Discover Sharjah’s hidden gems with your family and friends

• Off-the-Beaten Track Places
• Restaurants and Cafes
• Historical and Cultural
• Other Hidden Gems in Sharjah
• FAQs

You may know Sharjah as a traditional emirate with a rich culture, museums, waterfronts and art spaces, but there’s more to the emirate than you probably know. So join us as we explore some of the hidden gems in Sharjah that will help you discover the emirate in a different way.

BEST HIDDEN GEMS IN SHARJAH

WADIS AND OFF-THE-BEATEN PLACES

WADI AL HELO

Wadi Al Helo means ”sweet valley”. Located between the Hajar Mountains (Sharjah-Kalba highway), the wadi attracts tourists from far and wide despite its remote location. It features lush greenery and a free-flowing underground world. A restored Islamic watchtower is also present on a small hill nearby. This is a prominent archaeological site in the UAE.

You can also find plenty of birds, gazelles and reptiles, along with the UAE’s national animal, the Arabian Oryx in the wadi. And the fact that the wadi serves as a natural observation deck offering unobstructed views of the beautiful surroundings… is what adds to its charm for visitors.

NAHWA

This is another of Sharjah’s best-kept secrets, bordered by the Oman exclave of Madha. Nahwa is a small mountain village in Sharjah. The counter-enclave was formed nearly 70 years ago in the 1930s when the four leaders of rival clans of Musandam Peninsula posed a question to village elders to nominate the next sheikhdom.

Madha preferred Oman but Nahwa pledged its allegiance to the ruling family of Sharjah, effectively creating a counter enclave on the outskirts of Madha.

The original village, however, was abandoned in 1999, resulting in the foundation of New Nahwa built on a curve in Wadi Shis. Nahwa is a great sightseeing spot with date palm plantations, freshwater pools, a trekking area and rocky peaks.

DIBBA AL HISN

Bordered by the Gulf of Oman, Dibba Al Hisn is a smaller, pene-exclave of Sharjah which includes public parks and corniche beaches. The area also houses three souqs: a tiny seafood souq, a fruit and vegetables market and a covered retail space selling toys, clothes and souvenirs.

This area is named after an ancient fortress and has also been a significant site for maritime trade since pre-Islamic days.

THE GHOST VILLAGE AL MADAM

The ghost village of Al Madam is another hidden gem in Sharjah. Located near Al Madam, the place features two rows of homes and a beautiful mosque that have been left to for the desert to consume them.

Most houses here have been left with doors wide open. Some of them don’t even have doors. There are houses that have beautiful mosaics and one of them even features a wallpaper mural of a landscape – an eerie indication that this village was once inhabited.

There are speculations that the original dwellers may have left the place in a hurry or abandoned it out of fear of supernatural forces. However, there is nobody who could deny or approve these rumours.

To trace the origin of the village, Sharjah Art Foundation (SAF) conducted interviews with locals in 2018. As per some of those interviews, the village was developed somewhere in the 1970s but due to ferocious sandstorms, most villagers rendered it uninhabitable, abandoned it and found a home elsewhere.

Another theory is that the village had been a part of the Sha’bi housing project, an initiative the UAE government organised to facilitate the Bedouin population with well-developed houses. But looking at the current state of the village, it seems things didn’t go according as planned.

UNDERRATED RESTAURANTS AND CAFES IN SHARJAH

RADIO CAFE

As the name suggests, this is a radio-themed cafe with affordable food and beautiful views. Their menu includes Indian (North & South) and Indo-Chinese food.

You can also try kemat, spaghetti, noodles, bilatit, rkak egg, cappuccino, tea, hot chocolate and Turkish coffee. So, tune into your food frequency and try out this unique restaurant

• Average cost for two: AED 35
• Location: Opposite Amber Hypermarket, Jamal Abdul Nasir Street, Al Majaz 1, Al Majaz
• Timings: 06:00 am – 12:00 am
• Contact: +971-6-559-7786

LIBRARY CAFE

Coffee and literature have an age-old relationship. Library Cafe in Sharjah is where you can enjoy the best of both worlds.

The cafe in Al Nud serves spring rolls, angus beef burger, penne arrabiatta and a variety of smoothies and mocktails. Their list of beverages also include coffee, milkshakes and soft drinks.

