Sharjah is the third largest city in the United Arab Emirates and is one of the country's architectural and cultural landmarks. "Smile, you're in Sharjah", is their slogan as it used to describe the friendly atmosphere of the city. Sharjah is slowly becoming a tourist destination because of it's close proximity to Dubai. During my last visit in Dubai, I made a short side trip in Sharjah and here are some of the places I've visited.
RAIN ROOM
Designed by Sharjah Art Foundation, the Rain Room is a facility where visitors are to experience walking through a downpour of rain without even getting wet. Yes, you heard me right... Walk through the rain without getting wet. Its a responsive environment where in you'll navigate to a darkened underground space preventing drops of rain fall over once it detects human presence. Although, for it to work, you have to walk slowly with no abrupt movements. Entrance tickets are sold onsite or online at AED25 per person with free admission to children 5 years and below. It is open from 9AM to 9PM from Saturday to Thursday and 4PM to 11PM on Friday.
Watch this YouTube video of the Rain Room:
Rain Room
Al Andalus Square, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
http://sharjahart.org/sharjah-art-foundation/projects/rain-room
SHARJAH AQUARIUM
The Sharjah Aquarium is one of the major attractions in Sharjah. It is comprised of 20 different aquariums on two floors. The aquarium showcases over 150 marine species that can be found in the waters of the Arabian Gulf. Sharjah Aquarium is built to familiarize both local and foreign visitors on the importance of marine life specially in this area. Entrance fee to the aquarium is AED25 for adults and AED10 for children. It is open from 8AM to 8PM from Saturday to Thursday and 4PM to 10PM on Friday (Closed on Sunday).
Watch this YouTube video of Sharjah Aquarium:
Sharjah Aquarium
Al Meena Street, Al Khan Area, - Sharjah - United Arab Emirates
https://www.sharjahmuseums.ae/en-US/Museums/Sharjah-Aquarium
SHARJAH MARITIME MUSEUM
Just beside the Sharjah Aquarium is the Sharjah Maritime Museum. The musuem showcases Sharjah's marine history and culture. It highlights the diversity of its sea-related life that have a great impact on Sharjah's heritage. Here you will sea traditional seafaring dhows that was used for fishing, pearl diving, and trading. Entrance fee to the museum is AED10 for adults and AED5 for children. It is open from 8AM to 8PM from Saturday to Thursday and 4PM to 10PM on Friday.
Sharjah Maritime Museum
Al Meena Street, Al Khan Area, - Sharjah - United Arab Emirates
https://www.sharjahmuseums.ae/en-US/Museums/Sharjah-Maritime-museum
AL NOOR ISLAND
Al Noor Island is an attraction that brings nature and art all together. It was built to provide a calm and peaceful environment to its visitors. There is a Butterfly House in the island which is home to over 20 species of butterflies. The forest themed island is also filled with over 72,000 plants trees. The island was named the Best Leisure Architecture in Africa and Arabia in 2016. Entrance fee to the island is AED50 for adults and AED30 for children (Including entry to Butterfly House). It is open from 9AM to 811PM daily.
Watch this YouTube video of Al Noor Island:
Al Noor Island
Buhairah Corniche Road, Khalid Lagoon - Sharjah - United Arab Emirates
https://www.alnoorisland.ae/
SHARJAH MUSEUM OF ISLAMIC CIVILIZATION
The Sharjah Museum of Islamic Civilization features a collection countless artifacts all over the Muslim world. The museum is also home to galleries and exhibitions that displays Muslim contributions to the world. Entrance fee to the museum is AED10 for adults and AED5 for children. It is open from 8AM to 8PM from Saturday to Thursday and 4PM to 8PM on Friday.
Watch this YouTube video of Sharjah Museum Of Islamic Civilization:
Sharjah Museum Of Islamic Civilization
Corniche St. - Sharjah - United Arab Emirates
http://sharjahmuseums.ae/en-US/Museums/Sharjah-Museum-of-Islamic-Civilization
AL NAKHEEL OASIS
The Al Nakheel Oasis is an area in the Al Majaz area wherein over 500 date palm trees are lined up. During dates season, fresh ripe dates are found all over the place which makes it a haven to a variety of birds. The site is also a known picnic area and photography landmark to locals and tourists alike. It is generally open to the public without any fees.
Al Nahkeel Oasis
Corniche St. - Sharjah - United Arab Emirates
SHARJAH CORNICHE
The Sharjah Corniche is a 4-kilometer boulevard along Khalid Lake. It has residential and commercial properties along with it as well resorts, cinemas, restaurants, and leisure spots. It's one of the best places for leisure walks, jogging, and hanging out. It is open to the public without any fees.
Sharjah Corniche
Corniche St. - Sharjah - United Arab Emirates
Here are some tips if you want to visit Sharjah:
- Sharjah is part of the middle east and mostly, this is a Desert Area. At times it can be very hot in this place specially during summer time June - August. So, I suggest you visit during the colder months from November - March.
- Unlike Dubai, Sharjah is a bit more conservative so it is best to always wear appropriate clothing. For men, do not wear shorts and sleeveless shirts. For women, do not wear sleeveless shirts and mini skirts and/or shorts.
- I always recommend to avail of the Hop-on Hop-off Tourist Bus as it mostly covers all tourist destinations and you can tour at your own pace. If you avail of the 2-day ticket, you get the 15-minute Boat Tour and Al Noor Island with Butterfly House entrance tickets for free. (click this website for the Hop-on Hop-off Bus Tour: https://city-sightseeing.com/en/113/sharjah/245/hop-on-hop-off-sharjah )
- Dubai is about 40-50 minutes bus ride from Sharjah. Public transportation buses are available in most time of the day, so you can plan your visit accordingly even without private transport. Visit this website for more info: http://wojhati.rta.ae/dub/XSLT_TRIP_REQUEST2?language=en
- You can explore major attractions in Sharjah in a day, you have to plan your itinerary accordingly. So, you don't need a lot of days when you visit Sharjah specially if you have your base in Dubai.
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