Sharjah Travel Guide

Sharjah, which is part of the Dubai-Sharjah-Acman Metropolitan Area, is one of the largest and most populous cities in the United Arab Emirates. Sharjah is also one of the 7 emirates together with Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Ajman, Fujairah, Umm Al Quwain and Ras Al Khaimah, which form the United Arab Emirates.

The city, which has been ruled by the Kasimi Dynasty since the 18th century, has an important place as a cultural and industrial center of UAE. The city contributes approximately 8% to the Gross National Product of the United Arab Emirates. In addition, Sharjah was selected as the Cultural Capital of the Arab World in 1998.

General Information

How to Get to Sharjah?

It is possible to take a journey from Istanbul to Sharjah by road or air. The distance between the two cities is 4170 km by road and 3018 km by air. There are direct flights from Sabiha Gokcen International Airport (SAW) to Sharjah International Airport (SHJ). You can travel from Istanbul to Sharjah with direct flights lasting 4 hours and 30 minutes. You can follow campaigns for Sharjah flights and travel between two cities at attractive prices.

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Transportation in Sharjah

There is an advanced infrastructure system in Sharjah. Air-conditioned buses that operate according to a certain schedule connect many areas within the emirate. Due to hot weather, tourists mostly prefer air-conditioned taxis. Taxis are both affordable and very practical. Since the places are close to each other, you can easily visit everywhere by taxi.

Transportation to Sharjah Airports

Located in the United Arab Emirates's Sharjah provincial borders, Sharjah Airport has an modern terminal serving international status. The distance between the city center and Sharjah International Airport is 12 km. You can go to the city center from the airport by buses. Buses 14, 15 and 99 take you to certain points in the city. You may also prefer rent a car, VIP service or taxi.

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Best Time to Visit Sharjah

The effects of the hot desert climate is surely felt in the city of Sharjah. The average annual temperature is 26°C. Rainfall occurs between November and May. Other months are usually dry and hot. The best time to visit the city is the winter months, when the weather is mild.

Sharjah Festivals

• February - Sharjah Light Festival
• March - Electric Run
• March and April - Al Qasba Food Festival
• November - Sharjah International Book Fair
• December - Water Festival

How Many Days are Enough To Visit?

Two days are enough to visit Sharjah, which is a modern UAE city. On the other hand, if you want to extend your holiday a little and be more involved in the cultural opportunities of the city, one week is enough.

Places to Visit in Sharjah

Sharjah, one of the cultural and industrial centers of the country, has made great progress since the 18th century. Cultural institutions were opened with the authority and will of the Sharjah Emir and rules were set for the protection of cultural heritage. Today the city, which is frequently preferred for touristic trips, has many historical and cultural sightseeing spots. Take a closer look at the 8 touristic areas of Sharjah.

Sharjah Art Museum

Sharjah Art Museum, which started to host its visitors in 1997, is considered as the most important modern art center of the city. The museum that has two separate exhibition halls (temporary and permanent) contains impressive works of Arab art. You can take a glance at contemporary collections in the museum, where the magnificent paintings of the most famous artists of the Middle East are exhibited. You can see the works of famous names such as Muhammed Yusuf, Abdul Qader Al Rais, Bashir Sinwar, Louay Kayali and Faiq Hassan.

Sharjah Fort

Built in 1820 by the ruler Sheikh Sultan bin Saqr Al Qasimi for defense purposes, Sharjah Fort draws attention with its unique architectural structure. The castle was demolished in the early 1970s and restored in accordance with the original one 20 years later. Sharjah Fort, which was also used as a punishment point for criminals caught in the city, is one of the popular sightseeing points of Sharjah today.

Classic Cars Museum

Taking the car enthusiasts on a nostalgic journey, the Classic Cars Museum is among the most visited locations in the city. The museum is home to more than 100 classic cars produced at the beginning of the 20th century. The Classic Cars Museum has a wide range of vehicles from retro to sports cars. There is also an archive of documents and photos where you can find detailed information about the automotive industry and its history in a hall of the museum.

