Key Sites to Visit
- Sharjah Art Museum: Home to one of the largest art collections in the Gulf region, featuring both permanent collections and temporary exhibitions.
- Al Noor Island: This beautiful island offers tranquil gardens, unique sculptures, and a stunning butterfly house.
- Sharjah Aquarium and Maritime Museum: These two attractions provide insights into the marine life of the region and its maritime history.
- Al Qasba: A vibrant area that features a Ferris wheel (the Eye of the Emirates), restaurants, cafes, and a canal, making it perfect for family outings.
- The Blue Souk: Known for its distinctive architecture and hundreds of shops selling a variety of goods, from gold jewelry to textiles.
- Sharjah Desert Park: This park combines a zoo, a children’s farm, and a natural history museum, offering an educational and engaging experience.
Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
Sharjah, one of the seven emirates that make up the United Arab Emirates, offers a rich cultural heritage, modern attractions, and natural beauty. It is often considered the cultural capital of the UAE and offers a slightly more conservative counterpart to its glitzy neighbor, Dubai. City of Sharjah is just a short drive from Dubai, typically around 20 to 30 minutes, making it easily accessible for visitors and residents of the neighboring emirate.
Climate
Sharjah experiences a desert climate, with extremely hot summers and mild winters. Temperatures in the summer often soar above 40°C (104°F), with high humidity levels, especially in July and August. Winters are pleasant and mild, with temperatures ranging between 12°C (54°F) and 25°C (77°F). The best time to visit is from November to March, when the weather is cooler and more conducive to exploring outdoors.
Living Conditions
Living in Sharjah offers a blend of traditional Emirati culture and modern conveniences. The cost of living is generally lower than in Dubai, which attracts many residents who work in Dubai but prefer the more affordable housing in Sharjah. The emirate is known for its strict regulations on alcohol and dress codes, reflecting its conservative cultural policies.
Proximity to Dubai
City of Sharjah’s close proximity to Dubai is a major advantage for residents and tourists alike. The short commute between the two emirates allows easy access to Dubai’s job market and entertainment options while residing in or visiting a more culturally rich and economically reasonable environment.
City of Sharjah: Where History Meets Modernity
Al Majaz Waterfront is a lively and beautiful spot in the center of Sharjah, UAE. This well-designed area offers lots of fun, relaxation, and entertainment choices, making it a favorite place for both locals and visitors.
Located around Khalid Lagoon, Al Majaz Waterfront is famous for its amazing fountain shows. During these shows, water jets move to music and lights, creating an exciting display. The area has paths for walking, lots of green spaces, and various play zones for kids, including mini-golf and water play areas. These are great for families looking to have a fun day together.
Embrace the Spirit of the Emirates
Al Khalid Lagoon in Sharjah, UAE, is a serene and picturesque body of water that serves as a focal point for the city’s cultural and recreational activities. This large lagoon is surrounded by walkways and parks, making it a popular destination for both residents and visitors looking for a scenic escape in the urban environment.
The lagoon is well-known for its beautiful views, especially at sunset when the sky and water seem to blend in shades of orange and pink. It’s also the site of the iconic Eye of the Emirates, a giant Ferris wheel that offers breathtaking views of Sharjah’s skyline and the Arabian Gulf from its capsules.
A Symphony of Culture and Art
The Sharjah Corniche Park also known as Buhaira Corniche. This park is a wonderful place for both residents and tourists to relax, unwind, and enjoy the scenic views along the waterfront.
The park stretches along the Corniche Road, facing the Khalid Lagoon, and is beautifully landscaped with lush greenery, colorful flowers, and well-maintained paths. It’s an ideal spot for a leisurely walk or a jog, especially in the cooler months of the year. Families often gather here, as the park is equipped with children’s play areas and plenty of space for picnics.
Mosque at Dusk
Al Noor Mosque in Sharjah, UAE, stands as a stunning example of traditional Islamic architecture and is a beacon of spirituality and community life in the region. Situated on the Khalid Lagoon at the Buhaira Corniche, it is one of the most prominent landmarks in Sharjah and is known for its striking design and scenic location. The mosque’s architecture is inspired by classical Turkish Ottoman style, evident in its grand structure and elaborate decorations. Its main dome, surrounded by smaller domes and two tall minarets, paints a majestic silhouette against the Sharjah skyline. Al Noor Mosque is open to people of all faiths, reflecting Sharjah’s commitment to cultural diversity and tolerance
Sharjah: The Jewel of the Emirates
As we wander along the picturesque Corniche in Sharjah, UAE, we reached the captivating Blue Souk, also known as the Central Souk. This iconic shopping destination is renowned for its striking blue tilework and elaborate Islamic architecture, making it a visual masterpiece as well as a shopper’s paradise.
The Blue Souk is home to over 600 shops spread across two large buildings connected by bridges. This marketplace specializes in a wide array of goods, making it a treasure trove for visitors. Here, you can find everything from gold and diamond jewelry, which are popular for their quality and craftsmanship, to authentic Arabian carpets that tell tales of tradition through their intricate designs. Additionally, the souk offers a variety of electronics, perfumes, clothing, and handicrafts, ensuring there’s something to capture the interest of every shopper.
The hours of operation for the Blue Souk are typically from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM and then from 4:00 PM to 11:00 PM, though these hours can vary, especially during weekends and holidays. It’s advisable to check ahead if you’re planning a visit on a specific day. Visiting the Blue Souk offers not only the opportunity to shop but also to experience the vibrant essence of Sharjah’s commerce and culture.