Top 20 attractions in Sharjah, UAE

Sharjah is the third largest city in the UAE. It is also the cultural center of the emirate of the same name. In terms of the number of attractions, Sharjah may be inferior to Dubai, but definitely not in terms of quality and variety. In addition, it is not so crowded here, so it will be even more comfortable to look around and relax.

A large number of museums will not let inquisitive travelers get bored. Science, art, religion, the legacy of the past - any topic is reflected in the collected collections. The city is scattered with recreational areas with a variety of entertainment. Do not miss the opportunity to visit the Al-Nur mosque, where non-Muslims are also welcome.

What to see and where to go in Sharjah?

The most interesting and beautiful places for walking. Photos and a short description.

Al Majaz Quay

Spread out on the shores of Khalid Lagoon. It has existed in its current form since 2011. The attraction was several times called the best in its emirate. There is a park of the same name nearby. The area is 30 thousand m². Its main object is a light and music fountain. During the day it is worth taking a walk around it, escaping from the heat, and in the evening a real performance begins. You can watch it from a cafe or restaurant.

Al-Kasba Canal

Built in the first half of the 20th century. Entertainment zones for every taste are located along its banks. Playgrounds are divided by age categories. Cafes and restaurants offer a varied menu. There is a sports and recreation complex. Light and music fountains are turned on twice a day. Fans of picturesque views should take a ride on the Eye of the Emirates ferris wheel or on a dhow along the canal itself.

Al Hisn Fort

Year of construction - 1820. The fort had several functions from the residence of the Al-Kassimi family to the cultural center of the region. In 1969, the building was almost destroyed, but it was restored without major external changes. In the past, the walls protected from attacks by the Bedouins, now they are walking areas where tourists have access. Inside the fortress there is a museum and a cafe, there is a cozy courtyard.

Archaeological Center Mleiha

Located near the city. The area was explored thanks to the laying of water pipes in the 90s of the XX century. Having dug out part of the fort, excavations were carried out here and many interesting finds were discovered. They were combined into one collection and a center was built. Its area is 2 thousand m². Open to visitors since 2016. In the spacious halls you can find unusual exhibits: from jewelry to a fragment of a camel cemetery.

King Faisal Mosque

Located in the city center near the main market. The construction area is more than 5 thousand m². The maximum number of people praying at the same time is 3 thousand people. Construction completed in 1986. The mosque is a gift to the emirate from the king. The facades of the upper floors protrude forward. In addition to the main hall with frescoes on the walls, there are spacious rooms for lectures and educational activities inside.

Al Noor Mosque

Erected in 2005 near the city center. Nearby is a promenade equipped for walking and relaxing. The prototype of the project is the Blue Mosque in Istanbul. This religious site was the first to open free access to non-Muslims. At the same time, during visits, you must follow the dress code. Excursions are conducted, both short, telling about the mosque itself, and detailed, introducing Islamic traditions.

Sharjah Aquarium

Opened in 2008. Located near the border with Dubai on the Gulf. The main entertainment is a walk through the halls and tunnels with glass walls or even a ceiling. Behind them are numerous inhabitants of the oceans, of which there are more than 250 species. There are several tour options to choose from. On the second floor there is a museum with rare specimens of underwater fauna and flora.

Maritime Museum

Opened in 2009 in Khan district. The exposition contains old maps, portraits of prominent sailors, boats of different eras. The guides will tell you about merchants and travelers, as well as fishermen and pearl seekers. The stands show the equipment necessary for fishing. On some days, maritime-themed performances are arranged, as well as traditional songs about sailors.

Classic Car Museum

Located near the airport. Working intermittently since 2008. Retro cars of popular brands were assembled in many countries. Some copies were purchased from collectors, including from sheikhs. Among other things, models of Rolls-Royce, Peugeot, Mercedes are presented. The latest car was produced in 1979. The exposition is divided into 5 thematic parts. It tells the story of the classic car industry.

Museum of Islamic Civilization

Created in 1996. It was reconstructed in 2007, so it didn't work for a year. The collection not only preserves samples of Islamic culture, history, and art, but also outlines the vector for the further development of civilization. The exposition is located in 6 halls. The stands display items related, among other things, to religion and innovation. In addition to the souvenir shop and cafe, tourists can visit prayer rooms.

Al Mahatta Museum

Leads its history from the 30s of the last century. It occupies the building of the former airport. The collection is divided into two categories: travel and transport. They have separate subtopics. For example, an exhibition in honor of Air Arabia, a major air carrier with an impressive history. Another remarkable collection is bicycles: from the first models to the present day. Every day the museum shows a documentary about the airport.

Art Museum

Hosting guests since 1997. The area of ​​the occupied building is 111 thousand m². Two floors are divided into 69 exhibition halls. About 300 paintings are exhibited on a permanent basis, but there are also temporary exhibitions. On the canvases, mainly the East or the attributes of this part of the world. The paintings are painted by both foreign and local artists. The museum has an extensive library, a cafe and a children's room.

Heritage Museum

Founded in 2012. Under one roof are collected dioramas, fabrics, religious objects, tools for work, art objects. One thing unites them - belonging to the peoples inhabiting the UAE. 6 halls with modern equipment will tell visitors about trade, medicine, folklore, religion and holidays. Educational and cognitive programs are carried out on the basis of the museum.

Science Museum

Opened since 1996. It was the country's first scientific museum. Here, exhibits from different spheres are not just exhibited. Interactive programs allow you to learn from hands-on experience. In total, about 50 devices are available in the halls, which you can touch and examine in detail, as well as learn something new with their help. Staff and guides can advise guests, including young ones, on many scientific issues.

Museum of Calligraphy

It first received visitors in 2002. One of the aims of the museum is to preserve the Arab heritage. The exposition consists of household items and samples of art. They are united only by applied calligraphic inscriptions. Each hall represents a separate collection. For example, ancient books are displayed in one of them, and golden ligature is displayed in the other. There are no analogues on the Arabian Peninsula.

Arabian Wildlife Center

Based near Sharjah and the airport. Open since 1999. Almost all kinds of fauna of the Arabian Peninsula are collected in one place. The composition of the zoo is unique. For all pets, conditions close to the wild have been created. Even mini-lakes and the likeness of rivers have been made. There are not only enclosures, but also terrariums with aquariums. Admission is free for children, the day off is Monday.

Fish market

Large covered shopping areas located near the bus station. The building was completely renovated and rebuilt in 2014. Two domes rise above the rectangular structure. When designing, the bias was made in traditional Arabic architecture. Despite the name, they sell not only fish, but also other products.

Blue Souq Central Market

Also called "blue bazaar" due to the color of the tiles. The covered market was built in compliance with all Islamic traditions in architecture. Two floors and two wings are interconnected by convenient lifts and walkways. Special towers were built, which are used for ventilation of the premises. The total number of outlets is approximately 600. They sell everything from jewelry and souvenirs to clothes and carpets.

Al Khan Beach

Clean coast with developed infrastructure. There is a rescue center. Rental points will lend for a reasonable amount everything you need for a holiday, up to a jet ski. Nearby there are not only cafes and restaurants, but also a hotel. You have to go through it to get to the beach. Autumn is not the best time to visit: there are jellyfish and stingrays in the water.

Al Mamzar Beach Park

The complex is located on the border of Dubai and Sharjah. It includes 5 beaches at once. Of these, 4 are on the coast of the Persian Gulf, and 1 is in the strait. All of them are characterized by fine white sand, clean water and everything you need within walking distance. There are swimming pools with fresh water, sports grounds. Near the green park area, stretching for 55 thousand m².