Sharjah Attractions

Sharjah is the Arts Capital of the United Arab Emirates. This emirate is also a wonderfully family-friendly destination, with lots to keep the kids amused, including Al Noor Island, with its butterfly house. Find out more about the best places to visit with our list of the top attractions in Sharjah.

Al-Noor-Island

Al Noor Island

Since its opening in December 2015, Al Noor Island has won a host of prestigious international awards. The Island was named Best Leisure Architecture in Africa and Arabia 2016 as part of the International Property Awards, and was also the recipient of the IF Design Award 2017 and German Design Award 2018.

Al Majaz Amphitheatre

The Amphitheatre located in the centre of Al Majaz Island provides service facilities such as the Conference Room; VIP Majlis; showrooms; Helipad; Al Majaz Marina; Island Walk; Restaurants and green landscapes.

The open-air theatre is inspired by the Roman-style Amphitheatre and designed in a semicircular shape. At 7,238 square meters in area, the theatre can accommodate 4,500 spectators.

Al Majaz Amphitheatre
Al Noor Mosque

Al Noor Mosque

The Al Noor Mosque can house 2,200 people in total for prayer which includes 400 in the ladies section and 1,800 in the men’s section.

The architectural design of Al Noor Mosque has influences of classical Turkish Ottoman architecture, and there are elements that are similar to the Sultan Ahmed Mosque in Istanbul (also known as the Blue Mosque). The main entrance is flanked on both sides by 2 graceful minarets which soar into the sky at a height of 52 meters.

Rain Room

The Rain Room building in Sharjah has been designed by Sharjah Art Foundation and the UAE-based SpaceContinuum Design Studio in collaboration with Shape Architecture Practice + Research, Sharjah.

Opened in May 2018, Rain Room is part of the Sharjah Art Foundation Collection and the first of a series of artist-designed permanent spaces.

Rain-Room
Al-Majaz-Waterfront

Al Majaz Waterfront

This iconic leisure destination boasts breathtaking landscapes and incredible architectural designs that reflect Sharjah’s rich cultural and historical heritage. Featuring a lively fun-filled atmosphere, the waterfront attracts visitors of all backgrounds to explore its wonders. Launched by Sharjah Investment and Development Authority (Shurooq) in 2010, this popular tourism project offers an impressive variety of recreational facilities and welcomes visitors and families of all ages. Attractions include the spectacular Sharjah Musical Fountain overlooking fine international restaurants and cafés, a jogging track, snack and drink kiosks, a magnificent mosque, the Maraya Art Park, the Splash Park for kids with a children’s playground, mini-golf for all ages, wonderful greeneries for relaxation and areas for hosting events and activities.

Al Qasba

Al Qasba Sharjah is a waterfront community that is separated from Al Majaz District by Al Khan Corniche Street. Al Qasba in Sharjah is a cultural landmark that features art centres, outdoor attractions and a number of other attractions. This picturesque community is at the forefront of the cultural movement in Sharjah and aims to fuel creative minds with a number of activities, events and leisure options. The Al Qasba Canal Sharjah is one of the most popular attractions for families living in the emirate. Also, this waterfront community hosts various remarkable events in Sharjah which contribute to its popularity. Take a look at the interesting list of things to do in Al Qasba Sharjah, so you have a great time while visiting this waterfront attraction.

Al-Qasba
Al Montazah parks

Al Montazah parks

Al Montazah Parks is one of Sharjah’s newest family entertainment destinations. Spread over 126,000 square metres, the parks welcome you with two unforgettable experiences for the whole family to enjoy.

Sharjah Mosque

An abiding symbol of faith, the structure is well worth visiting for the chance to view its grandeur; surrounded by gardens and water fountains, the domes, minarets and columns have been designed to reflect a unique Islamic architectural style. The main prayer hall has arched windows with stained glass, walls decorated with verses from the Quran, a large chandelier in the centre and red carpeting. A gift shop, cafeteria and open areas as well as spaces for non-Muslims are all part of the design.

Sharjah Mosque
Bait-Al-Naboodah

Khorfakkan Beach

Khorfakkan Beach aims to redesign a 3-km stretch of beach by providing high-quality public amenities, a range of activities and a variety of dining and hospitality options thereby enhancing the lifestyle of the residents and visitors coming to the development.

Al Jada

Aljada is Sharjah’s newest address, a place where everything is possible. It’s a place where living, working, playing and learning all come together. It’s a place where the past meets the future, offering the best of both worlds. And it’s a place where you will be constantly surprised and delighted.

