Explore Sharjah: 10 must-visit spots for nature, culture and adventure

Have you been to Sharjah? The emirate offers plenty—from rich heritage and cultural landmarks to sweeping desert landscapes. In addition to these, there are exciting new attractions that continue to captivate visitors.

Here’s a look at 10 places to see in Sharjah.

1. Kalba Mangrove

The Khor Kalba Mangrove Centre is home to the oldest mangrove forest in the UAE. It also shelters over 100 species of fish and 90 types of crustaceans, including crabs and green turtles. Located on the east coast of Sharjah, this ecotourism site is also a sanctuary for some of the UAE’s rarest birds.

How to get there: A 90-minute drive from Sharjah city centre.

Tickets: Dh15 for adults. Free for children under 12.

Timings: Sunday to Thursday, 9am–6:30pm; Saturday, 11am–6:30pm; Closed on Mondays.

2. Khor Fakkan Waterfalls

Set against the Hajar Mountains, the man-made Khor Fakkan Waterfalls cascade from a height of 45 metres. At night, the spot — next to the Khor Fakkan Amphitheatre — is beautifully illuminated and offers a stunning view.

How to get there: A 160km (approx. 98-minute) drive from Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai. Public transport to Fujairah, then a taxi to the site.

Tickets: Free entry

Timings: Open 24 hours

3. Hanging Gardens of Kalba

Covering 1.6 million sq. ft., the Hanging Gardens features more than 100,000 trees, flower beds, an artificial waterfall, and a small lake. It's perfect for family visits with attractions for children and several dining options.

How to get there: 153km (approx. 103-minute) drive via Sharjah-Kalba Road (E102)

Tickets: Free entry

Timings: Open 24 hours

4. Wasit Wetlands

Located in the Ramtha area, the 86-hectare Wasit Wetland Centre is a nature reserve featuring over 350 species of resident and migratory birds. The area includes dunes, mudflats, saltwater lagoons, and freshwater pools — home to rare insects, mammals, and reptiles.

How to get there: Accessible by car or taxi. Public buses are also available to nearby areas.

Tickets: Dh15 for adults. Free for children under 12.

Timings: Sunday, Monday, Wednesday & Thursday: 9am–6:30pm; Friday: 2pm–6pm; Saturday: 11am–6:30pm; Closed on Tuesdays.

5. Al Noor Island

Located in Khalid Lagoon, Al Noor Island features landscaped gardens, public art, sculptures, a butterfly house, a literature pavilion, and a children’s play area — offering a peaceful and enriching experience for all ages.

How to get there: About an hour’s drive via E11

Tickets: Dh35 for adults, Dh20 for children under 12

Timings: Daily, 9am–11pm

6. Sharjah Safari

Spanning 8 sq. km., Sharjah Safari is the largest safari outside Africa. It hosts over 120 species, including lions, crocodiles, and gazelles, across 12 themed environments and features 100,000 African trees.

How to get there: Approx. 1 hour 5 minutes via Emirates Road (E611) and Khor Fakkan Road (S142)

Tickets: Gold: Adults Dh275, Children Dh120; Silver: Adults Dh140, Children Dh50; Bronze: Adults Dh40, Children Dh15

Timings: Monday to Saturday: 8:30am–6:30pm; Sunday: 6:30am–6:30pm

7. Al Rafisah Dam

Located on Wadi Shie in the Hajar Mountains near Khor Fakkan, Al Rafisah Dam is a serene destination for kayaking, hiking, and birdwatching. It also features a restaurant and children's play area.

How to get there: Approx. 1 hour 24 minutes via Sharjah-Khor Fakkan Highway (S142)

Tickets: Free entry

Timings: Open daily

8. Rain Room

An immersive art installation where you can walk through rain without getting wet — thanks to motion sensors that pause the rainfall above you. The Rain Room offers a unique blend of art and sensory experience.

How to get there: A little over an hour’s drive via E11 from Sheikh Zayed Road

Tickets: Adults Dh25, Teachers Dh15, Students Dh15. Free for children under 5 and visitors with disabilities (with one companion).

Timings: Saturday–Thursday: 9am–9pm; Friday: 4pm–10pm

9. Mleiha Archaeological Centre

Located within the Paleolandscape of Faya (a UNESCO World Heritage Site), Mleiha Archaeological Centre showcases ancient human history through artifacts from the Paleolithic to modern times. Activities include desert tours, off-roading, and camping.

How to get there: A drive of 1 hour 4 minutes (107.5 km) via E611 and E102

Tickets: Adults Dh25, Children under 10 Dh15

Timings: Saturday–Wednesday: 9am–7pm; Thursday & Friday: 9am–9pm

10. Heart of Sharjah

This heritage district preserves and recreates Sharjah’s historic past through restored buildings, traditional Arabian architecture, and cultural museums. Key sites include the Sharjah Heritage Museum, Hisn Fort, Bait Al Naboodah, and Souq Al Arsah.

How to get there: Approx. 37 minutes from Dubai via Sheikh Zayed Road

Tickets: Entry fees vary by venue