Visit Sharjah while you travel to the UAE for Expo 2020 Dubai

Dubai: The land that is hosting Expo 2020 has over 125,000 years of history. What if we told you the event is but only a glimpse of the UAE’s rich cultural heritage? Sharjah should be the first place to dip your toes into, if cultural immersion is at the top of your Expo bucket list.

The third largest emirate is where you will discover what makes this city the UNESCO Cultural Capital of the Arab World and a popular destination for family and friend trips.

The emirate is made up of three regions: Sharjah City, the Central Region and the East Coast. It extends from the city coastline along the Arabian Gulf to the midlands, all the way to the rocky exclaves dappled along the coastline of the Gulf of Oman.

If you’re feeling like having a barbeque night in the cool desert or want to know what the pre-Islamic civilisation looked like in the Bronze Age, Sharjah brings all of that to the table, with a side of extreme sports.

The emirate offers several cultural experiences – it is a treasure trove of souqs, archaeological sites, museums, art galleries and mosques. But because the territory is inclusive of mountain ranges and vast stretches of desert, the thrill-seeking visitor can go for trekking, hiking and even dune bashing.

So don’t lock down on that Expo itinerary yet – check out the wide range of family-friendly activities and sights Sharjah has to offer.

You can get to Sharjah by either a private or rental car or the public bus.

If you prefer to catch a ride instead, you have the option of e-hailing an Uber or Careem.

The city falls along the coastline where urban day life and nightlife options range from bustling leisure spots by the lagoon to beaches and contemporary art exhibitions.

If you’re taking Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Road (E311):

Alternatively, if you’re taking Sheikh Zayed Road (E11):

Or, if you’re taking Al Khail Road (E44):

Travel time: Approximately one hour, but can be longer during peak traffic hours.

Sharjah’s rocky midlands are ideal for exploring the emirate’s ancient archaeological sites, farming towns and desert sand dunes – all sequestered 60 kilometres away from the capital.

If you’re taking Emirates Road (E611):

If you’re on Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Road (E311):

Travel time: Approximately 1 hour 20 minutes.

Hugging the Gulf of Oman, the tourist-favourite exclaves of Sharjah pack a punch for the adventurous and daring – a two-hour road trip from Expo.

Your exact route will depend on which seaside town you wish to visit.

- Heading to Khorfakkan or Nahwa Enclave

Travel time: 1 hour 40 minutes, but can be longer during peak traffic hours.

- Heading to Kalba

Travel time: 1 hour 40 minutes, but can be longer during peak traffic hours.

- Heading to Dibba Al Hisn

Travel time: 2 hours, but can be longer during peak traffic hours.

Falling along the coastline of Sharjah’s Buhaira Corniche is a district of vibrant lights and activities, featuring eateries of various cuisines along bricked paths and a soft jogging track intended for comfortable ambling.

Location of Al Majaz Waterfront:

Khalid Lagoon: This lively hub faces a lagoon, connected to the Arabian Gulf. Here, at the Sharjah Fountain, visitors can enjoy an audio-visual fiesta of water jetting as high as 100 metres in harmony with lasers and music.

Catch the spectacular fountain shows in the evening at these intervals:

Traditional abra boat ride: Since the lagoon faces West, the boat ride makes for a magical experience during sundown in the late afternoon. It offers a panoramic view of Sharjah’s skyscrapers rising against the horizon, while the calm waters lull the boat gently along the corniche.

Ticket prices for a private boat ride with maximum 10 persons:

Winter timings are as follows:

Summer timings are as follows:

Indoor and outdoor play areas for children: If at any point you require your children to be enrolled into a safe facility, Al Majaz Waterfront has an indoor and outdoor play areas for your kids.

1. Play Area: suitable for children aged two to 12, this playground comes with basic amenities such as swings, slides and rope climbing, all accessible for people of determination.

Ticket for each child is priced at Dh25.

Winter timings are as follows:

Summer timings are as follows:

2. Mini Splash Park: a wheelchair-friendly outdoor waterpark designed for children aged one to 12 with colourful installations of aquatic creatures.

Ticket for each child is priced at Dh50 for the entire day.

During winter, the timings are from 10am to 6pm.

During summer, the timings are as follows:

3. Alwan – Kids’ Activities Centre: this indoor facility for children has six sections dedicated to different needs such as hair salon, arts and crafts, reading and computer rooms, a special events hall, all headed by a team of professionals.

Entry fee for each child is Dh42 for the first hour with a fee of Dh21 for each additional hour. The centre also applies an hourly rate of Dh85 in case of no guardians for children under four-years-old.

Timings for the centre are as follows:

Wrap up your day by dining at one of the many restaurants at Al Majaz Waterfront, bringing the delectable selection of global cuisine to your taste buds. You will find Emirati, Mexican, Indian, Lebanese cuisines and much more with approximate cost for two people ranging from Dh105 to Dh265.

Prep for an elegant night out to Sharjah’s very own performing arts venue. At the heart of Al Majaz Island, theatre enthusiasts will gawk at the majestic Roman-inspired amphitheatre – an open-air semicircular edifice with a seating capacity of 4,500 spectators.