• Average cost for two: AED 160
• Location: Four Points by Sheraton Sharjah, King Faisal Street, Al Nud
• Timings: 07:00 am – 12:00 am (Subject to change)
• Contact: +971-6-513-1088

SHARJAH DHOW RESTAURANT

It’s a dream come true for foodies here at Sharjah Dhow Restaurant, a romantic eatery in Sharjah. The place offers perfectly-plated, delicious food and beautiful views of the sea.

The Sharjah Dhow Restaurant, docked near the beautiful Buhaira Corniche, serves an open buffet featuring a mix of international and Middle Eastern cuisines. Their menu includes reasonably-priced vegetarian, seafood and grilled dishes.

• Average cost for two: AED 160
• Location: Buhaira Corniche
• Timings: Call them to know
• Contact: +971-6-573-0222

Aside from the mentioned options, you can check out these cafes in Sharjah to enjoy light bites and piping hot coffee.

HISTORICAL AND CULTURAL GEMS

AL GHAIL FORT

Located on the top of the hill in Kalba Birds of Prey Centre, Al Ghayl Fort (also spelt as Al Ghail Fort) offers a glimpse into Sharjah’s past. It was created in the 19th century under the tutelage of His Highness Sheikh Saeed Bin Hamad Al Qasimi to safeguard the commercial convoys against burglars or bandits.

The fort features whimsical palm, lemon and almond trees and over 30 species of local as well as migrating birds. It also serves as an observation deck offering breathtaking vistas of the entire facility.

• Location: Kalba Birds of Prey Centre
• Timings: 09:30 am – 06:00 pm daily, Mon: closed
• Fee: AED 15 for adults and children above 12 years. Children under the age of 12 years can enter for free.
• Contact: +971-9-277-0880

MLEIHA ARCHAEOLOGICAL CENTRE

The UNESCO World Heritage site, Mleiha Archaeological Centre is the epicentre of fascinating artefacts and fossil discoveries. Archaeologists have so far found camel skeletons, iron tools, bronze age tombs and pottery from the site, leaving room for more exciting breakthroughs in history. The centre features an array of artefacts and a cafe.

• Location: Mleiha
• Timings:
  • Sun -Wed: 09:00 am – 07:00 pm
  • Thu- Sat: 09:00 am – 09:00 pm
• Contact: www.discovermleiha.ae

SOUK AL ARSAH

Souk Al Arsah, which was originally a meeting place for Bedouins is now a full-fledged market in Sharjah. The souk houses several quaint stores selling wooden articles, antique handicrafts, Arabic pearl chests, ethnic and handmade jewellery, palm-leaf baskets, incense, hand-woven garments and much more. There is also a coffee shop in the centre of the marketplace. It serves Sulaimani (black tea) and Arabic coffee.

• Location: Al Sharq Street, Old Souk
• Timings: Sat – Thu: 09:00 am – 09:00 pm | Fri: 04:00 pm – 09:00 pm
• Contact: www.heartofsharjah.ae/souq-al-arsah

HOUSE OF WISDOM

Spread over 12,000 sq.m, House of Wisdom is the new omni centre of culture in Sharjah. The place takes the concept of a library to an entirely different level by offering people a space where they can meet, interact and share ideas with others.

Inspired by the House of Wisdom in Baghdad, the two-storey structure features around 105,000 books. indoor and garden reading areas. It also has seven specially curated pods and rentable multipurpose spaces, including Al Khawarizmi Exhibition, Al Ma’moun Exhibition and Al Rasheed Hall. For kids, there is a space called ”The Little Reader”.

Like to have a cup of coffee while reading a book? The place has ”Chie Restaurant” and ”Frame Cafe” that offers both delicious and premium coffee along with light bites!

The place has also been the recipient of the Sharjah World Book Capital title by UNESCO in 2019.

• Location: Al Juraina 1
• Ticket prices: Free entry
• Timings: Sun-Thu: 09:00 am – 11:00 pm, Fri-Sat: 09:00 am – 12:00 am
• Contact: +971-6-594-0000

SHARJAH CALLIGRAPHY MUSEUM

If you’ve ever been interested in the age-old art of calligraphy, you’re in for a treat at Sharjah Calligraphy Museum. The museum brings alive the centuries-old culture of Arabic calligraphy through various mediums. It is nestled around a covered courtyard, displaying early Kufic scripts and works of world-renowned calligraphers on wood, canvas, ceramic and paper.

