Things to do in Sharjah: Culture, coastlines and desert adventures

Sharjah is the UAE for travellers who like substance over spectacle. Compact enough to explore in a weekend yet complex enough to linger for a week, it’s a place that takes its role as guardian of Emirati culture seriously.

Al Noor Mosque is, without a doubt, one of the top places to visit in Sharjah and is the only mosque in the city open to non-Muslims. Located by the Khalid Lagoon at the Buhaira Corniche, the mosque soars over the city’s skyline with its Ottoman-inspired domes and pencil-slim minarets in ivory stone. Those curious about Islam can join a guided tour exploring the faith’s traditions and artistry. The tour includes a discussion about Islamic and Emirati history, culture and traditions, and you can also witness the spectacular interiors and beautifully carved patterns that make this mosque an architectural gem.

Located in the Arts District of Al-Shuwaihean, opposite the Emirates Fine Arts Society, Sharjah Arts Museum is the cultural heart of Sharjah. Over 500 artworks of various media can be found in the permanent collections and temporary exhibits. There are 72 large and spacious galleries spread over three floors, with a focus on works by artists who painted the Arab world. 

Art lovers can also participate in the museum’s regular programmes and workshops. In addition to the gallery, the Art Library houses over 4000 titles in Arabic, English and other languages as well as a wealth of visual and audio materials. If you are interested in Arab art, this is one of the Sharjah places to visit to add to your list.

Rain Room, a concept created by London-based art collective Random International, is an immersive installation that simulates continuous rainfall. Visitors are invited to pass through the downpour and experience the sensation of rain but without actually getting wet. This installation uses 2500 litres of recycled water and works with motion sensors that pause the rainfall upon movement and explores the relationship between man, nature and machines. Visit this intriguing exhibition while passing through the Al Majarra district.

Tucked into a restored pearl merchant’s 18th-century home, Sharjah Heritage Museum captures a Sharjah long before skyscrapers. Split across six galleries exploring ancient artefacts, culture and folklore, explore the broad range of objects on show and become transfixed listening to well-known Emirati folklore stories. Yet what is most interesting is discovering the ways in which Emiratis used to live in the past, a contrast to today’s glamorous lifestyle.

Curious to keep exploring Emirati culture and Sharjah attractions? Few places tell the story of the Arab world’s intellect and artistry quite like the Sharjah Museum of Islamic Civilisation. Beneath a golden mosaic dome on the Corniche, you’ll wander among ancient astrolabes, celestial maps and exquisite manuscripts, a reminder that the Islamic world once charted the stars and mapped the seas long before the modern age. It’s a place that reminds you how deeply curiosity runs through this region’s veins. A must for your Sharjah city tour itinerary. 

Away from its galleries and mosques, Sharjah slows into a city made for wandering. It’s a place of gentle rhythms: children playing by canals, families strolling beneath palm-lined promenades, and the scent of cardamom coffee curling through old alleyways. When you want a break from Sharjah sightseeing, head over to one of these places to enjoy life like a local. 

Al Qasba is one of Sharjah’s landmark destinations in the heart of the city, packed with cafes, restaurants and shops. The canal-side complex lies on the northern bank and is a favourite for tourists and residents alike. Families will love the musical fountain, kids’ fun zone, indoor play area and water karts, whilst art fanatics can explore the exhibitions at the Maraya Art Centre.

Those who are keen for a once-in-a-lifetime tour of the lagoons can enjoy a relaxing boat ride under the stars and soak up Sharjah’s lights and illuminated buildings. With panoramic views of the city’s walkways, bridges and skyscrapers, this Sharjah tour isn’t one to be missed.

Sitting on the northern shores of Khalid Lagoon lies Al Noor Island, a beautiful spot of paradise surrounded by blue waters, lush greenery and a stunning view of high-rise towers. Once you approach the island, you will cross a pedestrian bridge towards the island, where your eyes will immediately be captivated by the Butterfly House, where over 500 exotic butterflies are housed. You can also find beautiful artistic sculptures, green mazes, a literature pavilion, a children’s play area, plus a café. This hot spot is different to any other Sharjah places to hang out and is the perfect escape from the city bustle.

Sharjah's Central Market, more commonly known as the Blue Souk, is one of the most famous and impressive landmarks in Sharjah, located on the shores of the Khalid lagoon. The Blue Souk is every shopper’s paradise, with over 600 shops inside devoted to gold and jewellery, perfume, clothing, food, electronics, souvenirs and antiques. The huge mall is spread across six buildings and is one of the most photographed destinations in the city for its sheer beauty and exterior. The area is also home to plenty of cafes if you’re looking for a bit of downtime after your shopping spree.

Al Montazah’s Amusement and Water Park is the place to be in Sharjah if you’re looking to enjoy some quality fun in the sun. The park features wet and wild waterslides, winding lazy rivers, twisting tube rides, plus a wave pool that can accommodate over 200 visitors. There are pools to suit all ages, as well as a splash zone for the little ones. 

Alongside the water park lies the bustling amusement park, with bumper cars, go-karts, a mini train, picnic spots, restaurants and cafes offering endless entertainment. You can’t miss its star attraction, the 60-metre high Eye of the Emirates Ferris wheel, which offers mesmerising views over the city. Definitely one to add to your Sharjah city sightseeing list if you have kids.

Sunlight, salt air, and the sound of the sea, the Occidental Sharjah Grand Beach is one of the nicest places in Sharjah for a laid-back escape. Rent a kayak, paddleboard across calm turquoise water, or simply stretch out under an umbrella with a cool drink and watch the skyline shimmer in the distance. This idyllic, private stretch of sand allows hotel guests to walk straight from the grounds to the sea in minutes. Ideal for families with little ones who cannot decide between cooling off in the pool or on the beach. 

Spanning approximately 2,600 km², the Emirate of Sharjah boasts a captivating and diverse landscape, including plenty of green spaces. The undisputed star attraction, however, is the desert. Located right next to the capital, a trip there is simply a must during any holiday in Sharjah. 

Drive 45 minutes into the dunes and you’ll find Mleiha, where the desert reveals 130,000 years of human history. Fossilised seashells dot the sands, Bronze Age tombs hide in the hills of this archaeological site, and modern adventurers ride dune buggies beneath a vast open sky. As the sun melts into the horizon, stay for stargazing; one of the top Sharjah things to do for nature enthusiasts of all ages.

Just outside the city, the Wasit Wetland Centre offers an unexpected contrast to the usual places to see in Sharjah: glass-walled observatories looking out over lagoons where flamingos and herons gather. It’s peaceful, pristine and perfect for birdwatching at dawn or dusk.

Despite Sharjah's abundance of attractions, a holiday in the United Arab Emirates naturally entails seeing the famous sights of the "larger" emirates. And that's no problem at all. Dubai is only about half an hour from Sharjah, and Abu Dhabi is only slightly further at an hour and a half. Hotels offer shuttle services to these emirates. But if you're looking for something a bit more alternative, why not use your holiday in Sharjah to discover the other, lesser-known emirates: Umm al-Qaiwain, Ajman, Ras al Khaimah or Fujairah? All these emirates look as exotic as they sound and are relatively close to each other, perfect for adding to your weekend activities in Sharjah.