In this authentic theatre setting, stellar talents from the Arab world and the international scene often grace the stage to mark important occasions.

Location of Al Majaz Amphitheatre:

Al Majaz Marina: the islet is bordered by a winding brick path overlooking Khalid Lagoon, making it ideal for an evening walk.

Gallery X: another exhibition is just within a short walk of the amphitheatre, showcasing exceptional photography by award-winning professionals and emerging talents on a monthly basis. The exhibit is hosted by Sharjah’s local non-profit platform for the International Photography Festival called Xposure.

Floating right across from the locale’s amphitheatre is an evergreen islet that houses a Butterfly Park and six mind-bending art installations among many attractions. Resembling a treasure hunt map, the island surprises children at every corner with either a cactus garden or a space telescope for stargazing.

Location of Al Noor Island:

Butterfly House: walk into this fluttering conservatory of butterflies and discover 20 exotic species native to countries such as India, South East Asia and Australia. Besides a treat for the eyes, the House offers educational guided tours for families.

Mark the end of your Butterfly House tour with a filling meal at the island's cafe, with your menu options ranging from breakfast and lunch to dinner.

Literature Pavilion: a quiet cocoon for the bookish visitor to wind down by the fountains. Enclosed by white flowy curtains surrounded by nature, the pavilion offers a break from reality in a magical setting.

Playground: the island’s play area blends in with the nature providing children with a series of authentic physical activities to engage in.

Lighting: When the sun sets, don’t leave just yet because the island is about to come to life with hundreds of LED lights that range from warm glows to bright neons, from purples to greens, adding a fantastical dimension to the experience.

Another leisure district in Sharjah marks the canal between Khalid Lagoon and Al Khan Lagoon, with special emphasis on the city’s local art scene.

Location of Al Qasba:

Maraya Art Centre: a public exhibition centre that champions emerging Arab artists and their contemporary works in its art gallery. Visitors can stroll in and out of the gallery space, situated on the third floor, without any incurred fee.

Rest your tired feet and soak under the colourful canal lights, as you dig into a variety of international dishes from French and Mediterranean cuisines to Japanese and Italian restaurants. The approximate bill for two people can range from Dh120 to Dh260.

Can you identify over 100 fish species? Take a look through glass tanks as you count the different kinds of local fish, then take a step back and witness history as it takes place across the Sharjah coast and ports. The aquarium also has a turtle rehabilitation programme.

Location of Sharjah Aquarium:

Resting on the Majarrah Waterfront, the museum showcases Islamic artefacts from 7 AD to 20 AD. Learn about the discoveries, innovations and inventions of Muslim academics over this eventful time period.

Location of Sharjah Museum of Islamic Civilisation:

Who needs time travel when a stroll through the Heart of Sharjah might just be that experience? Consisting of a multitude of old neighbourhoods frozen in time, their silent presence serves a stark contrast between the traditional and modern.

Location of Heart of Sharjah:

The Heart of Sharjah is set to be completed by 2025. You can find the following sites on your stroll:

1. Sharjah Hisn Museum

Originally known as the Sharjah Fort, or ‘Al-Hisn,’ it was first built in 1823, and served as the government headquarters and residence of the ruling Al Qasimi family. The fort was built for defensive purposes using coral stones gathered from the depths of the Arabian Gulf.

2. Sharjah Heritage Museum

This museum is found inside Bait Saeed Al Taweel ‘The House of the Tall Saeed,’ which was constructed in 1795 for Saeed bin Mohammad Al Shamsi, a pearl merchant renowned for his height. Step inside this ancient home to learn about Emirati customs, traditions and folktales.

3. Sharjah Calligraphy Museum

Admire the evolution of Arabic calligraphy, as you enter a world lined with local and international works. The museum frequently hosts exhibitions as well, for the sake of preserving the cultural heritage of the UAE.

4. Sharjah Art Museum

The museum hosts Arab masterpieces, celebrating the thriving art culture in the region. The Art Library meanwhile boasts a collection of 4,000 books in Arabic and English.

5. Bait Al Naboodah

The ‘House of Al Naboodah’ was built in 1845 for Obaid Bin Eissa Bin Ali Al Shamsi, otherwise known as Al Naboodah. He was a pearl merchant with commercial ties in France, India, and all across Africa. The house serves as a model of Sharjah architecture from around the time. It also presents a symbol of how the pearl trading business influenced building designs.

8. Souq Al Arsah

The oldest marketplace in the UAE, the Souq Al Arsah served as a meeting place. Beneath the hanging lanterns that adorn coral brick walls, are cosy shops that sell antique handicrafts, wooden trinkets, Arabic bridal and pearl chests, copper coffee pots, handmade jewellery, clothes and baskets, perfume and incense, carpets and shawls. In the corner, lies a traditional sweet shop, as well as a café serving Arabic coffee and black tea.

9. Souq Al Shanasiyah

An excavation between Al Hisn Fort and the Corniche resulted in the discovery of the remnants of an old souq that connected two others across the Al Mreijeh and Al Shuwaiheen areas in Sharjah. As a result, it was reconstructed and its original name returned – named after merchant visitors from the state of Shanas.

