Sharjah, UAE, In 10 Spots

Sharjah, UAE, in 10 spots

By Anna Purpurpurpur

Sharjah is one of the Emirates forming the United Arab Emirates and you can visit it in a day trip from Dubai (it literally takes less than an hour, they are super close!) or even stay there and explore Dubai from here!

See my list of top attraction to visit in Sharjah.

1. Sharjah Museum of Islamic Civilization

Sharjah Museum of Islamic Civilization is located in a gorgeous building, one of the main symbols of the Emirate, and has galleries on two floors. The museum has a selection of rare items such as Qurans with intricate calligraphy, kiswah, coverings for the Kaaba, and the models of machinery invented by Arabs.

And please go to the third floor to admire fantastic decorations and the mosaic ceiling with constellations and zodiac signs! There is also a small shop and a cafe. The museum was opened in 2008.

2. Rain room

Rain room is an installation with water showering from the ceiling where some sensors are installed: ideally, you can walk under water without getting wet. In reality, the sensors aren’t too good and even if you move super slowly, you still get a bit wet. But the concept is very cool, with the water being self cleaning! You can also visit Fen cafe there.

This installation was created by the Random International art group and was previously installed at the Barbican, London (2012); MoMA, New York (2013); Yuz Museum, Shanghai (2015) and LACMA, Los Angeles (2015–2017) and finally opened here in Sharjah in 2018. Now it’s part of the Sharjah Art Foundation Collection.

Important: cameras are not allowed inside (for instance, my camera is not a DSLR – it’s mirrorless – it’s just big, but I was still told I cannot use it).

3. The Arabic Tea Room

We’ve already been to an Arabian tea house in Al Fahidi district in Dubai, so why not give Sharjah a chance too?

It’s a nice and aesthetic spot for local food designed for tourists – and they also have afternoon tea and breakfast! Portions are very generous and the staff is pretty friendly.

4. Souk Al Arsah

Souk Al Arsah is a lovely covered space to dive into Arabic culture.

It’s quite a traditional but very well made souq consisting of a few alleys, with Arabic sweets, souvenirs, kashmir, perfumes, Arabic costumes, jewellery and so on.

The souk is located close to the Heart Of Sharjah, a part of the city where the old city once stood, currently under full construction, due to be finished in 2025. And very close to it there’s The Chedi Al Bait hotel which looks so nice we might stay there next time!

5. Sharjah Heritage Museum

Sharjah Heritage Museum opened in a restored house where a pearl merchant used to live. Again, it’s a nice insight into Emirati traditions, celebrations, food, way of living etc. Originally the museum collection was established in 2005 and transferred here in 2012.

You won’t need a lot of time to explore it. There’s also a section on temporary exhibits here. Make sure you visit the courtyard too and see the whole heritage area from it!

Besides that, you might also want to spot Sharjah wall and poetry house close to the Heritage museum.

6. Al Hisn Fort

Al Hisn fort is a complete legend for Sharjah, so don’t miss it! It was constructed in 1823, and now has been turned into a museum.

You can explore its towers, courtyard, and a dozen of galleries showcasing armoury, documents from the era of Emirates uniting into one country, and life of the local sheikh. And spot cannons in front of the fort there too – these are iconic!

7. Sharjah Art museum

Sharjah art museum opened in 1997 is one of the most important art institutions of the whole country.

Come here to learn about contemporary and modern Arabic artists. It was a rare site during our trip where you could see paintings, not religious art: portraits, landscapes and abstractions.

Nearby you can find Al Souq Al Qadeem: glittering and bright clothes and shoes are sold here!

8. Al Zahra mosque

Al Zahra mosque is a gorgeous mosque located close to the souq overlooking the corniche. It might not be as famous as Al Noor mosque in Sharjah, but it’s definitely worth your attention.

The minarets, the dome and the entrances are all decorated with fantastic blue tiles with floral ornaments resembling the ones from Istanbul mosques.

9. Central Souk

Central souk, or the Blue souk, is one of the most touristic places in Sharjah. It was designed by the British and completed in 1978, and there is a park with a beautiful mosque and the waterfront nearby.

It consists of two buildings, each two-story market with blue tiles – come here to see stalls with jewellery, clothes and other Arabic goodies!
Khaled Lagoon is located close by.

10. Corniche

If you are well travelled around the Middle East, you know that Corniche, a strip of land along the waterbody, is a must! Sharjah is not an exception.