Sharjah – The Cultural Hub.

Sharjah is the biggest patron of art, culture and history including the richest in terms of heritage among the seven emirates of the UAE. In 1998, UNESCO awarded Sharjah the title of “Cultural Capital of the Arab World.” The emirate is dotted with museums, heritage centers, beautiful mosques and various art galleries. If you are someone who appreciates art, Sharjah is the place to be. 

Overlooking the Arabian Gulf, Sharjah harmonizes its best historical and Islamic influences. One can witness the best of Sharjah at these must-visit places.

Khalid Lagoon

The Khalid Lagoon is an artificially created water body that spans over 1,720,000 square hectares. The lagoon has led to the formation of a corniche that offers various family-friendly activities. A visit to Al Noor Island is one of the many things to look forward to at the Khalid Lagoon. 

Sharjah Art Museum

The museum is an absolute art haven. Art lovers with a genuine appreciation for different artistic techniques may consider a visit at the Sharjah Art Museum. With a mix of permanent and temporary works, the museum gives celebrated local and regional artists a chance to showcase their oeuvres as well as interact with those who connect with them. 

Sharjah Safari Park

The 8000-hectare Sharjah Safari is the world’s largest safari park outside Africa. It features fascinating and exotic species, such as giraffes, lions and even a rare black rhinoceros. Children as well as adults will love this place. 

Al Noor Mosque

You can spot beautiful mosques across the 7 emirates of the UAE, but Al Noor Mosque stands apart because of its traditional Ottoman-style architecture. Al Noor Mosque in Sharjah is also one of the four mosques offering mosque tours in the UAE. Aside from being a place of worship, the mosque serves as a destination for learning more about the fascinating Islamic culture and history.

Important Things to Know.

Since Sharjah is one of the most conservative emirates there are various norms that one should keep in mind.

1. Clothing.

Both men and women have strict dress codes, with a focus on modesty to respect in Sharjah if they don’t want to get fined. Women should not wear dresses, skirts or shorts that are above knee-level.

Skin tight or transparent clothing that describes the body should also be avoided. As for men, they must not wear clothing with rude slogans or designs.

2. Transportation

You can easily get around Sharjah using public buses, which will also get you to and from the Sharjah International airport. With bus routes and times published online, you will be able to easily plan your trip to move around. 

3. Beware of unauthorized taxis

Despite efforts to cease operations of taxis without a permit, these are still in existence in Sharjah. Beware of these unauthorized vehicles since they are unregulated by the law, there may be cases of theft and kidnapping. Its always better to stay on the safe side in an unknown city. 

4. Commute to Dubai

A lot of residents and expats prefer living in Sharjah and then commuting to Dubai since it is just fifteen-minutes away without any traffic. However, commuting to Dubai during peak hours might leave you stuck in traffic for hours. Consider this when planning to visit the neighboring Emirate.

5. No PDA 

Whether you are married or unmarried, public display of affection, such as kisses and hugs are strictly forbidden in Sharjah. Holding hands is however allowed, but only to married couples.