Heritage sites and attractions in Sharjah
There are so many fun things to do in Sharjah, and learning about the city’s history is definitely one of them! Today, we’re checking out some of the incredible historic sites, heritage areas and museums in Sharjah, and tell you why they’re worth a visit!
SHARJAH AL HISN MUSEUM
One of our favourite ways to step back in time in the UAE is by visiting the Al Hisn Museum – the old fort and today, one of the best museums in Sharjah. Easily one of the most significant buildings in terms of the city’s heritage, the fort was constructed in 1823 and before its current incarnation as a museum, it has been the seat of the emirate’s government, a jail as well as the residence of Sharjah’s ruling family, the Al Qasimi family.
Today, the building houses various galleries showcasing Sharjah’s history through photographs, artefacts and contemporary accounts that will give visitors a unique insight into the emirate. Some of the highlights of the museum include being able to understand what the life of a prisoner in it would have been like and even the opportunity to learn how to make date molasses. Visitors can also inspect some of the weapons that would have been used to defend the fort!
The Al Hisn Museum is open from 8 am to 8 pm, Saturday to Thursday and from 4 pm to 8 pm on Friday.
Children 12 and under are free while adults pay AED 5.
AL ESLAH SCHOOL MUSEUM
The UAE has always placed a strong value on education, and a wonderful example of this dedication can be seen at the Al Eslah School. Founded in 1935, the school marks Sharjah’s first formal educational institution, attracting students from across the region. Visit it in the 21st century and you can experience what academia was like back in the day, with thoughtfully reconstructed classrooms (including the Headmaster’s), Holy Qu’ran stands made from palm trees as well as photographs of the students who actually attended the institution.
The Al Eslah School Museum is open from 8 am to 8 pm, Saturday to Thursday and from 4 pm to 8 pm on Friday.
Entry to the museum is free.
sharjah museum of Islamic civilization
The history of Islam is in part the history of faith, regional culture, science and art – and it is a fascinating journey through time, indeed! The Sharjah Museum of Islamic Civilization is a great opportunity to learn about this history, by engaging with over 5000 artefacts from all over the Islamic world. The artefacts are grouped according to different themes and spread over seven gallery and display spaces, such as the Ibn Al-Haytham Gallery of Science and Technology (with models and other media showcasing discoveries, inventions and theories by Islamic scholars), the Abu Bakr Gallery of Islamic Faith (which also has rare Quran manuscripts), four galleries covering Islamic art from the 7th century AD to the 20th), an impressive collection of early Islamic coins and even a temporary exhibition space.
The Sharjah Museum of Islamic Civilization is open from 8 am to 8 pm, Saturday to Thursday and from 4 pm to 8 pm on Friday.
Children under 2 can enter the museum for free, 2 to 12-year-olds will be charged AED 5 while those over the age of 13 will have to pay AED 10.
Al Mahatta Museum
This one is for all the aviation buffs out there! While the Dubai International Airport often gets the best PR, it is, in fact, the Al Mahatta Museum that was the UAE’s first airport. The airport opened in 1932 and was used for passenger flights that were on their way to India from the UK. The gallery features fascinating information on what life in the airport (and the city) was like in the 1930s, learn about the history of aviation, view painstakingly restored aeroplanes up close and even get a taste of the UAE’s first cinema – which was located in the original airport building as well!
The Al Mahatta is open from 8 am to 8 pm, Saturday to Thursday and from 4 pm to 8 pm on Friday.
Children under 2 can enter the museum for free, 2 to 12-year-olds will be charged AED 5 while those over the age of 13 will have to pay AED 10.
Mleiha archaeological site
One of the most incredible ways to experience Sharjah history is by venturing into the desert to visit the Mleiha Archaeological sites, built around an Umm al Nar-era tomb. Excavations at the site have also revealed some other interesting discoveries, such as the Faya North East – evidence that modern humans were in the area between 130,000 and 120,000 years ago! Another interesting aspect of Mleiha is that fact that it prides itself on eco-tourism innovations and practices, such as spray-on roads, while the centre and exhibition spaces (filled with objects and artefacts) have all been built taking the environment and surroundings into consideration.
There’s also a lot more to do at Mleiha than just look at a few excavated sites! There’s plenty of adrenaline-pumping activities to indulge at Mleiha, offering up exciting ways to view the various ancient sites, structures while enjoying the best of the desert! Some of the activities on offer include desert biking, dune bashing, horse riding, caving (spelunking), star gazing, trekking…you can even spend the night under the stars at the campsite!
The date, time and prices of different activities at Mleiha vary, so please contact them directly for more information.
Are there any other can’t-miss historical attractions and activities in Sharjah that we haven’t covered? Let us know in the comments below! If you’re in the mood to learn more about the UAE’s cultural heritage, check out our guide to Emirati traditions, or visit some of the heritage areas in Abu Dhabi and Dubai
Note: For confirmation of opening times and ticket prices, please contact the museums in Sharjah directly.
