Tourist Attractions |
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The Family destination:
When you visit Sharjah you will be surprised by the beauty of the parks, the Islamic architecture, museums, art galleries, culture and heritage area, shopping malls, Eye of the emirate and of course the polular Al Qasab Canal, Buheirah and Qasab corniche and its surroundings.
In recognition of its commitment and dedication in preserving its rich heritage and culture, UNESCO named Sharjah as the “Cultural Capital of the Arab World”.
Sharjah, one of the seven Emirates of the United Arab Emirates (U.A.E)
Sharjah isn’t just a city… it is authentic. It has a gleaming skyline.
- Khorfakkan – a resort town with mountain and ocean.
- Kalba – popular for endangered fishing, birds and turtles.
- Dhaid – oasis with its innumerable farms (even exporting strawberries).
- Dibba – Al Hisn Fort soaked in Islamic history is a quiet set of seaside villages.
Sharjah’s rich past can be found in the carefully restored heritage area. Explore there the 175 year old Al Hisn (Sharjah) Fort and Museum with its priceless collection of ancient currencies, pearl trade tools, old jewellery, rare photographs and maps.
Geography
The UAE is located in the northeastern part of the Arabian Peninsula, bordered to the south and west by Saudi Arabia and to the north and east by Oman. It has 700 kilometers of the coastline, of which 100 kilometers are on the Gulf of Oman, offering a combination of beautiful sandy beaches and rocky mountain bays, ideal for swimming, snorkeling and diving.
The interior comprises stretches of gravel planes, rugged mountains and sandy desert. The empty quarter lies to the southwest with some of the highest sand dunes in the world set amidst a stunning desert. To the east, the rugged Al Hajar Mountain rise to over 2000 meters forming a backbone running from the Mussandam Peninsular down through the UAE into Oman. The mountains separate the 2 coasts providing some of the most impressive scenery in the country.
The Islamic Museum with rare Islamic manuscripts from 1254 AD, works of art from across the Arab world including the world’s first map by Sharif Al Idris. The Heritage Museum ( Bait Al Naboodah) portrays home life as it was 150 years ago. Also to be explored are the Al Midfa Majlis with its distinctive round wind-tower and the Al Naboodah Majlis.
Sharja’s souks (tradinional market) entice with fine gold, jewelry, gems antiques, silk carpets, rugs, oriental perfumes, designer-wear as well as textiles, garments, electronics etc.
The variety of scenery in Sharjah is a major attraction for tourist groups from all over the world. The beautiful desert of Sharjah attracts visitors, who are impressed by the vastness and charm of the desert.
Parks
A number of parks have been built in and round the city, providing the residents with an ideal getaway in a healthy environment. Wide lawns, rows of date palm trees and abundance of flowering plants and neatly paved walkways are typical of Sharjah parks. Many parks also have conveniently dedicated areas for activities such as jogging and even barbecue grills. Sharjah will soon have 17 new parks, once completed, the total green area within the city will reach to 6.8 million square meters. The annual Sharjah Park Festival is organized by Sharjah Municipality- the city of Sharjah has won the Golden Award at the 7th Green city Award held by the Arab Cities Organization.
Sharjah National Park, Al Majaz Park and Al Jazeirah Park, It features fun for children, a zoo- variety of birds and animals and plenty of water-sports.
Museums
Natural History Museum - is an avenue that gives people a chance to learn the flora and fauna of the Arabian Desert. This museum has interesting theme areas like “a journey through time”, “the living desert” and “the living sea” etc. They also have children farm – where they can have close contact with Arabian animals and its breeding centre.
Sharjah Art Museum – is an harmonic co-existence with other five heritage buildings. It has a state-of the art interior facilities matching international standards. It holds exhibitions for locals as well as international artists.
Sharjah Police Museum- displays various riot and combat gear along with different type of pistols, hand rifles and various forms of communications used over the years.
Sharjah Science Museum & Learning Centre – is the first interactive science and technology centre in United Arab Emirates and where you can see world of discovery and illusions such as colours, aerodynamics, physiology and demonstrations on electricity and cryogenics.
Heritage Museum – One of the traditional historic buildings in Sharjah. It is build in traditional Islamic style and displays the authentic Arabic architectural design of yesteryears.
Islamic Museum – It exhibits a range of important Islamic artifacts and manuscripts expressing the supremacy of the distinct Islamic Heritage.
Sheikh Saeed and Hisn Kalba- It is a traditional house of Sheikh Saeed Bin Hamad Al Qassimi built over 100 years ago where many agreements and treaties with the British government was signed. It is one of the defensive fort built near the eastern coast and was used for control, reconnaissance and defense. The fort is 120 meters high with a visible clear slope and decline.
The Planetarium - it organizes shows on special topics of astronomy including navigation by the stars. It was a part of the Arab Maritime Academy and was gifted to the Government of Sharjah, when the Academy re-located to Alexandria.
Landmarks
Sharjah is dotted with innumerable landmarks and monuments – many of them are architectural marvels that express the underlying attitudes and ideals of a unique culture.
The roundabout at the Cultural Square features the Holy Quran, being the centre piece of the Muslim faith.
The sculpture of a tree at Rolla Square stands for the ever-growing tree of life, while the tall structure at Al Ittihad Square with its seven oysters and pearl representing the seven emirates of the UAE additionally, every civic building in Sharjah has been designed to be a landmark of Islamic architecture adapted to modern sensibilities.
Guided Tours
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Camel Racing- Morning out at the races is a memorable experience and an opportunity to see a truly traditional live sport. It takes place only during winter. |
Dhow Trips – For a relaxing tour of the Khalid Lagoon and Qasab Canal, wooden boats called “Dhows” can be hired. Charges are very nominal.
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Dune Driving and Sand-skiing – The ever-shifting sand found inland from all the major coastal settlements creates an endless variety of landscapes, colours and vegetation. Dune driving can be fun in safe hands. The tour operators arrange trips, which includes sand-skiing and even courses in sand driving. |
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Fishing- The coastline on both shores provide beach and surf fishing. Deep sea fishing trips on fully equipped boats and crew can be organized for sport fisherman with the prize of landing a sailfish.
Ice-skating – Sharjah Women’s Club and Sky 24 located on the 24th floor of Al Durrah Tower overlooking the Buheirah Lagoon, is open to all. Skates can be hired.
