Sharjah is the third largest emirate in the UAE and is often overshadowed by the glittery life of Dubai or Abu Dhabi. However, Sharjah holds significance in the UAE as being central to the Islamic culture in UAE. The emirate is filled with natural beauty, history, culture, tradition, and modern charm. There are a large number of tourist attractions in Sharjah that appeal to the presence of visitors. From exploring Sharjah’s waterfront to the museums, archaeological sites, and shopping malls, there is everything that makes a trip worthwhile. So, get to know about the top tourist attractions in Sharjah that should be on your wishlist when you visit Sharjah.
Top Tourist Attractions in Sharjah
Sharjah is not confined to just cultural and heritage museums. This place has a lot to offer like:
- Sharjah Desert Park
- Sharjah Aquarium
- Sharjah Maritime Museum
- Sharjah Museum of Islamic Civilization
- Al Majaz Waterfront
- Al Qasba
- Al Noor Mosque
- Al Montazah Island
- Al Noor Island
- Sharjah Science Museum
- Sharjah Discovery Center
- Khor Fakkan
- Mleiha Archaeological Site
- Sharjah Rain Room
- Blue Souk
Sharjah desert Park
Sharjah Desert Park is a popular tourist attraction in Sharjah, especially if you have kids with you. This park has a lot of activities to keep you engaged for the whole day. Sharjah Desert Park is a perfect spot for those who wish to watch the conservation of wildlife and nature species. Sharjah Natural History Museum and Sharjah Botanical Museum are open for the edutainment of kids and nature lovers. They showcase the geological habitat of different preserved species.
Then you can move to Arabian Wildlife Center where you can encounter diverse and rare living species in Arabian deserts. Some of the world’s rarest species are honey badger, Houbaara bustards, Arabian cobra, Puffer Snake, Arabian leopard, and Hamadryas baboons, among others. You can get to know about these animals through audio and video recordings. Moreover, the kid can have friendly interactions with the animals like sheep, cows, horses, and camels by feeding and petting them. At the end of the day, when you feel hungry, you can stop by the cafeteria to grab a snack or drink.
Address: 7MHW+WCJ – Sharjah – United Arab Emirates
Ticket Price: for adults: AED 15, for kids over 12: AED 5, and for kids below the age of 12: Entry is free.
Timings: 11:00 AM- 7:30 PM
Sharjah Aquarium
Sharjah Aquarium is a piece of art that is one of the best underwater aquariums in the world. It was opened in 2008 consisting of two floors and 21 aquariums. There is a large number of maritime species in the aquarium that you can not even name. Here you can learn about diverse sea creatures and get information about them. The creatures range from docile reef sharks, moray eels, seahorses, clown fish and other 150 species of maritime beings.
Address: Al Meena St, Al Khan Old area, adjacent to Sharjah Maritime Museum – Sharjah – United Arab Emirate
Timings: Saturday to Thursday, 08:00 am to 8:00 pm | Friday: 04:00 pm to 08:00 pm
Entrance fee for individuals: Children aged between 2 and 12: AED 15 | Adults (age 13 and above): AED 25
Entrance fee for groups: children’s group: AED 10 per child | Adults’ group: AED 15 per person | Private school trips: AED 5 per person
Sharjah Maritime Museum
If your life on land bores you, you can move to Sharjah Maritime Museum to indulge yourself in life underwater. Sharjah is rich in cultural as well as maritime history and heritage. This museum is filled with maritime artefacts and galleries that contain traditional wooden seafaring dhows. Moreover, there are a lot of other facilities like conference rooms, a library, a restroom for men and women, wheelchair access, an ATM, a Prayer room, a Sammach restaurant for fresh seafood, a parking area, elevators and a lot more.
Address: Al Khan – Sharjah – United Arab Emirates
Timings: 08:00 am – 08:00 pm, Friday: 02:00 pm – 08:00 pm
Entry Ticket:Â Same as Sharjah Aquarium.
Sharjah Museum of Islamic Civilization
Islamic scholars and scientists have never been behind anyone to explore, discover and contribute to world civilization. This is among the popular tourist attractions in Sharjah for people who want to learn about Islamic history. There are thematic galleries, Islamic artefacts, rare Quran manuscripts, photographs, archaeological pieces, and Islamic artworks. Some prominent Islamic artefacts in the Sharjah Museum of Islamic Civilization are Islamic coins, embroidered replicas of Kiswah, astrolabes, incense burners, a Mosaic dome and more. Here everyone can learn a lot about the rich history of Islam and civilization that accounts for the genius of Islamic minds.
Address: Al Sharq – Al Mujarrah – Sharjah – United Arab Emirates
Timings: Sat-Thurs: 08:00 am – 08:00 pm, Friday: 04:00 pm – 08:00 pm
Entry Fee for children from age 2 to 12: AED 5
Entry fee for kids of 13 or above AED 10
Free entry for children below 2 years, people of determination, government schools and private school trips.
Al Majaz Waterfront
Al Majaz waterfront offers the best recreational time to visitors with the breathtaking landscapes, It houses an amazing dancing fountain that gives a show every night with colourful and uniquely designed fountains and music. Al Majaz waterfront area has numerous restaurants serving a variety of cuisines to meet everyone’s taste. Moreover, there is a large jogging track made of 6000 recycled tyres, Al Taqwa Mosque, a mini golf club, a fun family train and much more kids and adults.
Timings
- For Mini Golf Club: 9 AM – 12 AM
- For Splash Park: 10 AM – 6 PM from Saturday – Wednesday & 9 AM – 12 AM on Thursdays & Fridays
- For Musical Fountain: 6. 30 PM – 11.30 PM
Entry: Free, AED. 25 for Adults & AED. 15 for Children for Mini-Golf Course, AED. 30 per Child for Splash Park
