The Top Things To Do And See In Sharjah

Although it may not be as glamorous as Dubai, the Emirate of Sharjah still has much to offer in terms of activities and sights to see. Since it is near the Persian Gulf, there is much to do by the shore too, while the city centre has a rich melting pot of culture that is worth discovering. Did you know – Culture Trip now does bookable, small-group trips? Pick from authentic, immersive Epic Trips, compact and action-packed Mini Trips and sparkling, expansive Sailing Trips.

Roam around the Blue Souk

Known as the city’s most photographed building, the Souk is a shopping mall in Sharjah with tremendous architectural detail. The mall is composed of six buildings that hold over 600 shops. The Central Market, also known as the Blue Souk, is the main building that sells a wide variety of goods, such as electronics, artifacts, and clothing. Whether tourists purchase items here or not, it is always worth a gander!

Blue Souk, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates

Visit the Sharjah Archaeology Museum

In the city’s archaeology museum, there are artifacts that can be dated to as far back as the Stone Age. Each item contributes to telling the story of the city and its region. Expect to find jewellery, pottery, and household goods, all of which unravel tales of Sharjah in the centuries before the sky-scrapers and shiny new hotels went up!

Take a ride on the Eye of the Emirates Wheel

Located in the hustling and bustling area of Al Qanat Qasba, the Eye of the Emirates Wheel is quite a popular attraction. The UAE’s answer to the famous London Eye, this large Ferris wheel provides fantastic views of the city and the coast, which can be seen spreading out in an array of high-rises and shimmering white builds as it meets the scintillating waters of the Persian Gulf.

Eye of the Emirates Wheel, AL Khan Corniche St, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates, +971 800 80000

Spend a day at the Al Majaz Waterfront

Al Majaz – Sharjah – United Arab Emirates

From morning to evening, the Al Majaz waterfront is the perfect place to spend a day with the family. The waterfront has a wide variety of attractions for members of all age groups. For the young ones, there are parks, play areas, mini golf, and more, while the adults can relax at the restaurants in the area or take a jog around the perimeter.

Al Majaz Waterfront, Al Buheirah Corniche Road, Al Majaz 2, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates, +971 6 552 1552

Go back in time by stopping by the Sharjah Heritage Area

The Sharjah Heritage Area is a blast from the past. It is a combination of several museums that encompass different aspects of the region’s culture. These museums are: the Sharjah Heritage Museum, Al Hisn Sharjah, Al Midfaa House, and Hisn Fort. In the middle, there can be found Souk Al Arsah, which is a large courtyard that contains various small stalls and shops that sell handmade goods.

Sharjah Heritage Area, Al Mareija, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates, +971 6 568 000

Drop by the Al Montazah Amusement and Water Park

One of the main local family attractions is Al Montazah Amusement and Water Park. This family outing is known as the ‘UAE’s first adventure park’, and boasts a number of activities for everyone. The water park is comprised of a lazy river, a wading pool and a play structure that is safe for the young ones. There is also a rope course for the older visitors and plenty of sun-splashed terraces for those in search of a tan courtesy of the Gulf!

Take the family to the Arabian Wildlife Center

Since Sharjah is part of the desert region, it boasts a truly unique array of wildlife, all of which can be spotted at the Arabian Wildlife Center. The center is split into three areas: mammals, reptiles and insects. This center is more than just a zoo; it was created in order to help repopulate certain species with its breeding program and educate visitors on the dangers of extinction and endangerment.

Arabian Wildlife Center, Interchange 9, After Airport, Al Dhaid Road, Near Al Bataeh, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates, +971 6 531 1999

Take in the Maraya Art Center

This famous gallery is located in the center of Al Qanat Qasba, where the Eye of Emirates stands. The Maraya was curated by Giuseppe Moscatello, an Italian artist who designated three floors of exhibitions, presenting a wide variety of multimedia artwork. On the website, there is a calendar of the varying themed exhibitions that are now hosted there throughout the year.

Maraya Art Center, Block B, Al Qasba, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates, +971 6 55 66 555

Take a day trip to Kalba

Just a short drive away from Sharjah proper, Kalba is a small fishing village located on the seashore. The three main attractions in this quaint, little town are the Al Hisn Museum, the House of Sheikh Saeed bin Hamad Al-Qassimi, and the Khor Kalba Conservation Reserve, which is dubbed a “bird watcher’s paradise”.

Kalba, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates

Admire the Heart of Sharjah

The Heart of Sharjah was a project started in effort to preserve and discover the historical culture of the city and neighboring region. This project is still under construction and is aimed to be completed in 2025, but is still worth stopping by to see what amazing things are in store a decade from now. This is not just a handful of museums; instead, it is the revival of the past into something more modern.

Heart of Sharjah, Al Mareija, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates, +971 6 544 8847