Top 20 Attractions in Sharjah
Sharjah, which means "the shining sun," is an important emirate in the United Arab Emirates. Located along the shores of both the Arabian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman, Sharjah stands out with its beautiful beaches compared to other emirates. It is considered one of the most important tourist destinations in the UAE, thanks to its wide array of tourist attractions and landmarks that draw visitors from both inside and outside the Emirates. In this article, we’ll review the top tourist attractions in Sharjah.
1. Al Majaz Waterfront
Al Majaz Waterfront is undoubtedly one of the most iconic landmarks in Sharjah, offering a stunning view of Khalid Lagoon and its picturesque scenery. Spanning an area of 231,000 square feet, the waterfront is beautifully designed with stunning natural landscapes. It is a prime entertainment hub, featuring numerous recreational facilities and activities such as a mini golf course, a water park, Al Majaz Art Park, and a children's play area, in addition to many upscale cafés and restaurants. You can also take a boat ride around the lagoon or enjoy amazing performances at the Al Majaz Theater.
Operating hours: 10:00 - 00:00
2. Al Montazah Park
Al Montazah Park guarantees fun and entertainment for all ages, offering various recreational activities and games. Located in the old Al Khan area, the park features around 20 water basins. It also has twisting and fast water slides, swimming pools suitable for all ages, and plenty of water fun. In addition, the park boasts amusement rides where you can enjoy playing bumper cars, riding the open train, and exploring the park. The park also includes a mosque, fine dining restaurants, cafés, and many other public facilities.
Operating hours: 10:00 - 22:00
Entrance fee: 55 AED (around 15 USD)
3. Sharjah National Park
Sharjah National Park is one of the most prominent tourist destinations in the emirate and one of the largest parks in the UAE. It was opened in 1989 and has since become a popular retreat for the people of Sharjah and a favorite spot for families. The park offers numerous recreational areas and various games for children, as well as sports fields and exercise areas. The park is known for its vast green spaces, beautiful trees, and flowers. Amidst this natural beauty, there is a walking trail where you can stroll and enjoy the scenic surroundings in a peaceful atmosphere. The park stretches over a large area and also has restaurants, cafés, and often hosts many official events.
Operating hours: 08:00 - 22:00
4. Khalid Lagoon
Khalid Lagoon is an artificial lagoon in Sharjah, offering a wonderful destination for relaxation and peace, away from the hustle and bustle of daily life. Whether you prefer to sit under the shade of one of the trees, enjoying the stunning views, walk along the corniche, or even ride your bike along the dedicated cycling path along the corniche, Khalid Lagoon offers it all. What sets Khalid Lagoon apart is its fountain, the third tallest in the world, which offers spectacular shows that are especially beautiful at night. The fountain stands at a height of 76 meters and features six lamps that add light and beauty to this amazing lagoon.
5. Sharjah Aquarium
Sharjah Aquarium offers a unique experience for marine life enthusiasts, where you can observe nearly 150 different species of marine creatures. It attracts many tourists who can enjoy viewing colorful fish, coral reefs, giant sharks, and many other fascinating marine species, all while discovering the mysteries of the underwater world. You can also enjoy delicious meals at the aquarium's restaurants or visit the maritime museum.
Operating hours: Saturday to Thursday from 08:00 to 20:00, and Friday from 08:00 to 16:00
Entrance fees:
Children (2 to 12 years):
- Standard ticket: 15 AED (around 4 USD)
- Group of 6 or more: 10 AED per child (around 3 USD)
Adults (13 years and above):
- Standard ticket: 25 AED (around 7 USD)
- Group of 6 or more: 15 AED per adult (around 4 USD)
School and university trips:
- Government institutions: Free
- Private schools/universities: 5 AED per person (around 1,5 USD)
Free entry for:
- Seniors
- Children under 2 years old
- People with disabilities
Note: Entrance to the museum is free on International Museum Day (18 May), Martyrs' Day (1 December), and UAE National Day (2 December).
