This emirate is considered to be the cultural capital of the UAE due to the large number of different museums.
You will have the opportunity to see the largest mosque in the Emirates and the fort of Al Hosn, built in 1820. Do not forget to visit the wax museum, as well as the Gold, Fish and Old markets, a fabric bazaar, and an exotic fruit and vegetable market. A new center of culture and recreation is located on the al-Qasba canal embankment. This channel attracts evening walks not only residents of the surrounding high-rise buildings, but also guests from all over the emirate, as well as tourists staying in Sharjah. Here is the "Eye of the Emirates" - the largest Ferris wheel in the region. Its 42 booths can simultaneously accommodate more than 300 people. A ticket costs 20 drh per adult and 10 drh per child. A Sharjah tour is usually conducted during the day and ends with a walk along the scenic Khalid lagoon in a traditional abra boat.
Keep in mind that there are strict laws in this emirate. For example, alcoholic beverages are not sold here even in hotels, and a box of beer in the trunk of a car threatens you with very big troubles. Wearing clothing that exposes your knees and shoulders is not recommended.
Museum of Islamic Civilization
It contains a rare collection of Arabic manuscripts and the largest collection of coins of the Muslim world, including silver dinars and dirhams of the era of the reign of the Abassids and Umayyads. The navigational instruments of the ancient Arabian seafarers and the unique “inverted” world map drawn up a thousand years ago by the Arab geographer Sharif Al-Idrizi are especially impressive. There is also a copy of the bedspread that covers the Kaaba building in Mecca.
Tel for information (06) 565 2988.
Art Museum
The paintings, documents and maps of the XVIII century from the personal collection of the ruler of Sharjah are presented here along with abstract paintings by contemporary artists. The permanent exhibition is accompanied by an active exchange of exhibitions with foreign museums. The famous International Biennale is also held here. This major event takes place in the spring of every odd year. The museum has a cafe-bar and underground parking.
Located behind the market, not far from the coastal part of the city, near Bank Street. It works from 8: 00-20: 00. On Wednesday afternoon it is open only to women and children, on Friday from 16: 00-20: 00. Free admission.Tel for inquiries (06) 568 8222.
Central Market (Blue Souk)
This market, rightly considered an architectural masterpiece, consists of two identical buildings, somewhat reminiscent of giant steam locomotives. The lower floor of that half, which is closer to the lagoon, is mainly occupied by shops selling gold, textiles, perfumes, cameras and video cameras. In a distant building, they sell ready-made clothes and electronics. Take a look at the wooden furniture from Jaipur, Persian and Pakistani carpets, as well as Nepalese pashmina from wool and silk. In total there are about 600 stores, which makes Blue Souk one of the largest wholesale and retail markets on the Arabian Peninsula. The market is fully air-conditioned, so that even in the midst of summer it can be completely circumvented. Next to it is the King Faisal Mosque, the largest in the UAE (accommodates 3,000 worshipers).
Buildings "trains" are located on the Corniche promenade, near the lagoon of Al Khalid. The market runs from 9 to 13 and from 16 to 23 hours (on Fridays, lunch break starts an hour earlier).
Archaeological Museum
Moving through the halls of this beautiful large building, you can find out the whole history of the existence of mankind on the Arabian Peninsula. Here are the finds made in Sharjah, belonging to the Stone, Iron and Bronze Ages. Along with them are models of houses of the first inhabitants of the Emirates. Through the touch screens of computers, access to images from the archives of the museum and educational games for children is opened.
The museum is located in the Halwan district, behind Culture Square. It works from 9 to 20 hours (break 13 to 17 hours). Free admission.
Tel for information (06) 566 5466.
Desert Park and Arabia Wildlife Center
This modern educational and research center breeds endangered animals and plants. It is famous for its zoo, equipped with the latest technology, a museum of natural history (tel. (06) 531 1411) and a children's educational park.
Wild animals feel at ease: the real conditions of their life in nature are recreated here. Visitors can admire the many birds living in a huge indoor enclosure.
The park is located on the road to Sharjah Airport, close to junction number 9. It is open from 9:00 to 17:30, Tuesday is a day off, on Fridays from 14: 00-17: 30.
Telephone for information (06) 531 1999.
National Heritage Museum
Museum buildings are located in the old courtyard of the Al-Nabud family estate. They are a prime example of traditional Arabian architecture.
The museum exhibits national clothing and cultural heritage items. You can buy antique items and replicas of antique jewelry at the nearby Al Ars Bazaar.
You can find the museum between Al Hosn and the promenade. Open from 9 to 20 hours (lunch from 13 to 17), on Fridays only after lunch. Free admission.
Tel for inquiries (06) 569 3999.
