Best Travel Guide Sharjah | ArrivalGuides.com

SharjahGuide was updated: 2025-11-30

Sharjah, often overshadowed by its glitzy neighbour Dubai, is a hidden gem rich in culture and history. Named the Capital of Islamic Culture in 2014, Sharjah boasts a vibrant Heritage Area filled with historic sites and museums. The Emirate's contemporary scene shines through with events like the Sharjah Biennial and attractions such as the acclaimed Rain Room. This blend of the old and new makes Sharjah a unique destination for travellers seeking a deeper cultural experience in the UAE.

Do & See

Tradition meets modernity in Sharjah, where museums and architectural monuments compete for visitors' attention with modern high-tech venues such as Al Noor Island. The Sharjah Heritage Area is where most museums and historic sights are concentrated. Sharjah also boasts a few places where one can get close to nature; marine life is best observed at the local Aquarium, and the Arabian Wildlife Centre allows for close contact with and observation of animals native to the area.

Al Majaz Waterfront

Best explored after sundown, the Al Majaz waterfront area draws you to its multiple restaurants and cafés, which offer front-row seats to the colourful fountain shows that happen several times a night. During the daylight hours, you are free to enjoy the public park, recreation areas, mini-golf course and well-equipped children's playgrounds.

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Sharjah Heritage Area

The historic neighbourhoods of Al Sheyoukh and Al Maraija constitute Sharjah's main Heritage Area. They are compact in size, very walkable and contain a number of small museums that make for short educational and entertaining pit stops along the way.

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Sharjah Museum of Islamic Civilization

With over five thousand exhibits, the Museum of Islamic Civilization offers you an extensive overview of Islamic historical and cultural artifacts, while also providing educating insights into the scientific discoveries and achievements of Arabic scholars over the ages.

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Al Noor Island

Sharjah's newest attraction, the artificial Noor Island was opened to the public in 2015. It contains a Butterfly House with over 500 butterflies roaming free under the hall's ornate roof, and a Literature Pavillion, with plenty of quiet reading spots. There is a long walkway running across the island that takes you through its key pavilions, scenic areas, and multi-media installations.

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Al Noor Mosque

The elegant white-stone Al Noor Mosque defines the Corniche, and is, perhaps, Sharjah's most famous, out of Sharjah's more than 600 mosques. It is a place of religious worship and a sight not to miss both inside and out.

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Sharjah Heritage Museum

Despite its compact size, the Sharjah Heritage Museum offers you a comprehensive insight into the Emirate's history, culture, and traditions, and how those transformed over the past ages. Clothing, musical instruments, coins, pottery, and various other artefacts are on display.

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Population:	1.91 million (2025)
Currency:	United Arab Emirates Dirham (AED) 1 AED = 100 fils.
Emergency Numbers:	Fire: 997 Police: 999 Ambulance: 998
Newspapers:	Gulf Today: www.gulftoday.ae Gulf News: www.gulfnews.com Khaleej Times: www.khaleejtimes.com
Website:	www.visitsharjah.com »
Opening Hours:	Government offices and local businesses open and close early, often 7:30am–2:30pm. Shops are normally open from 9am to 1pm and from 4pm to 9pm, but shopping centres stay open all through the day, and often later into the night, with extended working hours on weekends: Friday and Saturday. Most businesses close for Juma prayers on Friday, from 11:30am to 1:30pm.

United Arab Emirates

Sharjah

Do & See

Al Majaz Waterfront

Sharjah Heritage Area

Sharjah Museum of Islamic Civilization

Al Noor Island

Al Noor Mosque

Sharjah Heritage Museum