The future has landed – All about Sharjah’s Flying Saucer
From a delicatessen to a newsstand, tobacconist and restaurant, the Flying Saucer in Sharjah has been home to an eclectic mix of businesses over the last four decades. This beloved, unconventionally-shaped structure has inspired epic levels of intrigue and become immensely popular over the years. Want to know more about one of Sharjah’s most iconic landmarks? Our guide to the famed flying saucer of the UAE’s culture capital has you covered.
About the Sharjah Flying Saucer
The “Flying Saucer” of Sharjah was originally constructed in 1978 owing to the space-age and western influences of the time. Over the years, it has been home to several businesses. For example, it was a supermarket in the 1980s and an eatery during the 2000s. It also served as a branch of the Sharjah Cooperative Society in the 1990s. You can spot it easily by its star-shaped dome — constructed in a Brutalist architectural style that was popular in the 1970s. It features a star-shaped canopy spread across a high dome that is suspended up to seven metres.
Sharjah Flying Saucer location
This local landmark lies at the intersection of Dasman, Yarmook, Ramla and Ghubaibah. Its location amidst the emirate’s most vibrant residential areas has led to it becoming a much-loved and integral part of the emirate’s cultural history and identity.
Renovations
The Sharjah Art Foundation (SAF) acquired the famed Flying Saucer in 2012. A series of refurbishments followed, with the SAF dedicated to restoring the structure to its original form. A part of the renovation was to make the dome as visible as it had been before — by removing a false ceiling and inner partitions that had been added in the intervening years.
The SAF proceeded with the renovations in partnership with the Space Continuum Design Studio. The brand new building was finally unveiled in September 2020.
NEW ADDITIONS
The saucer also now sports two recent additions: an outdoor platform designed to host art installations and events, and a ‘Launch Pad’ community space featuring:
- A sunken courtyard or ‘Green Crater’ with vegetation and natural light.
- A café that is home to several interactive activities.
- A curated library.
The public art library in the community is home to a myriad of works from the SAF, as well as similar establishments. An example is the Jameel Arts Centre in Dubai.
The Flying Saucer in Sharjah also serves as the site of workshops, readings, performances, movie screenings and more. The landmark is now a thriving hub for the community and arts. All who visit are free to enter it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is the Sharjah Flying Saucer located?
The building lies within the intersection of Yarmouk, Ramla, Dasman and Ghubaiba in Sharjah.
How do I get to the landmark?
Nearby landmarks to the saucer include the Sharjah Sports Council and Zaina Medical Centre. Drive northeast on Sheikh Zayed Street to reach the destination. It will be on your right.
What are the best places to visit in Sharjah?
The Flying Saucer is just one of many great places in the emirate. While you are here, you can always visit other notable attractions in Sharjah. Some of the most popular include the majestic Sharjah Mosque and the Sharjah Archaeological Museum.
That is all we have for you on the Flying Saucer in Sharjah. For more updates on the best the UAE offers, stay tuned to MyBayut.
(Cover image credit: Sharjah Art Foundation Facebook page)
