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Sharjah

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At a glance

Region
Emirate of Sharjah
Population
1.8 million
Best time to go
November to March
Main airport
Sharjah International (SHJ)
Coordinates
25.35°N, 55.42°E

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Overview

Sharjah sits right next door to Dubai but feels like a different country. Instead of record-breaking towers you get museums, restored coral-stone houses, art foundations and old-fashioned souqs along the creek.

It is the most conservative of the emirates: alcohol is not served and modest dress is expected in public. In return you get a calmer, more traditional side of the UAE, and some of the best cultural institutions in the Gulf.

Things to see

  • Sharjah Museum of Islamic Civilization
    Photo: SHAHID SIDDIQI from Dubai, United Arab Emirates, CC0

    Sharjah Museum of Islamic Civilization

    A golden-domed former souq on the waterfront, with superb galleries of manuscripts, ceramics, astrolabes and science from across the Islamic world.

    Tickets and tours

  • Heart of Sharjah

    The restored old town of wind-towered houses, shaded lanes and small museums, centred on the covered Souq Al Arsah.

  • Al Noor Mosque
    Photo: I.Mahesh, CC-BY-SA-4.0

    Al Noor Mosque

    An elegant Ottoman-style mosque on Khalid Lagoon, and one of the few in the country that welcomes non-Muslim visitors on guided tours.

  • Sharjah Art Foundation
    Photo: Tachs, CC BY-SA 4.0

    Sharjah Art Foundation

    Contemporary galleries tucked into converted old buildings around Al Mureijah Square, home of the Sharjah Biennial.

  • Central Souq
    Photo: , CC BY-SA 3.0

    Central Souq

    Known as the Blue Souq for its tiled facade, it's packed with carpets, gold and antiques on two floors.

Things to do

  • Evening at Al Qasba
    Photo: Tashmetova808, CC BY-SA 4.0

    Evening at Al Qasba

    A canal-side strip of cafés and restaurants with a big observation wheel, popular with local families once the heat fades.

  • Mleiha Archaeological Centre
    Photo: Angela Manthorpe, CC BY-SA 4.0

    Mleiha Archaeological Centre

    Head inland to the desert for Bronze Age tombs, fossil-rich rock formations, dune drives and stargazing.

    Find tours
  • Walk the Corniche
    Photo: Zainab Rampurwala, CC BY-SA 4.0

    Walk the Corniche

    Stroll Khalid Lagoon at sunset, when the fountains, dhows and mosque lights reflect on the water.

Where to stay

  • Al Majaz

    Lagoon-front hotels within walking distance of Al Qasba and the Corniche. Easy for a first visit.

    Hotels in Al Majaz

  • Heritage area and Al Khan

    Closest to the museums and souqs, with a quieter, older feel and some beachfront options at Al Khan.

    Hotels in Heritage area and Al Khan

  • Al Taawun

    Newer towers near the Expo Centre and the Dubai border. Handy if you'll be splitting your time with Dubai, though traffic between the two can be slow.

    Hotels in Al Taawun

Getting around

Taxis are plentiful and metered, and ride-hailing apps work well. There is no metro, so allow extra time at rush hour, especially on roads towards Dubai.

Sharjah International is about 20 minutes from the centre by taxi; Dubai International is roughly 30 to 60 minutes away depending on traffic.

When to go

November to March brings warm, sunny days and cool evenings, ideal for walking the old town. Summer is extremely hot and humid. The Sharjah Light Festival brightens landmarks in winter.

Plan your trip to Sharjah

Guide last checked October 2026. Opening times and prices change, so check before you go.

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