• Location: Al Shiokh
• Timings: 08:00 am – 08:00 pm, Fri: 04:00 pm – 08:00 pm
• Contact: +971-6-569-4561

Apart from these places, you can check out some of the most popular heritage sites in Sharjah.

BONUS LIST: OTHER HIDDEN PLACES IN SHARJAH

SHARK ISLAND

Nestled behind Khorfakkan’s container port, Shark Island is a picturesque beachfront destination in the emirate. There are plenty of sea turtles, fish, coral gardens and sea anemones to encounter.

You can also lay by the pristine beach or snorkel among the beautiful coral reefs. Since the island is located in a remote destination, you may hire a boat or seek the help of a tour group to reach there. But do check out this extremely beautiful hidden place in Sharjah. You’ll thank us later!

• Location: Khorfakkan

ARABIA’S WILDLIFE CENTRE

Calling all wildlife enthusiasts! Built in 1999 under the patronage of His Highness Dr Sheikh Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah, Arabia’s Wildlife Centre is a great place for families to see and interact with Arabian wildlife.

The centre is home to the UAE’s national animal, Arabian Oryx, along with leopards, birds, reptiles, insects and amphibians. The wildlife sanctuary also features a children’s area with a petting zoo where the little ones can feed their favourite animals.

• Location: Al Dhaid Road, Interchange 9, Sharjah Rural
• Timings: Call them to know
• Contact: +971-6-531-1501

GREEN LIFE ORGANIC FARM

Green Life Organic Farm (aka Green Heaven Farm) is a paddy field in Sharjah. The farm features lush green vegetation, including lots of healthy plants, trees and grass. You can find peechingas, tomatoes, cabbages and coriander there. Aside from these, the farm includes rabbits, ostriches, horses and birds, along with swings, a barbecue corner, fountain and a small boating lake. It is perfect for a day at the farm, away from the city.

• Location: Villa No# 9771, Al Zubair
• Contact: +971-58-616-1360

WASIT WETLAND CENTRE

Nestled in the northern suburb of Wasit, this is a conservation centre in Sharjah. It is spread over 200,000 sq.m, divided into two linear blocks. One contains administrative offices and a services section, whereas the other includes a gallery bound by bird aviaries.

Towards the far end of the gallery, there is a cafe and a multipurpose space overlooking the open wetlands. Wasit Wetland Reserve features six bird hides around a calm, picturesque lake. Within those hides, live more than 350 species of local and migratory birds, including glossy ibis, marbled duck, pink-backed pelican, purple swamphen, greater flamingo and northern bald ibis.

The place was opened in 2015 by the ruler of Sharjah, His Highness Dr Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi and later transformed by Aga Khan Development Network into a proper reserve. It is now managed by the Environment and Protected Areas Authority of the Sharjah Government.

• Location: Sheikh Salem Bin Sultan Al Qasimi St – Al Homah 
• Timings: 11:00 am – 06:30 pm, Fri: 02:30 pm – 06:30 pm, Tue: closed
• Ticket prices: Adults: AED 15, Children under 12 years: Free (Tentative prices)
• Contact: +971-6-552-6646

Looking for more options? Don’t forget to check out:

• Rain room
• Sharjah Art Museum
• Museum of Islamic Civilisation
• Al Noor Island
• Arabian Tea House
• The Little Farm
• Bait Omaid Al Shamsi

FAQs ABOUT HIDDEN GEMS IN SHARJAH

WHAT ARE THE MOST INSTAGRAMMABLE FOOD GEMS IN SHARJAH?

Ilona Cafè, Storie Cafe, Waffle Street and Caya are some of the most Insta-worthy restaurants in Sharjah.

ARE THERE ANY FREE PLACES TO VISIT IN SHARJAH?

Yes, many! Here are some of the free places to visit in Sharjah. The list includes everything from a visit to an art museum to a park.

WHAT ARE THE TOP TOURIST PLACES IN SHARJAH?

Sharjah Museum of Islamic Civilization, Al Khan Beach, Blue Souk and Sharjah Aquarium are some of the top tourist places in Sharjah.

That concludes our list of the best hidden gems in Sharjah. From tranquil historical spaces to modern gastronomical spots, Sharjah is home to several extraordinary attractions.

We hope you visit some of these places and share your experience with us in the comments section.

Aside from the mentioned attractions, you can consider visiting some of these popular places in Sharjah.

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