Al Jada
City Sightseeing Sharjah

City Sightseeing Sharjah

You can now experience the beautiful sights and sounds of Sharjah aboard an open-top double-decker bus. The hop-on-hop-off bus tour allows visitors to take in the famous landmarks in Sharjah, at their own pace.

There are 17 stops and the entire route ridden straight through, without hops on and off, takes approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes. The ticket is valid for 24 hours from first use.

MLEIHA ARCHAEOLOGICAL CENTRE

The Mleiha Archaeological Centre is one of the region’s most important natural history sites. An archaeological tour will take you to a 130,000-year-old site from the Palaeolithic period, where you will understand how early humans lived in Mleiha, while a short distance away, 1000cc dune buggies await the daring thrill-seekers. Mleiha Archaeological Centre offers a variety of unique, including Fatboy desert bike tours, extreme off-road adventures and horse riding. A trip to this treasured destination is a great way to gain an appreciation for Arab life and history.

Mleiha Archaeological Centre
Flag Island

Flag Island

The Flag Island boasts the U.A.E. Flag on a 123 meter- high pole, which was named the world’s 7th tallest during the opening on the 2nd of December 2012. The island stands as a celebration of the union of the U.A.E through its landmark flagpole. The Flag Island is a destination where design, fitness and leisure intersect to offer an unparalleled experience for the public in Sharjah and the U.A.E.

Al Fisht Public Beach

The white sand of the Al Fisht Beach is a scenic destination for walking, beach-combing and picnicking in Sharjah. The Al Fisht Park, which is right opposite the beach, has manicured grass lawn and a children’s area with colourful slides, swings and see-saws. The park is especially an attraction with parents looking for things to do with kids. On Friday afternoons, families around Sharjah and the nearby strip of low-rise villas come to picnic while their children take part in the summer activities for kids. Join the tradition by bringing your own basket of food to picnic in the sand like locals and residents.

Al Fisht Public Beach
Al Khan Beach

Al Khan Beach

Al Khan Beach is also one of the popular Sharjah tourist places, with two major attractions close by. In just a five minute walk from the beach, you can reach the Sharjah Maritime Museum and Sharjah Aquarium. You needn’t worry about how to wash up beforehand, as the Al Khan Beach has plenty of showers, changing rooms and toilets. Just south of here is the Mamzar beach, another place to enjoy the waves of the Arabian Gulf.

Al Mamzar Beach Park

Al Mamzar Beach Park combines two features of the popular places to visit in Sharjah. As a Sharjah park, it boasts expansive fields of swaying palm trees. As a Sharjah beach, it offers sun, sand and sea for adventure and leisure.

Families looking for things to do with kids can go to the dedicated children’s area. Here, parents can sit back and enjoy a juice at a cafe while watching their kids play. Call ahead to ask about the summer activities for kids. Timing your visit accordingly will make your trip even more worthwhile.

Al Mamzar Beach Park
Butterfly House

Butterfly House

Over 500 butterflies live on Al Noor Island in the Butterfly House, one of the most popular tourist places in Sharjah. The Butterfly House itself is a feat of modern architecture, with the outdoor structure made of perforated steel and ergonomic design to let in sunlight. With temperature and humidity controlled interiors, the structure houses over 20 different species of butterflies, including the exotic Tailed Jay, Emerald Swallowtail, Pink Rose and Malachite. The house also has comprehensive information on the region’s native species.

Children's Farm

Among all the parks in Sharjah, the Children’s Farm is a family favourite. There are enclosures with camels, donkeys, Arabian horses, ponies, cows, goats and sheep, a duck pond and informative talks on each animal. The middle of the year is a popular time for the centre, with families eager to participate in the several summer activities for kids, including feeding the farm animals and enjoying pony and camel rides.

Children's Farm
Date Souq

Date Souq

Like most of the souks in the city, the date emporium comes alive during the weekend and in the evening. So if you’re looking for a bustling marketplace, put this on your list of places to visit in Sharjah at night. The Date Souk is especially busy during the Holy Month of Ramadan, with people stocking up on dates to break their fast. In the middle of the year, there are also a range of summer activities for kids along the Sharjah corniche close by.

Islamic Botanical Garden

The Islamic Botanical Garden is a beautiful green space composed of nearly 100 different plants, including figs, pomegranates and saffron. The gardens aim to promote reflection, with paved walkways, ornamental pools and narrow waterways inspired by traditional aflaj (irrigation channels).

You can stroll through the grounds and visit the interpretation centre, which features exhibits and touchscreens. There’s also a café serving up Arabic cuisine using produce from the gardens, and a library packed with books on plants.

