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Sharjah
United Arab Emirates

Things to do in Sharjah

260 attractions · United Arab Emirates

Photo: Shahroozporia, CC BY-SA 3.0

Sharjah Emirate, United Arab Emirates · 25.350, 55.392

About Sharjah

Sharjah is recognized as the Cultural Capital of the Arab World, distinguished by its commitment to preserving traditional Islamic architecture and historical heritage. Visitors often begin their cultural immersion at the Sharjah Museum of Islamic Civilization [7894] before exploring the spiritual architecture of the King Faisal Mosque [25923]. The city balances its scholarly reputation with modern leisure developments like the Al Majaz Waterfront [7191], offering scenic views of the Khalid Lagoon. Families frequently gravitate toward the Sharjah Aquarium [7192] to observe the marine life of the Arabian Gulf.

Good to know

  1. 1

    Sharjah is the only emirate in the United Arab Emirates to have coastlines on both the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman.

  2. 2

    The city has maintained a total ban on the sale and consumption of alcohol since the 1970s.

  3. 3

    Sharjah was designated as a UNESCO World Book Capital in 2019 due to its extensive literacy and library outreach programs.

  4. 4

    The Sharjah Biennial, established in 1993, is one of the longest-running contemporary art events in the Middle East.

Plan your visit to Sharjah

Best time to visit

November to March, as temperatures are moderate and suitable for outdoor activities compared to the extreme summer heat.

How many days

2-3 days, which provides sufficient time to tour the central museums and waterfront districts.

Getting around

Taxis and ride-hailing services are the primary modes of transport, as the city lacks a comprehensive metro system.

Where to stay

The Al Majaz and Al Khan areas are the most convenient for tourists due to their proximity to major landmarks and waterfront dining.

Budget

Mid-range; accommodation and dining costs are generally more affordable than in neighboring Dubai.

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Sharjah on the map

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Frequently asked

How many attractions are there in Sharjah?

Aventuro lists 260 curated attractions in and around Sharjah, sorted by popularity.

What's the top attraction in Sharjah?

Al Mamzar Beach Park is the most popular place to visit in Sharjah right now.

What kind of attractions does Sharjah have?

The largest category is temples, with 146 places to explore.

Which other cities are worth visiting nearby?

Travellers also explore Abu Dhabi, Jumeirah, Ajman.