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Famous Landmarks in Sharjah

Famous Landmarks in Sharjah

Sharjah Sharjah, UAE Travel Guide

Iconic Landmarks

Sharjah is home to several must-visit sites that highlight its rich history and culture. From the distant past artifacts to magnificent architecture, these landmarks provide a tangible link to the emirate's past and present.

Explore meticulously restored heritage buildings, impressive museums, and bustling traditional souks that invite visitors to step back in time and feel the essence of Emirati life.

Must-Visit Sites

  • Sharjah Museum of Islamic Civilization: Over 5,000 Islamic artifacts.
  • Heart of Sharjah: UNESCO Tentative Site, historical preservation project.
  • Al Noor Mosque: Ottoman-style mosque open to non-Muslim visitors.
  • Central Souk (Blue Souk): Iconic with blue-tiled domes, offers various goods.

Visitor Information & Tips

Attraction Details

  • Sharjah Museum of Islamic Civilization: Sat-Thu 8 AM - 8 PM; Fri 4 PM - 8 PM (AED 10)
  • Heart of Sharjah: Public area accessible 24/7 (Free entry, individual museums vary)
  • Al Noor Mosque: Tours typically Mon & Thu 10 AM (Free, booking advisable for mandatory guided tours)
  • Sharjah Art Museum: Sat-Thu 8 AM - 8 IN the evening; Fri 4 PM - 8 PM (AED 10)
  • Central Souk: Sat-Thu 10 AM - 10 PM; Fri 5 PM - 11 PM (Free entry)

Insider Tips

  • Al Noor Mosque: Visit during sunset for beautiful reflections on Khalid Lagoon.
  • Heart of Sharjah: Early morning or late afternoon for soft light and fewer crowds.
  • Central Souk: Capture the bustling atmosphere, always ask permission for people's photos. Bargaining is an element of the experience.
  • Less Crowded Times: Weekdays (Sunday-Thursday) are generally less crowded.

The upper floor of the Central Souk often has fewer people and offers good vantage points.

Museums & Cultural Institutions

  • Sharjah Museum of Islamic Civilization: Scientific instruments, pottery, textiles.
  • Sharjah Art Museum: Contemporary Arab art, regular exhibitions.
  • Sharjah Heritage Museum: Emirati customs, traditions, family life.
  • Classic Cars Museum: Over 100 vintage cars, some dating to 1915.

Historical Sites

  • Mleiha Archaeological Centre:

    Features finds from Stone Age to Islamic period, an hour from Sharjah city.

  • Heart of Sharjah:

    A living museum featuring classic Emirati architecture, wind towers, courtyards.

  • Sharjah Fort (Al Hisn Sharjah):

    Restored fort, former residence of Al Qasimi family, now a museum.

  • Al Noor Mosque:

    Prominent Islamic landmark on Khalid Lagoon, offers guided tours.

  • Monument of Culture & Pearl Monument:

    Symbolize cultural achievements and pearl diving history.

Natural Attractions

Beyond the city's the heart of the city, Sharjah offers beautiful natural escapes.

Explore Green Spaces & Wildlife

  • Parks and Gardens:

    Al Montazah Parks (amusement/water park), Al Noor Island (butterfly house, art installations, gardens).

  • Wildlife Viewing:

    Sharjah Desert Park (Arabian Wildlife Centre), Al Hefaiyah Mountain Conservation Centre (Kalba).

  • Beaches & Waterways:

    Al Khan Beach, Sharjah Beach, Khalid Lagoon.

  • Scenic Viewpoints:

    The Eye of the Emirates (Ferris wheel), Al Rafisah Dam (mountain scenery, reservoir), Mleiha Desert (stunning desert vistas).

  • Geological Features:

    Fossil Rock (Jebel Faya) near Mleiha, contains marine fossils.

  • Al Noor Island Image:

Off-the-Beaten-Path

Sharjah Archaeology Museum, Classic Cars Museum, Sharjah Calligraphy Museum offer unique insights with fewer crowds.

Local Favorites

Sharjah Desert Park, Wadi Al Helo Watchtower offer educational looks at native flora/fauna and historical views.

Emerging Destinations

Mleiha Archaeological Centre, Al Rafisah Dam provide finding and escape from the city.

Affiliate Attraction Booking

Plan your visits to Sharjah's attractions by booking tickets and tours in advance.

  • GetYourGuide: A reliable system for reserving attraction tickets and guided tours to many Sharjah sites.
  • Consider tours that combine multiple attractions for efficiency and value.
  • Check official museum and park websites for the latest information and direct booking options.

Hidden Gems

Venture beyond the main tourist circuit to discover some of Sharjah's lesser-known treasures.

Unique Photo Opportunities

Al Noor Island

Offers unique art installations and the beautiful Butterfly House, especially striking at dusk with its illuminated features.

The Eye of the Emirates

Provides panoramic views of Sharjah's skyline, offering great photo opportunities, especially during sunset.

Rain Room

An art installation where you walk through perpetual rain without getting wet. A unique and memorable photo experience (ticketed, booking necessary).