Islamic Botanical Garden
Al Rafisah Dam

Al Rafisah Dam

Heading toward Khorfakkan on the new Sharjah – Khorfakkan highway opens up a vista of the beautiful Al Rafisah Dam. Originally built in the 1980s, the dam has had an upgrade with a new visitor centre and rest area. Travel time from Sharjah to Khorfakkan has been reduced to 45 minutes, due to the new road, allowing more visitors to enjoy the serene pleasures of the area where a large, clear lake with boating facilities is overlooked by the magnificent Hajar mountains. The scenery is unmatched with the sandstone mountain range looming over a pure azure reservoir with its accompanying tranquil green landscape and man-made waterfall, perfect for nature lovers and outdoors enthusiasts.

Al Khor Kayak

Kayaking is one of the activities that makes the best of Sharjah weather. And as one of the most popular water sports in Sharjah for friends and family alike, you are bound to find the perfect setting to take out a kayak.

Al Khor Kayak
Kalba-Kayak

Kalba Kayak

Kayaking is one of the activities that makes the best of Sharjah weather. And as one of the most popular water sports in Sharjah for friends and family alike, you are bound to find the perfect setting to take out a kayak.

Buried Village

Erie silence will welcome you as you drive over the rolling dunes into what was once a small village outside the town of Al Madam.

Buried Village
Quad biking

Quad biking

Quad Biking is a much-loved activity for tourists and locals in Sharjah. This activity is relatively easy even for newcomers to motorsports. It is an unforgettable experience to ride over a sea of sand dunes for the first time and feel the butterflies in your stomach. Fossil Rock is a recommended area to test out a quad bike, with enclosed spaces for people of all ages and capabilities. Extraordinarily, the surrounding areas here are among the most important archaeological sites in the UAE. Regulars and experts also come to Fossil Rock for dune bashing.

Shark Island

Off the coast of the Khorfakkan public beach, this small rocky island is an underwater marvel for everyone who enjoys snorkeling, scuba diving and swimming. Sea anemones and turtles are a treat for snorkellers, while divers flock here for the beautiful rock formations teeming with moray eels, rays and Arabian angelfish. If you prefer to stay on the surface, take a kayak out to spot schools of fish from above the clear waters.

Shark-Island
Scuba-Diving

Scuba Diving & Snorkeling

When it comes to water sports, Sharjah has a lot to offer.

From diving near a coral reef in Khorfakkan to paddling on a kayak through mangroves, you’ll feel in your element with water. For snorkelling and diving, there are plenty of prime spots within a 20-minute boat ride from the Khorfakkan beach.

Find a nearby diving centre to rent equipment or get certified to dive by PADI instructors.

Sand Skiing

The dunes around the emirate are perfect for thrill-seekers and exciting activities like sand skiing and boarding can easily be arranged.

The steep slopes of ‘Big Red’, less than an hour’s drive southeast of Sharjah city, are not only ideal for sand sports, but they are also incredibly picturesque, with red-hued peaks and valleys that resemble giant waves.

Sand-Skiing
Deeo-Sea-Fishing

Deep Sea Fishing

Deep sea fishing spots are popular places to visit in Sharjah, with two gulfs full of a rich variety of species. Chartering a boat is easy, with numerous operators catering to experienced fishermen as well as families looking for a day out on open water. The waters of the east coast, particularly in the Khorfakkan area, is full of big game fish like marlin, sailfish, dorado and yellowfin tuna. Meanwhile, the Arabian Gulf shelters game fish such as kingfish, barracuda and trevally.

Dune Driving

Fossil Rock and the gigantic, ruby-red dunes known as ‘Big Red’ are two of the most popular locations for dune-bashing, stargazing and camping.

If you have some experience of desert driving, you can hire a four-wheel drive vehicle from most car rental companies, but always go with at least one other vehicle

Dune-Driving
Mountain-Biking

Mountain Biking

From technical rides through rugged mountain terrain to casual cruising past date palm plantations, mountain biking is growing in popularity in Sharjah. In the east of the emirate, the many wadis in the foothills of the Hajar Mountains offer unmarked gravel or sandy tracks.

Camping In Sharjah

Camping is popular in Sharjah, especially as part of desert safari tours. With several idyllic places to choose from, outdoor enthusiasts often do a bit of trekking to find the perfect spot. For sandy terrain, there are camping spots like Fossil Rock, Mleiha and Al Dhaid. For those who love the mountains, the foothills of Hajjar near Khorfakkan offers an unparalleled view. Some locals, however, prefer to camp near a Sharjah beach for a cool breeze over the sound of waves. This is especially recommended if you’re trying to make the best of Sharjah weather.

