am and 11:30pm at intervals ranging from 10 to 30 minutes. Local routes will cost AED4, express AED5. For all routes see http://www.stc.gov.ae/en/transport-services-public-routes.php
Metro
There is no metro service in Sharjah.
Taxi
There are five taxi franchises that are supervised by the Sharjah Public Transport Corporation. These taxis operate in all parts of the Sharjah Emirate and it’s shopping centres, residentail areas and airport. Tariffs are varied depending on which region you are heading into and what hour of the day (or night) you are using the taxi. To take a taxi in Sharjah City from 6:00am to 10:59pm it is AED 3.00 whereas in the Central and Eastern Regions, to use a taxi from 7:00am to 9:59pm is AED 2.00. See http://www.stc.gov.ae/en/transport-sharjah-taxi-tariff.php for further details and current pricing.
Car for hire
To hire a car in Sharjah and the UAE in general, you’ll need a credit card and a current international driver’s license in addition to your own home license. Local agencies may be cheaper but major international ones have larger selections and better emergency back-up. Daily rates are estimated to start at AED175; expect additional charges for drivers under 25, one-way-hire, airport rentals, and additional drivers.
From the airport
A taxi ride from the airport in Sharjah will costs on average DH20. The Mowsalat bus service that runs to and from Sharjah International Airport has two routes: local and express. Express routes cost AED5 are 99 and 88: 99 from Al Jubail Terminal to Sharjah International Airport, 88 from Al Rolla Square to AL Sai’a. The local routes cost AED4 and are 14 and 15: 14 from Al Sharq terminal to Sharjah International Airport Terminal, 15 from Al Ittihad Terminal to Sharjah International Airport Terminal. All bus routes are in operation from 5:30am to 11:30pm, Sunday to Saturday.
Driving Tips
• Cars in the UAE are left-hand drives so naturally, you must drive on the right. • The speed limit is 60km/h in local areas, on the highways it is 80km/h. • The fine of speeding is AED200.
Health and Safety
Health and Safety in Sharjah
Sharjah is the one emirate in the UAE that prohibits the sale, possession and/or consumption of alcohol. It is considered to be a safe city, generally speaking. Women travellers are usually stared at, especially in certain parts of the city; it is encouraged that females be accompanied by a male friend or family member. Please respect traditional values by wearing loose clothing, especially keeping shoulders and legs covered, and avoid wearing swimming suits on public beaches. Always keep an eye on your luggage and during peak seasons be aware of bag snatchers, especially on bicycles. Normal tourist photography is acceptable, but it is considered offensive to photograph Arab women. It is also courteous to ask permission before photographing men. Photographs of government buildings or military installations are not allowed.
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