Mleiha Archaeological Centre

Beyond the museum, the area provides opportunities for desert adventures and exploring ancient sites. A dedicated trip.

Al Rafisah Dam

A beautiful recreational spot in the eastern region, offering boating, kayaking, and serene picnic areas amidst dramatic mountains.

Art & Calligraphy Exploration

Explore the artistic side of Sharjah with its specialized museums and contemporary art spaces.

Featured Art Venues

  • Sharjah Art Museum: Leading institution for modern and contemporary Arab art.
  • Sharjah Calligraphy Museum: Dedicated to the beauty and history of Arabic script.
  • Sharjah Art Foundation: Hosts contemporary art exhibitions, performances, and public programs.

Coastal & Maritime Heritage

Explore Sharjah's deep connection to the sea and its maritime past.

Maritime Highlights

  • Sharjah Maritime Museum: Details Sharjah's seafaring history and pearl diving.
  • Al Khan Beach & Sharjah Beach: Public beaches for relaxation and water activities.
  • Khalid Lagoon: Central lagoon with waterfront attractions and promenades.
  • Souq Al Jubail (Fish Market): Experience the daily catch and area seafood.

Visiting Hours & Festivals

Always verify the latest opening hours and fees for individual attractions on the official online pages before you go.

Check Sharjah's schedule of cultural happenings for special events like the Sharjah Biennial or Sharjah Light Festival, which offer unique experiences.

Affiliate Attraction Booking

Plan your visits to Sharjah's attractions by booking tickets and tours in advance.

Get Your Tickets

Find and book attraction tickets and guided tours through GetYourGuide.

Explore Guided Tours

Many tours combine several sights, offering a comprehensive and efficient way to explore Sharjah.

Further Information

Sharjah Tourism

Visit the official Sharjah Tourism website for comprehensive guides and current event listings.

Sharjah Tourism Official Site

Museums & Heritage

Explore the rich cultural attractions of Sharjah's numerous museums and heritage sites.

Sharjah Museums Authority

Art & Culture

Stay updated on contemporary art exhibitions and programs at the Sharjah Art Foundation.

Sharjah Art Foundation

Family Entertainment

Information on Al Montazah Parks, featuring an theme park and water park for all ages.

Al Montazah Parks

Discovery Tours

Engage with Sharjah's rich past and present through curated tours.

Recommended Tour Providers

  • Local walking tours of Heart of Sharjah.
  • City bus tours for a general overview of groundmarks.
  • Specialized photography tours for unique viewpoints.

Museum Experiences

Deepen your cultural experience by visiting Sharjah's renowned museums.

Highlights

  • Sharjah Museum of Islamic Civilization: A journey through Islamic history.
  • Classic Cars Museum: A collection for vintage automobile enthusiasts.
  • Sharjah Maritime Museum: Discover the emirate's seafaring heritage.
  • Sharjah Calligraphy Museum: The art of Arabic script.

Cultural Sensitivity

When visiting religious sites like Al Noor Mosque, dress modestly. Photography may have restrictions in some museums; always check for signs or ask staff.

Beyond the City

Explore the wider emirate of Sharjah for diverse landscapes and historical sites outside the main city.

Mleiha Archaeological Centre

A UNESCO-nominated site with fascinating archaeological finds, dating back thousands of years. It offers a deep dive into ancient history.

Highlights

  • Ancient tombs and forts.
  • Desert adventures and fossil rock formations.
  • Guided treks and safaris in the desert.

Al Rafisah Dam

Located in the eastern region of Sharjah, this dam offers beautiful mountain scenery and a tranquil reservoir.

Activities

  • Boating and kayaking on the reservoir.
  • Serene places to have a picnic amidst dramatic mountains.
  • Exploring the surrounding mountain trails.

Sharjah Desert Park

A destination combining a wildlife center, natural history museum, and botanical garden.

Features

  • Arabian Wildlife Centre: Native Arabian species.
  • Natural History Museum: Insights into regional ecosystems.
  • Botanical Garden: Local flora.

Offers an educational look at native flora and fauna, especially for families.

Khor Fakkan

Sharjah's eastern enclave offers beautiful beaches, watersports, and mountain adventures.

Coastal Delights

  • Khor Fakkan Beach: Relaxing shores.
  • Watersports: Diving and snorkeling opportunities.

A scenic drive through the Hajar Mountains.

Kalba

Known for its nature preserves and mangrove forests on Sharjah's East Coast.

Nature & Conservation

  • Kalba Bird of Prey Centre: Raptor demonstrations.
  • Mangrove Conservation Centre: Kayaking through mangroves.
  • Al Hefaiyah Mountain Conservation Centre: Mountain and wadi wildlife.

A peaceful getaway for nature lovers.

Sharjah Al Majaz Waterfront Visual

Al Majaz Waterfront

A lively urban space perfect for evening strolls and family entertainment.

Features

Fountain shows, restaurants, leisure areas, and the Eye of the Emirates.

Plan for Distances

Many of Sharjah's natural and archaeological attractions, like Mleiha and Kalba, are outside the main city. A vehicle or organized tour is necessary to reach these sites.
Famous Landmarks in Sharjah. Attractions, Monuments, Sightseeing