Take your time during your endeavour across the souq, and sip on specialty coffee or perhaps even opt for a classic Emirati meal.

10. Old Souq

As is the signature of an Arabian souq, the strong fragrance of incense and oud fills the air, drawing you in before you can even cross the intricate alleyways. You may also cross the Al Daleel Mosque, which is the oldest mosque in the emirate. The Art Museum presents artwork from the collection of His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammad Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah.

Also known as the Central Souq, it is located on the brink of Khalid Lagoon. It is a symbol for traditional marketplaces but on a more tremendous scale, and consists of over 600 shops. It is mostly known for selling gold jewellery and traditional clothes.

Location of Blue Souq:

Aimed towards children between three and 12, the Sharjah Discovery Centre is the catalyst for exploring and understanding the science and technology punctuating their daily lives. The centre is divided into seven major themes: Water World, Airport, Body World, Build Town, Drive Town, Sports World and TV Studio.

Location of Sharjah Discovery Centre:

Since excavation first began in Sharjah in 1973, up until now, the museum offers a peek into settlements from up to 125,000 years ago. The people of Sharjah left their mark in the form of artefacts, coins, jewellery, pottery and ancient weapons, which reveal the relationships they had formed with their neighbours around the Arabian Peninsula and beyond.

Location of Sharjah Archaeology Museum:

You can live out your glorious Hollywood dreams of singing in the rain, but this time, without actually getting wet. Equipped with sensors, the room will prevent rain from falling directly on top of you, as you navigate through the abyss.

Location of Rain Room:

Features around 100 different plants mentioned in the Holy Qur’an, prophetic medicine and the Sunnah. The garden has paved walkways, ornate pools and narrow streams inspired by traditional aflaj or irrigation channels. You can then enjoy a healthy treat at the café serving a variety of Arabic and contemporary cuisine, made using fresh produce plucked from the garden.

Location of Islamic Botanical Garden:

At the cusp of man-made construction and Nature, the Central Region is painted with red sands and sharp mountains, once routes for eager caravans. Yes, these very deserts were crossed by date and pearl traders. As a result, this has become one of the richest archaeological sites in Sharjah.

Tour the date palm plantations and sink your teeth into sweet fruit next to irrigation channels, sourced from the Hajar Mountains. You can also get your hands on expertly crafted pottery and carpets, and in the wintertime, watch camel races with Emirati crowds.

Location of Al Dhaid:

An oasis, Al Badayer is a popular camping spot. You can rent dirt bikes and buggies, or stop by on your 4x4 as you surf the desert waves.

Location of Al Badayer:

Explore Bronze Age tombs, pre-Islamic forts, and - if you’re the type to travel by foot - trek to Camel Rock, for a breathtaking view of the desert. Alternatively, you can desert cycle, paraglide, and even dune buggy ride.

Location of Mleiha:

Home to nature reserves and sapphire waters, the East Coast of Sharjah is where you can go for a change of scenery on the outskirts of city life.

A small city located on the east coast of Sharjah, Kalba is best known for its ecotourism; where visitors can spot wildlife, go trekking, kayaking, and scuba diving. These are the popular spots in Kalba:

Location of Kalba:

Al Hafiya Picnic Park

This park is located in Al Hafiya Nature Reserve, atop rocky terrain and dotted by cedar trees. It features playgrounds, walking paths and the chance to view its rescued animals from a safe space.

The town is located at the foot of the Hajar Mountains. You could consider a dhow cruise, and travel up to the borders of the Omani side of Dibba Al Hisn, if you are feeling adventurous. You can even ask the captain to show you the best places to snorkel and scuba dive.

Lunch included, the price for one dhow cruise costs Dh200.

Location of Dibba Al Hisn:

Or you could continue your expedition and visit:

Dibba Al Hisn Fort: Built between 1624 and 1648, Dibba Al-Hisn Fort lies at the center of the town.

An old industrial town looming over the Gulf of Oman, Khorfakkan was once an important transit port and trading hub for ships travelling between Africa and India.

Location of Khorfakkan:

You can visit the following destinations as part of your Khorfakkan journey:

Shark Island: A short boat ride away from Khorfakkan beach, Shark Island is a goldmine for snorkellers and scuba divers, with its colourful rock formations and coral reef, home to moray eels, stingrays, and the Arabian angelfish. The water is so clear, you might even get the chance to admire schools of fish accompanying you on your kayak ride.

Wadi Shees: Now reachable via Khorfakkan Road 142, this valley is nestled perfectly between the surrounding Hajar mountains. It follows winding walkways, thoughtfully placed viewpoints and a children’s play area with designated barbeque pits.

This is a rare counter-enclave, since it is surrounded by the Omani region of Madha, which in turn is surrounded by Sharjah. The original village at Nahwa was abandoned in 1999 for New Nahwa. It is also a popular camping site, and features the chance to saunter along date palm plantations, and swim in freshwater pools.

Location of Nahwa Enclave:

Note: No passport is required to visit as there is no border crossing.

- Sahar Ejaz and Sara Hameed are interns with Gulf News.