Top tourist attractions in Sharjah – the UAE’s culture capital
Do you want to visit inspiring places filled with art, history and culture? Sharjah has all that and more. Known as the cultural capital of the UAE, the emirate is known for its attractions that offer knowledge, adventure and discovery for all. Want to know the best Sharjah tourist places? We’ve got the list right here!
LIST OF TOP TOURIST ATTRACTIONS IN SHARJAH
Thanks to its cultural and heritage monuments, Sharjah is a popular tourist destination in the UAE. Take a peek at some of the prominent tourist attractions in the emirate.
HISTORICAL AND CULTURAL PLACES
SHARJAH MUSEUM OF ISLAMIC CIVILIZATION
The Sharjah Museum of Islamic Civilization is a significant cultural and tourist attraction located along the Corniche, to the north of the Heart of Sharjah.
The museum has seven galleries spread over two levels. The galleries cover several aspects of Islamic history. The upper levels feature Islamic arts and crafts, including jewellery and textiles. Islamic coins are also on display there.
- Fees:
- Children under 2 years: Free
- Children from 2 to 12 years: AED 5
- Adults 13+ years: AED 10
- Government and Private school trips: Free
- Government and Private University trip: Free
- People of Determination: Free
- Location: Corniche Street, Al Majarrah
- Opening Hours: 08:00 am to 08:00 pm | Fri: 04:00 pm to 08:00 pm
- Contact: +971-6-565-5455
SHARJAH ART MUSEUM
Opened its doors on April 17, 1997, The Sharjah Art Museum is one of the famous tourist places in Sharjah. The museum houses one of the largest art exhibitions in the Gulf region.
You can explore the three-story destination dedicated to art collections of over 500 pieces of artwork in a variety of mediums and styles. The display includes various expressive techniques that will pique your interest.
The museum also has an Art Library, featuring over 5,000 titles in English, Arabic and other languages.
- Fees: Call them to find out
- Location: Al Shuwaihean, Heart of Sharjah
- Opening Hours: 08:00 am to 08:00 pm | Fri: 04:00 pm to 08:00 pm
- Contact: +971-6-568-8222
Timings are subject to change during public holidays and Ramadan.
SHARJAH FORT
Re-opened in 2005, Sharjah Fort, also known as Al Hisn is one of the most incredible heritage sites and historic areas in Sharjah.
The square-shaped fort comprises two main floors and three towers and a spacious yard made with coral stones collected from the Arabian Gulf. Doors feature teak wood, whereas ceilings are made of branches of palm trees (Al Duun) and mangrove trunks.
The fort houses an enormous collection of archaeological artefacts, photographs, weapons and a whole lot more.
Fees:
- Children under 2 years: Free
- Children from 2 to 12 years: AED 5
- Adults 13+ years: AED 10
- People of Determination: Free
- Location: Behind Souq Al Shanasiya, Al Shuwaihean, Heart of Sharjah
- Opening Hours: 08:00 am to 08:00 pm | Fri: 04:00 pm to 08:00 pm
- Contact: +971-6-568-5500
FAMILY-FRIENDLY PARKS
SHARJAH DESERT PARK
This tropical attraction is one of the top Sharjah tourist places. Opened in 1995 in the Seih Al-Masmout Reserve, this attraction comprises four primary venues: a botanical centre, a wildlife centre, a petting farm and an Islamic garden.
Over the years, Sharjah Desert Safari Park has grown into a thriving edutainment facility where visitors can learn about endangered habitats, native desert animals and the various botanical species found in the region.
- Fees:
- Adults: AED 15
- Children over 12 years old: AED 5
- Kids under 12 years old: Free
- Location: Dhaid Road – Interchange 9
- Opening Hours: Sun-Thu: 09:00 am to 05:30 pm | Fri: 02:00 pm to 05:30 pm | Sat: 11:00 am to 05:30 pm |Tue: closed
- Contact Number: +971-6-504-7777
Please note that fees and timings are subject to change.
AL MAJAZ WATERFRONT PARK
Al Majaz Waterfront Park is next on our list of Sharjah tourist places. This family-friendly destination has a bunch of recreational activities for everyone.
You can cool off at Splash Park, explore the stunning sculptures at Maraya Art Park, play mini-golf, take the tourist train around the park or be mesmerised by the musical fountain. To wrap up your visit, you can dine at one of the many restaurants there.
- Fees: Call them to find out
- Location: Corniche Street, Al Majaz
- Opening Hours: Call them to find out
- Contact: +971-6-511-7000
ADVENTURELAND
If you’re looking for indoor amusement parks in Sharjah, AdventureLand (also written as Adventureland) is the place to be. Since its expansion in September 2014, this place has become a highly sought-after tourist attraction in Sharjah.