Al-Hisn Fort
It was built in 1820 by the Sultan Ibn Sakr, the first sheikh of the Kawashim dynasty, who planned to make Sharjah his capital. The fort has long been the political center of the emirate. In 1969 it was almost completely destroyed; new modern buildings appeared on the site of the fortress. In 1996, the fort was restored according to old drawings, but only two walls and a 12-meter tower were preserved from the buildings of the 19th century. Now here is a museum, among the exhibits of which are weapons, coins, jewelry and accessories for catching pearls.
This museum on Al-Hisn Street is open from 9 to 13 and from 17 to 20 hours. On Wednesday afternoon, only women with children are allowed. Open on Fridays after lunch. Free admission.
Tel for inquiries (06) 512 9999.
Museum of Arabic Calligraphy
Its galleries contain works by Arab, Persian and Turkish artists. In winter, students at work in ceramics and calligraphy workshops can be seen.
The museum is located at the exit of Al Hosn Street, north of Calligraphy Square. Open from 9 to 20 hours (lunch from 13 to 17 hours), on Fridays only after lunch. Free admission.
Tel for information (06) 568 3334.
Al Mahatta Aviation Museum
At the site of the first Al-Mahatta airport in the Middle East, which opened in 1932 last century with the aim of making commercial flights from the UK to India, today is the museum of the same name. The exhibits presented in it are dedicated to the history of aviation development in the region, air transport, the history of man's first attempts to fly into space and land on the moon.
The Aviation Museum is located next to the Sharjah Immigration Department, in the first building of Sharjah International Airport.
Opening hours: 08.00 - 20.00 (on weekdays) and 16.00 - 20.00 (on Fridays). Admission is paid: 5 drh (adult ticket) and 10 drh (family ticket).
Aquarium
The Sharjah Aquarium features a multicolored, rich and diverse underwater world. More than 250 marine inhabitants peacefully coexist in it: from miniature seahorses and hedgehogs to large and small fish that swim in unique aquariums that accurately reproduce the seabed with coral reefs and artificial lagoons. On special electronic stands that can be easily used by both adults and children, complete information in Arabic and English about the inhabitants of the underwater world presented in the Aquarium is placed.
The museum is located in Al Khan, on the shores of the Persian Gulf. Opening hours: 08.00 - 20.00 (Monday to Thursday), 16.00 - 21.00 (Fridays), 08.00 - 21.00 (Saturdays). Admission is paid: 20 drx (adult ticket), children under 5 years old - free of charge.
COGNITIVE CENTERThe scientific and educational center allows children to learn in a playful way. The network of thematic zones allows children to explore the world and realize that science and technology are an integral part of everyday life.
Opening hours: Sunday to Thursday, from 08.00 to 14.00, on Fridays and Saturdays - from 16.00 to 20.00
For information: 06 558 6577
SCIENTIFIC MUSEUM
In the Science Museum, visitors will be able to observe the implementation of scientific achievements in the course of practical experiments, as well as study optical illusions, explore the basics of aerodynamics, cryogenics and physiology. It is an ideal place to learn, research and have fun with family and friends.
Opening hours: Sunday to Thursday, from 08.00 to 14.00, on Fridays and Saturdays - from 16.00 to 20.00
For information: 06 566 8777
HOUSE OF SHEIKH SAYID BEN HAMAD AL AL KASSIMI
Visit the famous beachfront residence of the ruling Sharjah dynasty in Kalba, where you can see an extensive collection of archaeological finds, weapons and cultural heritage items of unique value to the eastern part of Sharjah.
Opening hours: from Saturday to Thursday - from 09.00 to 13.00 and from 17.00 to 20.00, on Mondays - from 09.00 to 13.00, on Fridays - from 17.00 to 20.00
For information: 06 277 4442
SCHOOL MUSEUM "AL ESLA"
Find out what school life was like 70 years ago by wandering around the halls of the first school in Sharjah. Residents from all over the region have come here for many years to study Arabic and Islam.
Opening hours: from Saturday to Thursday - from 08.00 to 20.00, on Fridays - from 16.00 to 20.00
For information: 06 568 4114
FORTRESS "BEIT AL NABUD"
Visit the former residence of the influential Al Shamsi merchant family, built in 1845, and admire its unique architectural features and magnificent courtyard.
Opening hours: from Saturday to Thursday - from 08.00 to 20.00, on Fridays - from 16.00 to 20.00
For information: 06 568 1738
MARINE MUSEUM
Embark on a journey to the only maritime museum in the Middle East that contains the history of the UAE and Sharjah. The museum displays boats and gear used for fishing, collecting pearls and trading activities.
Opening hours: from Saturday to Thursday - from 08.00 to 20.00, on Fridays - from 16.00 to 20.00
For information: 06 522 2002
MUSEUM OF CLASSIC CARS
The museum opened in 2008. It presents more than 100 classic cars of the last century. Visitors can familiarize themselves with the fascinating history and evolution of all modes of transport.
Opening hours: from Saturday to Thursday - from 08.00 to 20.00, on Fridays - from 16.00 to 20.00, on Sunday - a day off
For information: 06 558 0222
