MileHacker Logo
Things to Do in Sharjah

Outdoor Adventures

From desert dunes to tranquil lagoons, Sharjah provides a variety of activities for every adventurer.

Desert & Mountain Exploration

Hiking & Trekking Routes

Mleiha Archaeological Centre offers guided treks through old landscapes. Wadi Al Helo provides uneven ground for experienced hikers (guide recommended).

Desert Safaris & Adrenaline

Dune bashing in 4x4s, sandboarding, camel riding, and atv riding are popular in desert areas (Al Badayer Oasis, Mleiha).

Wildlife Encounters

Sharjah Desert Park (Arabian Wildlife Centre) and Mleiha Archaeological Centre offer opportunities to observe native desert wildlife.

Water & Cycling Activities

  • Water Sports: Kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, and personal watercraft riding are available at Khalid Coastal lake and Al Khan Beach.
  • Parasailing: For aerial views over Khalid Lagoon and the coastline.
  • Sharjah Beach: Ideal for swimming, sunbathing, and beach volleyball.
  • Cycling: Minimal infrastructure in the city. Mountain biking is in the eastern Hajar Mountains (near Kalba or Khor Fakkan).

Desert Tours

  • Dune bashing adventures.
  • Sandboarding experiences.
  • Camel rides and desert-like camps.
  • Quad biking thrills.

Water Fun

  • Kayaking in Khalid Lagoon.
  • Stand-up paddleboarding.
  • Jet skiing at designated areas.
  • Relaxing at free beaches.

Hiking Trails

  • Mleiha archaeological treks.
  • Wadi Al Helo mountain trails.
  • Explore fossil rock formations.
  • Scenic walks in nature parks.

Safety Information

Always use licensed tour operators for desert adventures and water sports. Follow all safety instructions supplied by guides and tour organizers. Be aware of local conditions.

Cultural Immersion

Sharjah's commitment to culture provides many avenues for deep immersion in Emirati traditions and arts.

Workshops & Performances

  • Workshops & Classes: Sharjah Art Foundation hosts art, photography, and artistic practice workshops.
  • Traditional Crafts: Occasional workshops in Heart of Sharjah for pottery, calligraphy, weaving.
  • Cultural Performances: Al Majaz Waterfront hosts events and fountain shows with traditional music.
  • Heritage Area: Observe traditional Emirati music, dance (Al Ayyala), and storytelling during festivals.

Community & Festivals

Community-Based Tourism

Sharjah Centre for Cultural Communication organizes programs, mosque visits, and traditional Emirati experiences.

Language Learning

Formal short-term Arabic language courses are limited. Cultural centers may offer introductory sessions.

Cultural Festivals

Sharjah Light Festival (Feb), Sharjah Heritage Days (Mar/Apr), Sharjah Biennial, Sharjah Children's Reading Festival.

Heritage Days

Try traditional crafts, food, music, plus live acts at Sharjah Heritage Days.

Light Festival

Witness spectacular light and projection mapping displays during the traditional annual Sharjah Light Festival.

Sharjah Biennial

A large international contemporary art exhibition, attracting artists and art enthusiasts globally every two years.

Relaxation & Wellness

Opportunities for relaxation and rejuvenation are numerous in Sharjah, from luxurious spas to peaceful beaches.

Spas & Beach Clubs

  • Spa & Wellness Centers: Many 4- and 5-star hotels offer excellent spa facilities with different kinds of treatments.
  • Hotel Spa Examples: Hilton Sharjah, Radisson Blu Resort Sharjah, Sheraton Sharjah Beach Resort & Spa, The Chedi Al Bait Sharjah.
  • Beach & Pool Clubs: Many beachfront hotels offer day passes for their pools and secluded beaches.
  • Municipal Beaches: Al Khan Beach and Sharjah Beach are suitable for swimming and relaxation.

Natural Therapy & Retreats

Hot Springs

No natural hot springs exist within Sharjah.

Yoga & Meditation Retreats

Some fitness centers and hotels offer yoga classes. Dedicated retreats are more prevalent in neighboring emirates like Dubai or Fujairah.

Traditional Healing

Traditional Islamic medicine practices are less visibly promoted to tourists yet still exist within the local community.