Adventureland caters to children of all ages with a variety of attractions and thrills. From kiddie rides to jungle explorers, treehoppers, safari raiders, air races, crazy swings and snap traps — that is all the fun your kid needs.
- Fees: Call them to find out
- Location: Level 1, Sahara Centre, Al Nahda Interchange
- Opening Hours: 10:00 am to 11:00 pm | Fri-Sat: 10:00 am to 12:00 pm
- Contact: +971-6-531-6257
OTHER EXCITING TOURIST SPOTS IN SHARJAH
AL NOOR ISLAND
Al Noor Island (also known as Noor Island) is one of the best tourist places in Sharjah tourist. Opened in December 2005, this was designed and created to expose visitors to a wide range of experiences. The facility provides the ideal mix of amusement, art, education and entertainment for the entire family. There is a kids’ play area, a Literature pavilion, a butterfly house and a cafe.
You can explore the island, gaze at stars and learn the joy of gardening. Ladies can also enjoy yoga at sunrise. The cost and timings of each of these activities vary.
- Fees:
- Standard Pass: AED 50 (Adults), AED 30 (Children)
- Explorer Pass: AED 75 (Adults/Children)
- Location: Buhairah Corniche Road, Khalid Lagoon
- Opening Hours: 09:00 am to 11:00 pm | Sat: closed | Fri: closed from 03:00 pm (Subject to change)
- Contact: alnoorisland.ae
SHARJAH AQUARIUM
The Sharjah Aquarium is a realm of wonder and one of the UAE’s largest educational centres. This attraction, opened in 2008, introduced the public to the intriguing world of the deep sea.
Sharjah Aquarium houses a fascinating aquatic world with nearly 100 species, including delicate seahorses, stunning clownfish, sea rays, moray eels and reef sharks. You also get to observe the beauty of marine life along the coral reefs and rocky shores, as well as in mangroves and lagoons.
Fees:
- Children under 2 years: Free
- Children from 2 to 12 years: AED 15
- Adults over 13 years old: AED 25
- People of Determination: Free
- Location: Adjacent to Sharjah Maritime Museum, Al Khan
- Opening Hours: 08:00 am to 08:00 pm | Fri: 02:00 pm to 08:00 pm | Sun: closed
- Contact: +971-6-528-5288
AL KHAN BEACH
Take a break from the cityscape and enjoy the sights of Sharjah’s gorgeous Al Khan Beach. This beach is a 600-metre sand strip with designated water sports and a swimming area.
Kayaking, parasailing, surfing and flyboarding are just a few of the activities available. There are numerous activities for children, including a play area with several slides for young kids.
The Sharjah Maritime Museum and Sharjah Aquarium are about a five-minute walk from the beach.
- Location: Al Khan
- Opening Hours: Sunrise till sunset
AL QASBA CANAL
Al Qasba Canal is a great place to go for a stroll. This venue is a popular tourist destination in Sharjah offering a unique blend of leisure, culture and entertainment. The place boasts exciting boats tours, water karts and the Al Qasba Music Fountain.
- Location: Al Khan Street, Al Qasba
BLUE SOUK
Would you like to visit a traditional shopping centre? The Central Souk (Souk al-Markazi) also known as Blue Souk is Sharjah’s main shopping destination and one of the city’s most spectacular landmarks.
The place has over 600 shops, offering everything from clothing to the finest trinkets. Handwoven textiles, gold, diamonds, intricate carpets – you name it, the place has got it all!
- Location: Khalid Lagoon
- Opening Hours: 10:00 am to 10:30 pm | Fri: 04:00 pm to 10:30 pm
MLEIHA
A trip to Mleiha means going back in time and gaining knowledge about the people who lived in the area during different epochs of history (Neolithic, Paleolithic, Iron, Bronze, pre-Islamic, Islamic and modern). The area is home to an archaeological centre and a desert resort that offers plenty of exploration and adventure for visitors.
You can go trekking, enjoy overnight camping, embark on a fossil hunt and enjoy a desert safari in Mleiha.
- Location: Dhaid
- Opening Hours: 09:00 am to 07:00 pm | Thu-Sat: 09:00 am to 09:00 pm (Mleiha Archaeological Centre)
- Contact: +971-6-802-1111
FAQs ABOUT SHARJAH TOURIST ATTRACTIONS
WHAT IS SHARJAH WELL-KNOWN FOR?
Sharjah is a place rich in architectural and cultural heritage. It is also recognised for its numerous tourist attractions, which include ancient districts such as the Heart of Sharjah and urban attractions such as Al Qasba and the Al Majaz Waterfront.
WHEN IS THE BEST TIME OF YEAR TO VISIT SHARJAH?
The best time to visit Sharjah is from November to April when the weather is pleasant. Also If you’re visiting this emirate and are on a short budget, try these free activities in Sharjah.
That brings us to the end of this blog. For the most up-to-date information about the UAE, visit MyBayut.