Sharjah Science Museum

The Sharjah Science Museum, opened in 1996, shows the most entertaining state of science. The modern museum, located in the center of the city, hosts many scientific exercises. The museum, which children also like to visit, provides information on many topics such as thermal physics, physiology and natural laws. You can have fun with interactive applications and participate in static electricity shows.

King Faisal Mosque

King Faisal Mosque, built in 1987, is shown among the most magnificent buildings of the city. King Faisal Mosque, one of the largest mosques in the United Arab emirates, is also known as a symbol of Sharjah. The house of worship, with a capacity of 16 thousand people, fascinates eveyone who sees it. In addition to the stunning beauty of Islamic architecture, there is also an Islamic library with thousands of books in the mosque.

Sharjah Maritime Museum and Sharjah Aquarium

Sharjah Maritime Museum, which has been serving since 2003, reveals the city's relationship with the sea in a magnificent way. It is possible to see many artifacts related to maritime activity in the museum. Sharjah Aquarium, which has been open since 2008, covers an area of 6500 square meters and consists of 20 aquarium tanks, each containing 1.8 million liters of water. Sharjah Aquarium, where you can see cute sea creatures, is a pleasant excursion point that hosts more than 150 species.

Sharjah Islamic Museum

Sharjah Islamic Museum, which has been serving since 1996, is one of the most important sightseeing spots of the city. More than five million rare works representing the Islamic Civilization are exhibited in the museum. You will be amazed by the beauty of Islamic art.

Al Mamzar Beach Park

Al Mamzar Beach, which is one of the hidden paradises of Sharjah, is among the most peaceful places in the city. You can watch the most beautiful sunset of Sharjah at this point while having a pleasant walk in the soft sand of the beach. In addition, you may swim in the pool located in the park, have a picnic on the grass or spend your time with fun water sports.

What to Eat in Sharjah?

Enriched by the influence of the tribal culture, UAE cuisine is home to very delicious dishes. Traditionally, the kitchen is determined by the seasons. In winter months, plenty of rice, vegetables and wheat are consumed. In the hot summer months, camels, goats, lamb and fresh fish are preferred. The basis of most local dishes is all types of meat except pork. Smoked or dried meat dishes are also eaten as a snack. In addition, appetizers prepared with chickpeas, rice, tomato paste and different spices are also served with meals.

Sharjah Cuisine

Do not return without tasting these flavors in Sharjah;

• Shawarma
• Assida
• Tabbouleh
• Harees
• Maqluba
• Al Jabbab Bread
• Humus

Sharjah Restaurants

• Crisol Restaurant
• Gazebo Restaurant
• Sanobar Restaurant
• Arjwan Restaurant
• Bait Al Mandi Restaurant

Shopping in Sharjah: Best Souvenirs to Buy

You can shop in the traditional bazaars, markets and modern shopping malls in Sharjah. The absence of taxes in the country can be useful for electronic goods shopping. You may choose electronic products that are easy to carry such as a tablet, laptop and game console. Spices, gold and silver arches, jewellery, dates, carpets, perfumes and textile products are among the main souvenirs that you can buy from Sharjah.

Nightlife in Sharjah

There is not a vivid nightlife in the city. Sharjah is one of the cities where the sale and use of alcohol is prohibited. However, there is alcohol sale in big city hotels and holiday complexes. The cosmopolitan city of Sharjah offers different alternatives to tourists from all over the world. Parks, restaurants, cafes and beaches are active until late at night.

Things to Know Before Visiting Sharjah

• Although it is not an official ban, men should not prefer short sleeve T-shirts and knee shorts, and women should not prefer low-cut clothes.
• Communication applications such as Whatsapp, Skype and FaceTime are closed to video and voice calls throughout the UAE. Note that you can only send text messages.
• Never take photos of women and children, on the beach and in government buildings.

What are the emergency numbers in Sharjah?

Police: 999

Ambulance: 998

Fire station: 997