In this article, I present Sharjahan emirate whose city of the same name is considered the cultural capital of the Arab world.
Here you'll find
- A presentation of the Emirate of Sharjah
- What to see and do in Sharjah
- How to get there from Dubai
- Practical information for visiting the area
- And much more!
If you're looking for information about Sharjah, you'll love this article.
Follow the guide!
Sharjah: article summary
Charjah, the cultural capital of the Arab world
Sharjah - which can also be written as Charjah in French - is the 3rde emirate of the United Arab Emirates, after Dubai and Abu Dhabi and just ahead of Al Ain.
Its main city is Sharjah and is only 37 kilometers from DubaiThis makes it a popular attraction for travellers passing through Dubai. It is the only emirate to share a common border with all the others, due to its particular geographical layout.
This is a hereditary absolute monarchyThe current ruler is Sultan bin Mohammed al-Qasimi (since 1972), and the emirate applies sharia law, with strict control of alcohol consumptionwhich makes the destination attractive to Muslim tourists.
And, as we shall see later, it has a lot to offer. many points of interest to seduce travelers in search of culture and a change of scenery!
A little history of Sharjah
The city of Sharjah has been inhabited for more than 5,000 years and was one of the richest cities in the area, thanks to its presence on the coast. the road to India.
It joined the United Arab Emirates in 1971 and remains an important economic hub in the area, trading in particular gas and oil. However, it is losing out to the expansion and modernization of its neighbors Dubai and Abu Dhabi, which are both involved in colossal projects.
It is nonetheless a pleasant town to visit for a day, with vestiges of its glorious past and an atmosphere all its own.
Information and facts about Sharjah
- This is the 3e the emirates' largest city, with around 2 million inhabitants
- The emirate covers more than 235 km2
- In 1998, she was designated cultural capital of the arab world by Unesco
- In 2014, she was elected capital of Islamic culture by Unesco
- She was elected World Book Capital by Unesco in 2019
- Its name could come from sharqEast in Arabic, due to its position to the east of Dubai and Abu Dhabi
- The Al Qasimi dynasty rules the emirate since the 18the century
What can you see and do in Sharjah?
From Dubai, you can easily take part in exciting excursions such as a Desert safari or a Animal safariA visit to Sharjah can also be a great way to discover another facet of the region.
Here are some of the best things to see or do in Sharjah!
Sharjah's historic district
Sharjah's historic district, also known as the Heritage AreaThe emirate has several museums to visit to learn more about local culture and the emirate's past glory days, as well as several points of interest.
It features the Heritage Museumwhich will delight history buffs and Calligraphy Museum and its wonderful Arabic engravings. You will also find the souk Al Arsahone of the city's oldest, and the impressive Al-Hisn Fort in Sharjah which was erected to protect the city from invaders. It now houses a small museum.
Al Qasba
Al Qasba is a very pleasant neighborhood for a family stroll, modern and home to numerous cafés and restaurants. All things considered, it's akin to the Dubai Marinaonly less excessive. At dusk, the area is charming!
The Central Souk or Blue Souk
This famous traditional market is similar to Dubai Gold SoukYou'll find jewels and precious stones everywhere. Fabrics, traditional garments and carpets are also on display, in a fairly tranquil setting.
The a covered soukThe building, which is quite close to a shopping mall, is sure to appeal to shoppers. At night, when the building is lit up, it's particularly beautiful!
Sharjah Art Museum
This art museum is an excellent opportunity to discover regional artists and works far removed from those seen in European museums in general. There are temporary exhibitions by artists from all over the world, but it's the permanent collection of artists from the second half of the 20th century that really stands out.e century that's well worth the detour.
Admission is free and you can expect to spend around 2 hours on the tour.
The Museum of Islamic Civilization
If you can only do one museum in Sharjah, this is the one I recommend. The Museum of Islamic Civilizationopened in 2008, houses over 5,000 objects from Islamic culture, including coins, sculptures, ceramics, calligraphy and metal objects.
The models allow you to travel back in time and learn a lot. Adult tickets cost only 3 eurosSo don't deprive yourself if you're visiting Sharjah.
The Al Noor mosque in Sharjah
There are more 600 mosques in Sharjah, but this one, open to the public, is one of the most impressive, with an Ottoman architectural system.
It is located on the Corniche, an area close to the city center, and offers a breathtaking view of the nearby lagoon.
The Corniche seafront promenade
The corniche is the district that extends along the seanext to the Heritage Area. Here, you can see the ruler's palace (or rather, the walls of its enclosure) and enjoy a particularly pleasant stroll along the water's edge.
You can swim to the east of Khaleed lagoonbut beware of the outfit you're wearingbecause bikinis are strictly forbidden!
Al Montazah Park
If you're looking for entertainment while you're in Sharjah, check out the Al Montazah water park. Slides, pools and other activities will keep you cool, and there are fewer overall than in the Dubai's water parks.
If you're with the family, this is a great option!
How do I get to Sharjah from Dubai easily?
Sharjah is only 37 kilometers from Dubai, and you'll need to factor in about 30 minutes by car from Dubai.
It is also possible to :
- take a bus in Dubai via intercity lines: 306, 307 or 311. Allow around one hour's travel / AED 18 (approx. €5) per ticket
- make the journey by Taxiin about 30 minutes, which can cost you about 80 euros.
Sharjah: practical tips and information
Here's what you need to know to enjoy your visit to Sarjah.
When to visit Sharjah?
Better to go to Sharjah in winterIn summer, the city can be very hot. In winter, you'll find milder temperatures, between 18 and 30° during the day.
In summer, it can be over 40° Cwith extremely high humidity levels, making the visit less pleasant.
Good to know If you're wondering when to go to Dubai, check out my article on the best time of year to visit. best times to visit.
How long does it take to visit Sharjah?
There's plenty to do in Sharjah and I think than a day will allow you to see the essentials. Of course, there's no reason why you can't spend the night, especially as hotels are still fairly inexpensive.
Why visit Sharjah?
Simply because Sharjah doesn't have nothing to do with Dubai. It's another world, another culture, and a trip to this emirate will give you a more fleshed-out view of life in the United Arab Emirates.
What to see and do in the area?
In addition to the points of interest close to the city center, you'll find plenty of places to visit in the surrounding area. Here are my suggestions:
- Visit desert parkcovering more than 630,000 m2. An ideal place for families to discover its botanical garden, farm and rare animals!
- Khor Fakkana heavenly seaside resort about 130 km east of Sharjah
- Al Noor Islanda beautiful island 17 km from Sharjah. It boasts a garden full of butterflies, and numerous facilities for a relaxing stroll.
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