Sharjah, United Arab Emirates: travel guide
The UAE's cultural capital — just 15 minutes from Dubai yet a world apart in character. Sharjah earned UNESCO's Arab Culture Capital designation for its 17+ museums, the Heart of Sharjah heritage district and the striking Blue Souk. More conservative than Dubai (no alcohol sold anywhere), making it ideal for travellers seeking authentic Gulf culture. The east coast enclave of Khor Fakkan faces the Gulf of Oman with beautiful beaches.
- Country
- United Arab Emirates
- Currency
- AED
- Time zone
- Asia/Dubai
- Nearest airport
- SHJ
Top places to visit in Sharjah
Blue Souk Sharjah (Central Market)
Market · 4.4 rating · about 1.5 h
Sharjah's iconic Blue Souk — two hexagonal towers and 600+ shops with blue-tile, pointed-arch, mashrabiya-screen facades. One of the Gulf's most photographed landmarks. Specialising in gold, jewellery, carpets, antiques and handicrafts at…
Khor Fakkan Beach
Beach · 4.6 rating · about 3 h · entry AED 10
One of the UAE's most beautiful beaches — golden sand backed by the Hajar Mountains on the Gulf of Oman. Completely calm, crystal-clear water excellent for swimming, snorkelling and diving. Operated by Sharjah with full beach facilities.…
Al Noor Island Sharjah
Nature · 4.4 rating · about 1.5 h · entry AED 5
A landscaped art island in Khalid Lagoon with a butterfly house (500+ butterflies in a dome), contemporary sculptures, a literature pavilion and Art of Light installations that glow after dark.
Heart of Sharjah Heritage District
Heritage · 4.6 rating · about 2 h
The most authentic traditional Arabian city quarter in the UAE — restored wind-tower houses, coral-stone mosques and merchants' mansions. The Bait al-Naboodah merchant house, Al-Hisn Fort and multiple heritage houses open to visitors.
Sharjah Museum of Islamic Civilization
Museum · 4.7 rating · about 2 h · entry AED 20
One of the finest Islamic art museums in the Arab world. Eight galleries cover the Holy Quran, Islamic science (astronomy, navigation, medicine), coins, ceramics, textiles and weaponry. The central dome reproduces a section of Masjid…
Al Noor Mosque
Mosque · about 1 h · entry AED 25
Ottoman-style mosque on Khalid Lagoon, the only Sharjah mosque open to non-Muslims via guided tours.
Sharjah Aquarium
Wildlife · about 1.3 h · entry AED 25
Aquarium at Al Khan displaying local Gulf marine species across themed tanks beside the Maritime Museum.
Al Majaz Waterfront
Cultural · about 1.5 h
Landscaped lakeside promenade with cafes, a musical fountain and the Sharjah "Eye" wheel views.
Sharjah Art Museum
Museum · about 1.5 h
The largest art museum in the Gulf, with permanent Orientalist and Arab modern-art collections.
Al Qasba
Cultural · about 1.5 h
Canalside leisure district with the Eye of the Emirates ferris wheel, dining and abra rides.
Al Hisn Sharjah Fort
Fort · about 1 h · entry AED 10
Restored 1820s ruler's fort at the heart of old Sharjah, now a museum of the emirate's history.
Mleiha Archaeological Centre
Heritage · about 2.5 h · entry AED 40
Desert archaeology and eco-tourism hub near Stone Age tombs, Fossil Rock and dune activities inland.
Things to do
- Sharjah Museum of Islamic Civilization Museum · 2 h · from AED 29 per person
- Khor Fakkan Beach & Snorkelling Water Sports · 6 h · from AED 19 per person
- Mleiha Desert Safari & Fossil Rock Tour · 4 h · from AED 295 per person
- Eye of the Emirates Wheel Ride Sightseeing · 0.3 h · from AED 35 per person
- Heart of Sharjah Heritage Walk Tour · 2 h · from AED 90 per person
Day trips and tours
- Sharjah Cultural Day — Museums & Heritage Quarter 7 h · from AED 140
Where to stay in Sharjah
- Al Majaz & Khalid Lagoon about AED 500 per night
Sharjah's scenic waterfront district — Khalid Lagoon corniche with parks and restaurants. Most 4–5 star hotels are here. 20 min drive to Dubai. No beach but pleasant lagoon atmosphere.
Hotels
- Sheraton Sharjah Beach Resort & Spa 5-star · AED 550 to AED 1,800 per night
- 72 Hotel Sharjah 4-star · AED 350 to AED 600 per night
- Radisson Blu Resort Sharjah 5-star · AED 400 to AED 750 per night
- Copthorne Hotel Sharjah 4-star · AED 280 to AED 650 per night
Where to eat
- Al Fanar Restaurant emirati, arabian, seafood · about AED 120 per person
- The Fish House seafood, indian, emirati · about AED 55 per person
- Al Qasba Table lebanese, middle_eastern, mezze · about AED 95 per person
- Al Hana Restaurant indian, kerala, biryani · about AED 40 per person
- Shababeek Lebanese, Middle Eastern · about AED 140 per person
- Zahr El-Laymoun Lebanese · about AED 130 per person
- Automatic Restaurant Sharjah Lebanese, Middle Eastern · about AED 70 per person
- Vintage Cafe Sharjah Cafe, Middle Eastern · about AED 55 per person
Getting around
- Car Rental Self main way to get around
Seeded from the curated primary_local_modes array; per-city parameters not yet researched.
- Taxi main way to get around
Seeded from the curated primary_local_modes array; per-city parameters not yet researched.
- Walking
Every city has walking. 2.5 km ceiling is a placeholder default, not a researched per-city figure -- Singapore is sheltered and air-conditioned, Bangkok often has no pavement.
Safety and scams to avoid
Unlicensed Money Changers
Sharjah Gold Souk area, Al Jubail
Street-level money changers near the souk offer slightly better rates than official exchange shops but may use sleight of hand to shortchange tourists or provide counterfeit notes.
How to avoid it: Use licensed Al Ansari Exchange, UAE Exchange or bank ATMs only. Rates at licensed bureaux are regulated and clearly displayed. Never exchange money with individuals on the street.