6. Al Noor Island
Al Noor Island, with its stunning natural beauty, beautiful architectural designs, and recreational spaces, has become a popular tourist attraction and a wonderful place for families. The island is located on Khalid Lagoon and is a symbol of the beauty of nature, architecture, and entertainment. One of the main highlights of the island is the Butterfly House, which houses over 500 different species of butterflies. The island also features stunning artworks from around the world, along with illuminated paintings that can only be viewed at night. The island also has a walkway and gardens with designated play areas for children. The restaurants and cafés on the island offer a chance to enjoy delicious dishes.
7. Souq Al Jubail
Souq Al Jubail is one of the largest markets in the Middle East, covering an area of more than 37,000 square meters. This market attracts thousands of visitors every day, whether they are coming to shop or simply to explore and stroll through it. The architectural design of the market is built in the traditional Islamic style, and it houses around 400 stores. In this market, you can find everything from fresh fish to fruits and vegetables, as well as poultry and meats. The market also hosts auctions twice a day, showcasing fish caught that very day.
Operating hours: 08:00 - 22:00
8. Al Mamzar Beach
Al Mamzar Beach is one of the best tourist destinations in Sharjah for beach-loving families due to its beautiful natural scenery and high level of privacy. Al Mamzar Beach is essentially a fully equipped recreational park, featuring Al Mamzar Park, which offers picnic areas, barbecue spots, cycling paths, sports fields, swimming pools, and many public facilities. Additionally, the beach provides services such as chair and umbrella rentals, shower rooms, and changing rooms, as well as the option to rent chalets by the beach. There are also kiosks selling fast food and all the necessary facilities for activities like diving and surfing.
9. Al Noor Mosque
Located on the Khalid Lake Corniche, Al Noor Mosque is one of the most famous religious landmarks in Sharjah. The mosque is designed in the Ottoman style, with a distinctive exterior featuring its minarets and domes. The interior design of the mosque includes intricate calligraphy and decorations of Quranic verses, along with beautifully adorned domes, arches, and columns. You can take a tour of the mosque, learn about Islamic culture and local traditions, and capture unique photos of the mosque from the inside.
10. Sharjah Museum of Islamic Civilization
The Sharjah Museum of Islamic Civilization is one of the top tourist destinations in the UAE, popular among tourists for its rich historical artifacts related to the ancient Islamic civilization. The museum is located in a prominent building north of the city center, on the Sharjah Corniche. It houses around 5,000 artifacts, including historical manuscripts, ceramics, and coins collected from various Islamic countries. The museum also displays the embroidered gold curtain of the Kaaba door and stunning mosaic decorations inside the central dome.
Operating hours: 08:00 - 20:00
11. Sharjah Classic Car Museum
The Sharjah Classic Car Museum is a fantastic destination for car enthusiasts, offering a vast collection of historic and classic cars, with around 100 vehicles on display, along with classic motorcycles and bicycles. The museum consists of five different sections, each showcasing a historical phase in the development of the automotive industry. You can also view old advertisements from various periods in the history of car manufacturing. In addition, there is an interactive area for children featuring puzzles and a simulated steering wheel, allowing children to engage and enjoy the experience.
Operating hours: 08:00 - 20:00
12. Sharjah Art Museum
Opened on April 19, 1997, the Sharjah Art Museum is a perfect destination for art lovers. You can enjoy a variety of beautiful artworks throughout the year, in addition to participating in the diverse programs and exhibitions hosted by the museum. The museum consists of three floors displaying more than 500 pieces of art and various collections. It also hosts special exhibitions throughout the year and houses an art library with more than 4,000 works in Arabic, English, and other languages.
Operating hours: 09:00 - 21:00
13. Mega Mall Sharjah
Mega Mall Sharjah is a fantastic and ideal place that combines shopping and entertainment. Located in the heart of Sharjah on Al Ittihad Street, the mall features more than 150 stores offering a wide range of products from clothing, footwear, accessories, electronics, and children's toys, along with a large food court and cafés. The mall also has a children’s entertainment center with more than 30 different rides, including a roller coaster and small ferris wheels. In addition, Mega Mall Sharjah includes Novo Cinemas, which screens the latest movies with high-quality technology and facilities.
