Sharjah

Region ·🇦🇪 United Arab Emirates

Population 1,405,843

Area 2,400 km²

Time zone Asia/Dubai

Official website www.sharjah.ae

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Explore Sharjah

Sharjah's Absolute Essentials

Sharjah's cultural landscape is defined by its deep commitment to heritage and education. This selection includes the Sharjah Museum of Islamic Civilization, housed in a renovated souq, and the 19th-century Al Hisn Fort. Visitors can explore the archaeological findings at Meliha, view contemporary Arab art at the Barjeel Art Foundation, or visit the King Faisal Mosque, one of the region's largest. The emirate also balances history with leisure at the Al Majaz waterfront and the desert landscapes of Big Red.

12 places

Sharjah's Cultural Gems

Sharjah's cultural landscape is defined by its specialized museums and heritage sites. This collection includes the Sharjah Museum of Islamic Civilization, housed in a renovated souq, and the Sharjah Art Museum, which showcases prominent Arab artists. Archaeological sites like Meliha reveal pre-Islamic history, while specialized venues like the Sharjah Classic Car Museum and the Sharjah Aquarium offer insights into automotive history and local marine ecosystems. The Sharjah Art Foundation's various spaces integrate contemporary art into the city's historic architectural fabric.

15 places

Historic Sites and Forts

Sharjah's historical landscape spans from the Paleolithic era to the 19th-century Al Qasimi dynasty. This collection features the Mleiha archaeological sites, including Umm an-Nar tombs and a late pre-Islamic palace, alongside coastal defensive structures like Kalba Fort and Al Hisn. Inland, the Jebel Faya rock shelters provide evidence of early human migration, while the monumental Quran sculpture in Cultural Square represents the emirate's modern Islamic identity and architectural heritage.

13 places

Notable Mosques and Worship Sites

Sharjah's religious landscape is defined by grand Ottoman and traditional Arabic architectural styles. This collection includes the Sharjah Mosque, the emirate's largest place of worship, and the King Faisal Mosque, a landmark gift from Saudi Arabia opened in 1987. These sites showcase intricate tile work, towering minarets, and vast prayer halls, ranging from historic waterfront structures in Al Khan to modern landmarks in the city center.

12 places

Parks and Viewpoints

Explore a selection of outdoor spaces in Sharjah, ranging from the manicured lawns of Al Majaz Waterfront to the sandy shores of Al Mamzar Park. This collection includes Beach 5, a dedicated swimming area, and Al Wurayah National Park, which protects inland natural habitats. These locations offer a mix of recreational facilities, walking paths, and viewpoints overlooking the city's lagoons and coastline.

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Map of Sharjah

Practical information

Currency: United Arab Emirates Dirham AED AED · Card payments · Widely accepted
Emergency numbers: 112
Electricity: Type C / Type G
220 V · 50 Hz

Languages: Arabic
Tap water: Safe to drink
Driving side: Right
Calling code: +971