Things To Do in Sharjah
UAE Cultural Capital
20 mins from Dubai
Museums + Heritage
Sharjah is the UAE's third-largest emirate and arguably its most culturally significant. Named the Arab Cultural Capital in 1998 and the UNESCO World Book Capital in 2019, it has invested heavily in museums, galleries, and heritage restoration while maintaining the most traditional Islamic values of any UAE emirate. It feels different from Dubai in all the right ways — quieter, more reflective, and genuinely committed to cultural preservation.
With over 16 museums (many free), a beautifully restored heritage area, and the jaw-dropping Al Noor Island butterfly house, Sharjah rewards curious visitors who want more than shopping malls and skyscrapers.
One of the largest and most impressive art museums in the Middle East, housing a permanent collection of Arab art alongside changing international exhibitions. Completely free to enter. The building itself — set in the Heritage Area — is architecturally stunning. Allow 1.5–2 hours to appreciate the full collection.
A beautifully landscaped island in Khalid Lagoon featuring an extraordinary butterfly house (1,500 tropical butterflies), illuminated art installations, and waterside gardens. AED 35 entry. Stunning at night when the light installations are active — try to visit after sunset for the most atmospheric experience.
A well-maintained aquarium showcasing Gulf and regional marine life, including sharks, rays, and the unique fish species of the Arabian Sea. AED 50 adults. Directly adjacent to the Maritime Museum (combined ticket often available). Good for families with children aged 4–12.
A landscaped canal waterfront with restaurants, cafes, and the Eye of the Emirates Ferris wheel (AED 25–40 per ride). The canal area is free to walk along and has some of Sharjah's best dining options — relaxed outdoor seating along the water. The Ferris wheel gives good aerial views of the emirate.
Sharjah's iconic blue-tiled twin towers housing over 600 shops selling carpets, gold, silver, antiques, spices, and handicrafts. Free to enter and browse. One of the UAE's best souqs for authentic crafts and good-value gold shopping. Merchants are generally less aggressive than in Dubai's Gold Souk.
A beautifully restored 19th-century merchant quarter with museums, workshops, and atmospheric alleyways. The Al Hisn Fort (AED 5), Sharjah Museum of Islamic Civilisation, and Al Arsah Souk are all clustered here. Walking through the area in the morning is one of the genuine pleasures of a Sharjah visit.
A haunting abandoned 1970s village in the Sharjah desert near the Al Ain Road — sand dunes have pushed through the windows and doors of perfectly preserved stone houses, with a crumbling mosque at the centre. Completely free. Extraordinary photography, especially at golden hour. Approximately 45 minutes from central Sharjah.
Best sites, traffic timing, and what to pack — our team knows Sharjah inside out.
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