Camping In Sharjah
Dhow-Cruise

Dhow Cruises

A symbol of the seafaring history of the UAE, dhows were once used by fisherman and pearl divers to scour the region’s waters. Today, the dhow is used for cruising in nearly every lagoon, lake, or coastline near popular Sharjah tourist places. Along the Sharjah corniche, destinations like Al Qasba and Al Majaz waterfront offer special dhow cruise packages. The dhows usually dock at the boardwalks, which host popular restaurants in Sharjah and several summer activities for kids. Locals and tourists may prefer these city tours if they are with children. Dining on the water is one of the special things to do with kids.

Sailing

Explore all the activities the Arabian Gulf has to offer. Take sailing courses whether you’re a novice or an old hand looking to fine-tune your skills.

Sharjah has a strong seafaring heritage and a day on the water is a great way to experience this aspect of the emirate.

Sailing
Sharjah Golf & Shooting Club

Sharjah Golf & Shooting Club

This nine-hole golf course designed by Peter Harradine is fully-flood lit, allowing for visitors to tee well into the evening. Played twice, the course is par 72 in excess of 7,300 yards, while multiples tees make it suitable for golfers of all abilities. For golfing enthusiasts, this destination is among the must-do places to visit in Sharjah. The club offers more than golf, however, with a state-of-the-art sports complex featuring a large outdoor pool as well as basketball and tennis courts. Here, you can jump into action at the paintball arena, test your aim with archery, or fire a rifle at the shooting range.

Sharjah Equestrian & Racing Club

A passion for horses is deeply entrenched in local and Emirati culture. Equestrian sport stretches back for centuries in UAE history. In a tribute to this, the Sharjah Equestrian Racing Club welcomes riders and spectators alike with premier facilities. It boasts a 1,500-seat grandstand for horse racing and one of the largest indoor facilities for horse riding. If you want to see some thoroughbreds in action, put this on your list of places to visit in Sharjah and drop by for a Saturday race meeting. For a family experience with the horses, come for the lessons offered at the club. One of the fun things to do with kids is to go hacking alongside them during a riding lesson.

Sharjah Equestrian & Racing Club
Skate Gate

Skate Gate

Skate Gate is the largest public Ice Rink in Sharjah and it is open throughout the year for all customers ageing from 5 years and above. We welcome families, school groups, business groups and individuals to enjoy skating here in Al Shaab Village.

Skate Gate ice rink is operating in sessions and every session is one hour and a half. We have six sessions a day and the ticket price for one person is 50 AED.

Water Sports

A lot of Sharjah tourist places are waterside destinations, from clear waters of mangrove forests and palm-fringed beaches on the east coast to lagoons, creeks and more beaches in the west. Tourists and residents love destinations for parasailing, scuba diving, jet ski riding, kayaking and even just sailing to deep sea fishing spots. During the weekends, nearly every Sharjah beach turns into a hub for water sport activity. Water sports are a popular way to cool off in hotter Sharjah weather, or after a long day outside during a desert safari.

Water Sports
Khorfakkan Flag Square

Khorfakkan Flag Square

Sprawled prettily along a stunning bay, Khorfakkan city is among the UAE’s best-loved getaways for day trips away from the city buzz or longer relaxing seaside holidays. At Khorfakkan, the UAE flag was raised on the occasion of the country’s 43rd National Day, in 2014.

The flag flies atop on a prominent -75m flagpole, a colourful symbol of national and Islamic pride that anchors this festive and bustling corniche.

Al Lulayyah Beach

Stretching along the east coast for 1.5km, Al Lulayyah Beach is one of the best places to pitch your tent right on the sand. Separated from the main road by farmland, it’s a peaceful spot for fishing and swimming.

Al Lulayyah Beach is located north of Khorfakkan Beach on the east coast. It’s easily accessible, with a paved road leading down to the beach.

Al Lulayyah Beach
Wadi Sheis

Wadi Sheis

This hidden nature spot and the surrounding Hajar Mountain terrain is subsequently an area of natural beauty. In this regard, the valley represented by narrow mountain tracks – best tackled by 4 x4 vehicles – rocky outcrops, traditional settlements, farmland and date palm plantations; offers rewarding opportunities for experiencing striking natural scenery, hiking and camping.

Al Mamsha

Al Mamsha represents a new generation of lifestyle hubs, where you’ll find an exciting mix of shopping, dining and world-class entertainment experiences for all ages, all available right on your doorstep.

