There are many places to see and things to do in Sharjah. These include the Blue Souq and the Iranian Market where you can shop for a variety of items.
The Khalid Lagoon promenade is another must-see attraction in the city and offers spectacular views of the modern skyline of Sharjah. It is also home to a number of recreational activities including the coloured fountains and boat rides across the lagoon.
Al Qurm Nature Reserve
The emirate's Al Qurm Nature Reserve, famed for its rich biodiverse ecosystem of mangrove forests, offers visitors the chance to experience nature at its most wild. Its pristine beaches and mangrove forests are home to endangered species of birds, mammals, reptiles and fish, such as Arabian collared kingfishers and hawksbill and green turtles.
Guests can also learn about the conservation efforts in place, including sea turtle tagging, in partnership with the Environment and Protected Areas Authority (EPAA). A programme combining traditional and novel approaches is being put in place to study and track marine turtles in the Al Qurm protected area in order to help improve their population and habitat health.
Another interesting spot in Sharjah is the Kalba Ice Factory, an abandoned industrial ruin. The building, repurposed by Lima-based 51-1 Arquitectos for exhibition purposes, was once a fish feed mill and ice storage facility.
Al Noor Mosque
Al Noor Mosque is one of the most iconic mosques in Sharjah, standing majestically alongside the Khalid Lagoon on Buhaira Corniche. Its striking architectural design was inspired by the famous Sultan Ahmed Mosque in Istanbul (also known as the Blue Mosque).
Non-Muslim visitors can enjoy a free guided tour around the mosque, operated by the non-profit Sharjah Centre for Cultural Communication. The 45-minute session informs tourists about Islamic and Emirati culture and traditions.
The mosque is a must-visit for anyone who’s ever wanted to see the iconic domes and minarets of a mosque in person. The exterior of the mosque is decorated with 34 cascading domes and 2 elegant minarets.
A tropical oasis in the heart of Sharjah, Al Noor Island is home to some of the city’s most visually stunning art installations, ranging from gleaming meadows and a Torus installation to the mesmerising OVO installation (see below). This breezy escape also offers many activities for the whole family, including an indoor butterfly house, nature walk and a restaurant.
Sharjah Archaeological Museum
The Sharjah Archaeological Museum is one of the most advanced heritage museums in the UAE. It contains artifacts discovered from archaeological sites in Sharjah and its surrounding areas.
The museum features a variety of exhibits and displays that teach visitors about the region’s rich archaeological history. The museum also offers a number of hands-on activities, such as archaeological excavation simulations and artifact restoration.
Located in the center of Sharjah, the museum is home to various artifacts from the Stone Age, Bronze Age, and Iron Age. These artefacts showcase the lives of people in Sharjah during each of these eras.
The museum is divided into three sections. The first is dedicated to the Stone Age; the second to the Bronze Age; and the third to the Iron Age. It features a collection of artifacts from each of these eras, including pottery, jewellery, weapons, and more.
Al Montazah Amusement and Water Park
Al Montazah Park is a popular attraction in Sharjah and offers a variety of fun attractions. It features two parks within its walls – Pearls Kingdom and Island of Legends – that are both designed to transport visitors into magical worlds.
- At Pearls Kingdom, guests can get swept away into a magical wonderland filled with raging pirates, sunken treasures, magic carpets, massive palaces and more. In addition, the park features several water slides and splash pads.
- It also has an outdoor amphitheater, a boating lake and picnic areas. Its many attractions make it a great place to spend a day with family and friends.
- Its Island of Legends theme is based on a time-traveling tale, which means that you can experience thrill rides and countless magical experiences. Some of the popular rides include the Loch Ness Spin Boat, Dragon Discovery, Volcano Tower, and Viking Journey.
