Magnificent 100 · UAE Tourism Web Series — Part 2 · PAD Media House
9
Sharjah is one of the UAE’s leading cultural and heritage destinations. From restored traditional neighbourhoods and Islamic art collections to archaeological landscapes, mangrove forests and mountain coastlines, the emirate offers visitors a deeper understanding of the region’s history, environment and traditions.
This comprehensive guide covers eight attractions, including practical information on location, transport, recommended visit duration, admission, opening arrangements, accessibility, and responsible visitor behaviour.
Quick navigation
- 1. Heart of Sharjah
- 2. Sharjah Museum of Islamic Civilization
- 3. Sharjah Art Museum
- 4. Al Noor Island
- 5. Mleiha Archaeological Centre
- 6. Kalba and its mangroves
- 7. Khor Fakkan
- 8. Al Rafisah Dam
1. Heart of Sharjah
Heart of Sharjah is a restored heritage district that reflects the emirate’s traditional architecture, trading culture and community life. Visitors can explore narrow lanes, historic houses, traditional souks, museums, art spaces and cultural venues.
Location: Al Mareija, Sharjah city · Official website: Heart of Sharjah
| Visitor information | Details |
|---|---|
| How to reach | Taxi, private car or local bus connections to the Corniche and heritage district. |
| Suggested visit time | 2–4 hours; allow half a day for multiple museums and guided experiences. |
| Opening hours | The official website lists the district as open daily from 10 am to 10 pm. Individual venues may have different hours. |
| Entry charge | Public streets are generally free to explore. Museum admission, tours and special experiences may be chargeable. |
| Accessibility | Older buildings, narrow lanes and uneven surfaces may limit access for some visitors. Confirm specific arrangements with each venue. |
Source:
heartofsharjah.ae
+1
Do
- Explore traditional wind-tower architecture and restored courtyards.
- Visit open museums and souks to learn about Sharjah’s trading heritage.
- Check tour availability in advance if you prefer a guided experience.
Don’t
- Enter private properties or restricted restoration areas.
- Photograph residents without permission.
- Assume all museums follow the general district opening hours.
2. Sharjah Museum of Islamic Civilization
This museum presents Islamic art, manuscripts, scientific discoveries, ceramics, metalwork and historical artefacts. Its collections help visitors understand the contributions of Islamic civilisation to science, astronomy, medicine, craftsmanship and culture.
Location: Al Majarrah, Sharjah · Official website: Sharjah Museums Authority
| Visitor information | Details |
|---|---|
| How to reach | Taxi or private car; it can be combined with the nearby heritage district. |
| Suggested visit time | 1.5–2.5 hours |
| Opening hours | The published schedule lists Saturday–Thursday, 8 am–8 pm, and Friday, 4 pm–8 pm. Confirm the current schedule before travelling. |
| Entry charge | Verify current admission rates, including any child, student or concession categories, on the official museum website. |
| Accessibility | Contact the museum to confirm wheelchair routes, lifts and other assistance. |
Source:
U.ae
+1
Do
- Allow time for the galleries rather than viewing only the exterior.
- Explore exhibits on scientific achievements, manuscripts and Islamic art.
- Check for temporary exhibitions and guided tours.
Don’t
- Touch display objects or ignore gallery photography rules.
- Assume every gallery has identical photography permissions.
- Plan a visit without checking holiday and Ramadan schedules.
3. Sharjah Art Museum
Sharjah Art Museum showcases regional and international art, with collections and exhibitions that connect visitors to artistic traditions across the Arab world and beyond. The museum is located in the city’s Arts Area, close to the Heart of Sharjah.
Official visitor page: Sharjah Art Museum — Plan your visit
Important visitor notice
The museum’s official visitor page currently reports that it is temporarily closed until further notice. Check the official website for reopening information before planning an interior visit.
Sharjah Art Museum
+1
| Visitor information | Details |
|---|---|
| How to reach | Taxi or private car to Al Shuwaihean, in the Arts Area near the Heart of Sharjah. |
| Suggested visit time | Allow 1.5–2.5 hours once visitor access resumes. |
| Published normal hours | Saturday–Thursday, 8 am–8 pm; Friday, 4 pm–8 pm. These hours do not override the current closure notice. |
| Entry charge | The museum’s official website lists admission as free; recheck the policy after reopening. |
| Accessibility | The museum lists wheelchair access and an elevator among its visitor facilities. Confirm arrangements for reopening. |
Source:
Sharjah Art Museum
+1
Do
- Check the official reopening notice before travelling.
- Explore other open galleries and cultural venues in Sharjah as alternatives.