The First Fully Walkable Community In Sharjah

Al Mamsha
Flying Saucer

Flying Saucer

The so called “Flying Saucer” was constructed in the mid-1970s, and modified over the decades to house various businesses, starting as a one-stop-shop restaurant, newsstand, tobacconist, gift shop, patisserie and delicatessen.

Khorfakkan Amphitheatre

In recognition of art and culture, Khorfakkan Amphitheatre is culture and art theater from around the world with it magnificent architecture that reflects Sharjah’s historical position in the country and the region.

Khorfakkan-Amphitheatre
Xquarry UAE

Xquarry UAE

The first off-road adventure park in the UAE opening 5-6 February 2021. Off-Roading, MTB, hiking, camping, obstacle run and more adventures

Kisheeshah Park

Kshisha Park is a recreational park in Al Rahmaniyah suburb, Sharjah.Kshisha Park hosts football and volleyball courts, a library, amphitheater, fitness hub, jogging and cycling tracks, playgrounds, skateboard range, and halls for holding workshops. It houses an artificial pond with a duck feeding station.

Kisheeshah Park
Al Dhaid Fort

Al Dhaid Fort

Al Dhaid Fort is an old Islamic fort located in Al Dhaid town in the Emirate of sharjah, United Arab Emirates. The fort is dating back to the 18th Century AD.

Kalba Waterfront

Shurooq and Eagle Hills established a strategic partnership represented by ‘Eagle Hills Sharjah Development’, a dedicated real estate company that will develop the three projects: Maryam Island, Kalba Waterfront Mall and Palace Al Khan. Kalba Waterfront boasts a magnificent view of a serene lagoon lined by mangroves, surrounded by the most beautiful natural scenery in the UAE. The mall offers an outdoor shopping experience, along with a variety of indoor and outdoor restaurants and a children’s play area, in addition to a magnificent park around the lagoon, allowing guests to enjoy a relaxing atmosphere and a peaceful retreat on the lakeside promenade. Kalba Waterfront is designed as an integrated family community that aims to meet the needs of visitors and surrounding local communities. The mall features a supermarket, a family entertainment centre and a large food court.

Kalba-Waterfront
Nasma Central

Nasma Central

Located at the heart of Nasma Residences, Nasma Central is a new community centre that provides residents and visitors with all their retail and leisure needs.

Nasma Central is anchored by a Spinneys supermarket and contains a range of shops, services and dining outlets, including a Starbucks drive-thru and new concept Origins Koffee Lab and Kitchen.

House of Wisdom

The House of Wisdom is Sharjah’s new iconic cultural hub.
It was commissioned in honor of the Sharjah World Book Capital 2019 title by UNESCO and is the living legacy of the promises made then, namely to continue to promote reading and ease access to knowledge to all members of society and in doing so, become a progressive society that are the catalysts of harmonious coexistence.

House-of-Wisdom
Sharjah Safari

Sharjah Safari

Sharjah Safari is home to more than 120 species, including rare animals native to Africa, the rarest of which will be the black rhinoceros. More than 1,000 native and African trees, including the umbrella-shaped Acacia tortilis, have been planted across the site. Visitors will be able to experience the safari through 12 themed “environments”, each representing a region in Africa, and the life and terrain of the animals and birds that live in them.

Resistance Monument

Experience the history of Khorfakkan by visiting the Resistance Monument which lies at the entrance to the town. Sitting atop a hill that overlooks Khorfakkan Square, the monument honors those who resisted the Portuguese invasion in 1507. Remnants of the Portuguese era are still visible across Khorfakkan and the walkway around the memorial is the perfect place to look out over the town and reflect on its history. Visitors will also be able to spot the monument with its curved geometric design from several points throughout the city.

Resistance Monument
Clock Tower Square

Clock Tower Square

The Clock Tower height is 60 meters, with a total area of 668 square meters and an area of 2,532 square meters for the corridors leading to the tower. The tower consists of 7 floors, topped by a huge clock with a diameter of 5 meters that can be seen from all over the city. The tower design was inspired by the modern Islamic decorations that cover all its sides, with a spacious dome covered with gilded mosaic, in addition to the various Islamic decorations on the four facades of the building.

Barakah Studio

The studio offers yoga, pilates and barre classes, as well as different wellness related sessions to help you take better care of your body, mental health and overall wellbeing.

Website: Barakah Studio

Barakah Studio
Al-Heera-Beach

Al Heera Beach

Al Heera Beach is the longest beach in the city, extending for a length of 3.5 kilometers along the Arabian Gulf and allows visitors to enjoy a range of distinctive activities in addition to a variety of dining options.