Entertainment & Nightlife

Live Music

Limited options. Some hotel restaurants or lounges may feature live Arabic or soft background music. Dedicated venues are rare.

Theater & Performance

Al Majaz Amphitheatre hosts major live music and shows. Sharjah Cultural Palace serves as a venue for cultural events.

Nightlife Scene

Sharjah is a dry emirate; alcohol sales are prohibited outside a few licensed hotel establishments. No public nightclubs or dancing venues. Nightlife focuses on family-friendly entertainment, cafes, and shisha lounges.

Shopping & Markets

Discover a blend of traditional souks and new shopping centers, offering everything from local crafts to luxury labels.

Traditional Markets & Crafts

  • Central Souk (Blue Souk): Famous for gold, jewelry, carpets, antiques, and textiles.
  • Souq Al Arsah: One of the oldest souks, offering traditional Emirati handicrafts, perfumes, spices, antiques.
  • Artisan Workshops: Scattered in Heart of Sharjah, demonstrating and selling pottery, weaving, calligraphy.
  • Ethical Shopping: Support local artisans directly in souks. Be mindful of endangered species products (rare in UAE).

Souvenir & Luxury Shopping

Souvenir Recommendations

Dates, Arabic coffee pots, pashminas, spices, camel milk soap/chocolates, handicrafts, traditional jewelry.

Luxury Shopping

Major malls (Sahara Centre, City Centre Sharjah, Mega Mall, Zero 6 Mall) offer international/regional luxury brands, fashion boutiques.

Shipping & Customs

Larger shops arrange international shipping. Be aware of home country customs regulations for gold, food, antiques.

Malls & Brands

Discover international and regional luxury brands at Sharjah's modern shopping malls.

Unique Souvenirs

Find distinctive gifts like dates, Arabic coffee pots, and handmade crafts to remember your trip.

Gold & Jewelry

The Central Souk is famous for its extensive collection of gold and jewelry, offering a dazzling array of choices.

Bargaining Practice

Bargaining is a common practice in traditional souks. It is a part of the shopping experience, especially for items like carpets, textiles, and antiques. Start negotiations respectfully.

Affiliate Experiences & Tours

Book your adventures and cultural experiences in Sharjah through trusted platforms.

Activity Booking

  • GetYourGuide: A leading platform for booking tours, activities, and experiences worldwide.
  • Advance booking secures your spot and saves time.
  • Read reviews to select experiences that match your interests.
  • Look for options that include transport for convenience.

Featured Experiences

Desert Safaris

Book exhilarating tours of the desert, including dune bashing, camel rides, and traditional camps.

City & Cultural Tours

Discover Sharjah's landmarks and cultural sites with knowledgeable guides.

Water Sports & Adventure

Find options for paddling a kayak, paddleboarding, and other water activities on the lagoons and coast.

Mleiha Exploration

  • Archaeological tours.
  • Desert conservation visits.
  • Fossil Rock excursions.
  • Stargazing experiences.

Art & Craft Workshops

  • Calligraphy sessions.
  • Traditional pottery classes.
  • Local weaving demonstrations.
  • Contemporary art programs.

Culinary Journeys

  • Emirati cooking classes.
  • Street food tasting tours.
  • Visits to local markets.
  • Special dining experiences.

Booking Tips

Flexibility Options
  • Look for free cancellation options for adaptable travel planning.
  • Use mobile passes where available for convenience.
  • 24/7 customer support often comes with online bookings.
Value & Reviews
  • Compare prices and inclusions to get the best deal.
  • Read traveler reviews to gain insights into specific tours and providers.
  • Keep an eye out for special offers or package deals.

Booking Confirmation

Always retain your booking confirmation, either printed or on your mobile device, for all pre-booked activities and tours.

Activity Planning Summary

Before You Go

  • Check event calendars for festivals (Light Festival, Heritage Days).
  • Research tour operators for desert safaris and specific excursions.
  • Pack appropriate clothing for outdoor activities and cultural sites.
  • Download offline maps or local transportation apps.

During Your Visit

  • Consider car rental for exploring beyond the city (Mleiha, Kalba).
  • Ask hotel concierge for local recommendations and current events.
  • Take photos respectfully, especially when shooting portraits of people.
  • Engage with locals to experience authentic Emirati hospitality.