- Look for guided tours and temporary exhibitions once the museum reopens.
Don’t
- Travel expecting to enter while the closure notice remains in force.
- Assume all Sharjah art venues have the same hours or admission policy.
4. Al Noor Island
Al Noor Island is a landscaped island on Khalid Lagoon, combining gardens, art installations, illuminated walkways and a Butterfly House. It offers a peaceful contrast to the city and is suitable for visitors interested in nature, photography and leisurely walks.
Official website: Al Noor Island — Visitor information
| Visitor information | Details |
|---|---|
| How to reach | Taxi or private car to the island entrance near Al Noor Mosque and Khalid Lagoon. |
| Suggested visit time | 1.5–2.5 hours; allow longer if visiting the Butterfly House. |
| Published hours | The official website lists island access from 9 am–11 pm on weekdays and until midnight on weekends. The Butterfly House has separate hours, listed as 9 am–6 pm. Verify before visiting. |
| Entry charge | The official website lists AED 35 for adults and AED 20 for children aged 3–12 for the self-guided island tour. Additional experiences may cost extra. |
| Accessibility | Confirm accessible routes and facilities with the venue if mobility assistance is required. |
Source:
Al Noor Island
Do
- Consider a late-afternoon visit to enjoy the gardens in daylight and after dark.
- Check Butterfly House access and last-entry arrangements.
- Wear comfortable walking shoes and take time to explore the landscaped areas.
Don’t
- Touch or disturb butterflies and other wildlife.
- Leave marked pathways or damage the gardens.
- Assume every special experience is included in the standard island ticket.
5. Mleiha Archaeological Centre
Mleiha provides an introduction to the archaeological and natural history of central Sharjah. The area contains evidence of prehistoric human settlement, ancient burial sites, fossil landscapes and striking desert rock formations.
Official website: Discover Mleiha
| Visitor information | Details |
|---|---|
| How to reach | Private car or organised excursion; public transport options are limited compared with central Sharjah. |
| Approximate journey | Around 1 hour from Sharjah city, depending on route and starting point. |
| Suggested visit time | 2–3 hours for the centre; 4–6 hours or more with outdoor excursions. |
| Published hours | The official Mleiha information lists Sunday–Wednesday, 9 am–7 pm, and Thursday–Saturday, 9 am–9 pm. Confirm current timings before travelling. |
| Entry charge | Published general-admission rates are AED 25 for visitors over 12, AED 15 for children aged 3–12, and free for children under 3. Guided excursions and adventure activities cost extra. |
| Accessibility | The centre lists parking and accessible facilities. Outdoor sites may involve uneven ground and restricted access. |
Source:
مناطق السياحة…
+1
Do
- Begin at the centre to understand the archaeological context.
- Book guided excursions in advance for outdoor sites and desert activities.
- Carry water, sun protection and suitable walking shoes.
Don’t
- Remove fossils, stones or archaeological objects from protected sites.
- Enter restricted areas without permission.
- Attempt difficult desert routes without appropriate transport and preparation.
6. Kalba and its mangroves
10
Kalba is a coastal destination on Sharjah’s east coast, known for its mangroves, biodiversity, beaches and wildlife conservation areas. Khor Kalba contains one of the UAE’s oldest mangrove forests and provides important habitat for birds, marine life and other wildlife.
Official information: Khor Kalba Mangrove Centre · Al Qurm Protected Area
| Visitor information | Details |
|---|---|
| How to reach | Private car or organised excursion. |
| Approximate journey | Around 120 km from Sharjah city to Kalba. |
| Suggested visit time | 2–4 hours for the mangroves; half a day or more when combining nature and heritage attractions. |
| Opening hours | The mangrove centre, protected areas and kayaking operators have separate schedules. Check current access and tour availability before departure. |
| Entry charge | General coastal sightseeing may be free; guided kayaking, nature tours and managed attractions may charge separately. Confirm current rates with the relevant operator. |
| Accessibility | Kayaking and nature trails require separate consideration of mobility, balance and physical ability. |
Source:
Visit Sharjah
+2
Do
- Choose an authorised kayaking trip or guided nature excursion.
- Bring binoculars for birdwatching and maintain a respectful distance from wildlife.
- Visit in cooler weather and follow conservation staff instructions.
Don’t
- Disturb mangrove roots, nesting birds or marine life.
- Leave litter or enter protected areas without permission.
- Assume the mangrove centre, kayaking trips and nearby conservation attractions share one ticket.