Operating hours: 10:00 - 22:00
14. Al Khan Beach
Al Khan Beach is very popular among both locals and tourists, as it is one of the most famous public beaches in Sharjah. Located in the Al Khan district, near the Sharjah Maritime Museum and the Sharjah Aquarium, this beach is known for its white sands and the purity of its waters. It offers various water activities, such as surfing, kayaking, and more. The beach also provides many public services and facilities, including restrooms, changing rooms, and areas for renting chairs and umbrellas.
Operating hours: 07:00 - 19:00
15. Al Qasba
A visit to Al Qasba, a leading family destination, means immersing your senses in arts and culture, as well as experiencing moments of calm and relaxation. This unique destination offers exciting live performances, exceptional art centers, and a variety of restaurants and cafés serving delicious dishes. Enjoy a fun boat ride on the "Abra" boats in the lakes of Sharjah, or immerse yourself in the beauty of the sunset over the peaceful canals of Al Qasba.
16. City Centre Sharjah
City Centre Sharjah, which opened in 2001, is one of the best malls in Sharjah. The mall features more than 120 global brands specializing in fashion, electronics, accessories, and more. It also includes a variety of restaurants and cafés, in addition to outstanding entertainment venues such as the Magic Planet entertainment center and multiple VOX Cinemas.
Operating hours: 10:00 - 00:00
17. Sharjah Creek
Sharjah Creek is a small bay branching from the Arabian Gulf, extending into the emirate of Sharjah, UAE. It is one of the prominent natural landmarks in the area and serves as a source of tourist attractions and recreational activities. Sharjah Creek is known for its calm and enchanting waters and offers opportunities for walking along the promenades that stretch along the creek. The Sharjah Corniche surrounding the creek is a wonderful spot for exercising and relaxing, where visitors can enjoy the scenic views and fresh air. The waterways within the creek also allow visitors to take boat rides or electric boat rides. Sharjah Creek is home to many waterfowl, making it an ideal location for birdwatching enthusiasts.
18. Al Arsa Souq
Al Arsa Souq is a traditional market in Sharjah, located near Sharjah Creek, and was once used for trading goods and spices. The small indoor market has been restored and is located in the historical district of Sharjah. In addition to its reasonable prices, the market features a central area with seating and some stores selling carpets and lamps. The market showcases a part of Sharjah's ancient heritage. Although small in size, it offers visitors a taste of traditional life.
Note: You can spend between 20 to 30 minutes here, and entrance is free. There is also a museum nearby that you can visit if you wish.
19. Flag Island
Flag Island in Sharjah is a unique tourist destination located in the heart of the city, near Al Jubail Market, offering a variety of recreational facilities. These include the first specialized design exhibition in the region, as well as an open-air amphitheater that can accommodate up to 1,000 people to host local and international musical and theatrical events. The island also features the famous Jones the Grocer restaurant and a 618-meter running track, offering visitors the opportunity to maintain their fitness year-round.
20. Mleiha Archaeological Centre
Mleiha Archaeological Centre is one of the most prominent historical sites in the region, where you can explore a history that dates back 130,000 years to the Paleolithic era. The tours offer the chance to see how early humans lived at this site. In addition, the site offers a fantastic experience for thrill-seekers with 1000cc quad bikes. The center provides unique facilities such as desert bike tours, off-road adventures, and horseback riding, making it an exceptional experience to discover the Arab lifestyle and the region's rich history.
Operating hours: Sunday to Wednesday from 09:00 to 19:00, Thursday to Saturday from 09:00 to 21:00
In conclusion, Sharjah offers a variety of tourist attractions, including markets, museums, parks, entertainment venues, and more. The city is also known for its diverse architectural landmarks and rich culture and heritage. Sharjah was named the Capital of Arab Culture in 1998 and the Capital of Islamic Culture in 2014. If you want to book a flight to Sharjah, WINGIE will help you compare hundreds of flights and book the cheapest one that suits your needs.
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