By Mohammed Rashad Hussain, Managing PartnerPublished 3 min read
What are the top places to visit in Sharjah?
Sharjah is the neighbouring emirate to Dubai, usually 30 to 60 minutes away by car. It is known for museums and heritage more than malls.
| Place | What it is | Best at |
|---|---|---|
| Sharjah Museum of Islamic Civilisation | A museum with its own parking | Midday, or any time it is hot |
| Heart of Sharjah heritage area | Old quarter with museums and Souk Al Arsah | Late morning |
| Al Noor Mosque | Mosque on Khalid Lagoon | Daytime, outside prayer times |
| Al Noor Island | Island park on the lagoon | Afternoon |
| Al Majaz Waterfront | Promenade on the lagoon | Evening |
Our Sharjah city tour strings these together with a driver, and our Sharjah chauffeur service covers a custom route.
Museums: Islamic Civilisation and the Heritage Area
The Sharjah Museum of Islamic Civilisation opens Saturday to Thursday from 8:00 to 20:00, and on Friday from 16:00 to 20:00. It has free parking, a cafe and wheelchairs. It is free during Ramadan and on Museums International Day (18 May), UAE National Day (2 December) and Martyr’s Day (30 December), according to the Sharjah Museums Authority.
The Authority sells a Heritage joint ticket for five museums in the Heart of Sharjah, plus a joint ticket for Sharjah Aquarium and the Maritime Museum. Prices change, so check the official site.
Mosques and souks: Al Noor Mosque, the Blue Souk and Souk Al Arsah
Souk Al Arsah is in the Heart of Sharjah heritage area, beside the museums on the joint ticket. It makes sense to park once and walk between them.
Al Noor Mosque sits on Khalid Lagoon. Dress modestly and check visiting rules with the mosque before you go; we have not confirmed a public visitor programme. The Blue Souk is another market stop, best in the late afternoon when the heat drops.
Waterfronts and islands: Al Majaz, Al Qasba and Al Noor Island
These three are lagoon-side stops, so they combine well in one evening. Al Majaz Waterfront and Al Qasba suit a slow walk and dinner. Al Noor Island is a park on the lagoon, and suits families in the afternoon. Hours and entry for each are set by the operators, so check them for your date.
Out of town: Sharjah Safari, Mleiha and Khor Fakkan
Sharjah Safari, Mleiha and Khor Fakkan are further out and each is a trip of its own. We have not confirmed ticket prices or hours for Sharjah Safari. For the desert side, our Sharjah desert safari or the general Dubai desert safari are the closest options.
For other emirates, read places to visit in Fujairah and places to visit in Al Ain.
Sharjah’s rules for visitors: dress and alcohol
Cover shoulders and knees in public places, as you would at a mosque. Our Dubai dress code guide gives the baseline, and Sharjah is more conservative still. We do not state Sharjah’s alcohol rules here because we could not confirm them from an official source. Check the Sharjah government’s guidance, or ask us before you travel.
Beating the Dubai to Sharjah traffic
The trip takes 30 to 60 minutes, and traffic decides which. Go early for the museum, then have lunch in the heritage area while the roads are busy. Return after the evening peak. Our Dubai to Sharjah guide explains the roads and the timing in more detail.
For more full days away from the city, see our day trips from Dubai guide. Pickups in Dubai use Assure’s own cars, under our RTA licence.
Photos in this guide
Restored coral-stone buildings and a paved square in the Heart of Sharjah heritage districtWael Mohammed Al-Masri / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
The coral-stone walls and tower of Sharjah Fort (Al Hisn), with old cannons in the square in frontAlexandermcnabb / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
The striped sandstone facade and arched windows of the Sharjah Museum of Islamic CivilizationSaloni Sakhardande / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
