Things to Do in Sharjah

Our guide to things to do in Sharjah

There are more things to do in Sharjah than most visitors expect, and the emirate often surprises people who only know it as the busy neighbour of Dubai. Named UNESCO’s Arab Capital of Culture in 1998, Sharjah has built its identity around museums, heritage and the arts, and it backs that up with lagoon-side promenades, a wildlife safari inland and a second coastline on the Gulf of Oman. It is also the most traditional of the big emirates, which shapes how you plan a day out. Here is how we would spend time there, whether you have an evening or a whole weekend.

Museums, heritage and the old town

Start in the Heart of Sharjah, the restored historic quarter between the creek and the old souks, where coral-stone houses, wind towers and small museums sit close together. It is at its best in the late afternoon, when the lanes are cooler and the light softens. A short walk away, the Sharjah Museum of Islamic Civilization, set in a former souk building with a golden dome, covers science, faith and craft across the Islamic world, while the Sharjah Art Museum is one of the largest art museums in the Gulf. Families tend to enjoy the Sharjah Aquarium and the neighbouring Sharjah Maritime Museum in Al Khan, which tell the story of pearl diving, dhows and the sea life of the Gulf.

For contemporary art, see what the Sharjah Art Foundation is showing in its spaces around the old town. The foundation also runs the Sharjah Biennial, which usually takes place every two years and fills the emirate with exhibitions and performances. The Rain Room, the installation where you walk through a downpour without getting wet, is another favourite. Opening hours change with the season, so check the official websites before you go.

Waterfronts and evenings out

Sharjah comes alive after sunset along its water. Al Majaz Waterfront on Khalid Lagoon has gardens, restaurants and a musical fountain, and the Al Majaz Amphitheatre next door hosts concerts and shows that appear in the listings on this page. Al Qasba, a canal lined with cafes and family activities, is an easy plan for an evening stroll. Al Noor Island, a small island on the lagoon with sculptures, landscaped gardens and a butterfly house, makes a calm hour or two. If you are combining it with a show, our concerts and shows and theatre pages cover more options across the UAE.

Wildlife, desert and archaeology

Sharjah’s interior is very different from the city. Sharjah Safari near Al Dhaid is a large drive-through and walking safari with zones themed around regions of Africa, and it is one of the emirate’s biggest family days out. Closer to the city, the Sharjah Desert Park area is home to Arabia’s Wildlife Centre, which focuses on species native to the Arabian Peninsula. Further south, the Mleiha Archaeological Centre tells the story of people who lived in this landscape thousands of years ago, with fossil rocks, tombs and desert scenery around it, and it is a good base for guided sunset and stargazing trips in the cooler months.

The east coast: Khor Fakkan and Kalba

Sharjah also owns towns on the Gulf of Oman, typically around an hour to an hour and a half’s drive from Sharjah city through the Hajar Mountains. Khor Fakkan sits between mountains and sea, with a long public beach, a waterfront and the Al Rafisah Dam area for walks and pedal boats. Kalba, further south near the border with Oman, is known for its mangroves and quiet coastline. Pair either with a stop in neighbouring Fujairah, which we cover in our Fujairah guide.

The best time to visit and the annual calendar

October to April is the best season, when daytime temperatures are typically in the mid twenties to low thirties Celsius and outdoor plans are comfortable. Summers are very hot and humid, so focus on museums, malls and the aquarium in June to September and save the old town and waterfronts for the evening. Two recurring events anchor the cooler months: the Sharjah International Book Fair, usually held in November at Expo Centre Sharjah and one of the largest book fairs in the world, and the Sharjah Light Festival, which typically projects light shows onto landmarks across the emirate in February. Ramadan, which moves each year with the lunar calendar, brings shorter opening hours by day and lively evenings.

Good to know before you go

• No alcohol: Sharjah is a dry emirate, so alcohol is not sold or served anywhere, including in hotels and restaurants.
• Modest dress: Sharjah has a public decency code. Cover shoulders and knees in malls, souks, museums and public spaces, and save swimwear for the beach or pool.
• Getting there: Sharjah borders Dubai, so the drive can be twenty minutes outside rush hour and much longer in the morning and evening peaks. Intercity buses also run from Dubai’s main bus stations.
• Tickets: buy from official sellers. Every listing on Thingstodo.ae links to the official booking page.

Plan by the kind of day you want

With children, combine the aquarium, Al Noor Island and a safari morning, then browse our kids and family events. Culture lovers can pair the Heart of Sharjah with a museum and our art and culture listings. For more ideas in the neighbouring emirates, see our guides to Dubai and Ajman.

Organising something in Sharjah? Submit an event and we will add it to the guide.