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.

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 down the Corniche and soak up the atmosphere along the busy goods-laden dhow wharf.

2. Laze on the delightful sandy beach at the east end of the Corniche.

3. Stroll through the fruit and vegetable souk near the dhow wharf and pick up some exotic treats.

4. Discover Sharjah Arts Area just off the Corniche and on the north side of Burj Avenue (Bank Road). Here you will find five architecturally acclaimed heritage buildings and a mosque dating back to the end of the eighteenth century. 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.

5. Continue on to Sharjah Heritage Area on the opposite side of Burj Avenue. 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.

6. Submerge yourself in the colourful, 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.

7. Take a ride on the giant ferris wheel at Qanat Al Qasaba. This will give you spectacular views over the Corniche and the emirate. Enjoy the antics of the musical fountain and eat at the myriad of restaurants and cafés at Al Qasaba.

8. Shop at Sharjah’s distinctive Blue Souk near Khalid Lagoon or its Gold Souk in the Yarmouk district. Don’t forget to bargain!

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 kilometres 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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