7. Khor Fakkan
7
Khor Fakkan is an east-coast city belonging to Sharjah, set between the Hajar Mountains and the Gulf of Oman. Its attractions include a public beach, mountain viewpoints, the Khor Fakkan Amphitheatre, a man-made waterfall and a scenic waterfront.
Official information: Visit Sharjah — Khor Fakkan · Khor Fakkan Amphitheatre
| Visitor information | Details |
|---|---|
| How to reach | Private car, taxi or organised excursion via the Sharjah–Khor Fakkan highway. |
| Approximate journey | Around 1–1.5 hours by car from Sharjah city, depending on traffic and stops. |
| Suggested visit time | 3–5 hours; allow a full day for the beach, waterfall, amphitheatre and additional coastal stops. |
| Opening hours | The amphitheatre lists daily hours of 7 am–10 pm. Its waterfall lists Tuesday–Sunday, 10 am–8 pm. Event and holiday schedules may differ. |
| Entry charge | The amphitheatre’s surrounding spaces and waterfall viewing are listed as free. Events, watersports and other activities may charge separately. |
| Accessibility | Paved waterfront areas are generally easier to navigate; beach access and mountain routes have different accessibility requirements. |
Source:
Khorfakkan Amphitheatre
Do
- Visit the waterfall and amphitheatre, then explore the waterfront.
- Allow time for the beach and mountain scenery.
- Check event schedules if you want to attend a performance.
Don’t
- Assume every facility operates at the same hours.
- Swim outside designated safe areas or disregard beach warnings.
- Attempt mountain walks without suitable footwear, water and weather awareness.
8. Al Rafisah Dam
Al Rafisah Dam is a mountain reservoir along the road to Khor Fakkan. Surrounded by the Hajar Mountains, it offers scenic viewpoints, walking paths, boating activities and visitor facilities. It is a popular stop for families, photographers and road-trip travellers.
Official visitor guide: Visit Sharjah — Al Rafisah Dam
| Visitor information | Details |
|---|---|
| How to reach | Private car, taxi or organised east-coast excursion. |
| Suggested visit time | 2–3 hours; allow 3–4 hours with boating and walking. |
| Opening hours | Visitor facilities and activity operators have separate schedules. Check the official destination information before departure. |
| Entry charge | General sightseeing is generally free; kayaking and boating are paid separately. |
| Activities | Kayaking, pedal boats, scenic walks and mountain views. |
| Accessibility | Visitor facilities include parking and toilets. Trails and viewpoints may be unsuitable for some visitors with limited mobility. |
Do
- Walk along the scenic walkway and enjoy the reservoir views.
- Check boat availability, weather conditions and operator rules before booking.
- Carry water and wear appropriate shoes for walking.
Don’t
- Enter restricted areas around the dam or reservoir.
- Approach steep edges carelessly or attempt difficult trails unprepared.
- Assume boating activities operate in all weather conditions.
For kayaking, pedal boats and other paid experiences, confirm current rates directly with the operator before travel.
Sharjah Emirate — visitor planning summary
| Attraction | Suggested visit time | General admission |
|---|---|---|
| Heart of Sharjah | 2–4 hours | Public streets generally free; tours and museums may charge |
| Museum of Islamic Civilization | 1.5–2.5 hours | Check current museum admission |
| Sharjah Art Museum | 1.5–2.5 hours after reopening | Free admission listed; currently temporarily closed |
| Al Noor Island | 1.5–2.5 hours | Published self-guided ticket: AED 35 adults, AED 20 children |
| Mleiha Archaeological Centre | 2–3 hours | Published general admission: AED 25 adults, AED 15 children |
| Kalba and mangroves | 2–4 hours | Activities and managed attractions vary |
| Khor Fakkan | 3–5 hours | Public areas generally free; activities may charge |
| Al Rafisah Dam | 2–4 hours | General sightseeing generally free; boating paid |
These are planning estimates, not guaranteed visit times. Admission prices, opening schedules and activity availability may change. Verify details before travelling, particularly museum closure notices and outdoor activity schedules.
Suggested itinerary combinations
Route A — Culture and heritage
Half day to full day
Heart of Sharjah → Museum of Islamic Civilization → Al Noor Island. Add Sharjah Art Museum only after reopening is confirmed.
Route B — Archaeology and desert landscapes
Half day to full day
Mleiha Archaeological Centre → selected archaeological sites or a guided desert excursion.
Route C — East coast and mountain scenery
Full day; overnight stay optional
Al Rafisah Dam → Khor Fakkan waterfall and amphitheatre → Khor Fakkan beach. Visit Kalba and its mangroves separately or extend the trip.
