WHAT TO DO

What to do in Abu Dhabi
What to do in Dubai
What to do in Sharjah
What to do in Ajman
What to do in Umm al Qaiwain
What to do in Ra's al-Khaimah
What to do in Fujairah and on the East Coast
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Sharjah

Sharjah City, a bustling administrative and commercial centre with its own distinctive ambience, has some fine restored traditional buildings, together with a wide range of very impressive museums.

Khor Khalid tidal creek runs inland from Sharjah’s port. The first narrow section harbours an active dhow fleet. Inland the Creek, circled by Buhaira Corniche, widens to a large lagoon, with a 100-metre-high fountain. The nearby Al Majaz Waterfront, with cafés, leisure and cultural amenities, has received a major upgrade in recent years.

Sharjah also has enclaves, Dibba, Khor Fakkan and Kalba on the UAE’s east coast, which are described in that section.

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1. Wander along Corniche St, down from the Corniche Mosque and enjoy the atmosphere of the busy goods-laden dhow wharf.

2. Laze on the delightful sandy beach off Muntazah Street, north-east of the Corniche and Sharjah Ladies Club.

3. Discover Sharjah Arts Area just off Corniche St, on the north side of Hisn Avenue. Explore the narrow streets, discovering Sharjah Art Museum, Sharjah Art Centre, Sharjah Art Galleries, Emirates Fine Arts Society and the Very Special Art Centre, along with cafes and shops.

4. Continue on to Sharjah Heritage Area on the opposite side of Hisn Avenue, visiting Al Hisn Fort Museum on the way and discover a number of architecturally acclaimed heritage buildings. This beautifully renovated district is devoted to local markets, meeting places and small museums, and is a shining example of Sharjah’s commitment to heritage and culture that was instrumental in earning it the UNESCO title of ‘Cultural Capital of the Arab World’ in 1998.

5. Stroll through the fruit and vegetable souks and pick up some exotic treats off Corniche Street near Khalid Lagoon. Shop for carpets and antiques at the distinctive Blue Souk and indulge in some jewellery at the Gold Souk. Don’t forget to bargain!

6. Enjoy the colourful musical fountain and the recently developed Al Majaz Waterfront with its art galleries, cafés and leisure facilities.

7. Continue around the lagoon and take a ride on the giant ferris wheel at Qanat Al Qasaba. This will give you spectacular views over the Corniche and the emirate.

8. Submerge yourself in the rich and diverse undersea world of Sharjah Aquarium, home to a variety of marine life native to the seas around the UAE. With over 250 species there is so much to see from the smallest clown fish and delicate seahorses to moray eels, rays and reef sharks. Take a journey underwater and discover everything from the larger ocean creatures to the smaller marine life to be found in the rock pools, coral reefs, lagoons and mangroves.

9. Learn about the emirate’s many fine archaeological sites and ancient past at Sharjah’s dating back to prehistoric times at Archaeologiy Museum or satisfy your curiosity at one of Sharjah’s many other fine museums and interpretive centres, too many to mention here! www.sharjahmuseums.ae

10. Visit Sharjah Desert Park 28 km out of town at intersection no. 8 on the Sharjah–Dhaid Highway going east. The Park houses the Natural History Museum, the Children's Farm, and the Arabian Wildlife Centre, which has am amazing collection of wildlife from the Arabian Peninsula. This is your opportunity to finally dispel the myth that the peninsula is a barren place bereft of wildlife. The nearby Breeding Centre for Endangered Arabian Animals, which does sterling work, is off-limits.

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