Sharjah

Best Things To Do

Probably the best out of Sharjah’s museums, the exhibit details local customs, traditions, and arts and crafts before the discovery of oil.

Showing 1–13 of 13 places

City guide section

Top picks in Sharjah

Showing 1–13 of 13 places

Browse the highlights below, then open any place for maps, area notes, and practical details.

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.

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.

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.

Sharjah Museum of Islamic Civilisation

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

What to do with Children in Tow

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.