Where is Sharjah? Best Places to Visit in Sharjah.

Sharjah - The Cultural Capital of the UAE

Sharjah is one of the seven emirates that make up the United Arab Emirates. It’s located along the southern coast of the Persian Gulf, northeast of Dubai. Sharjah shares borders with Dubai to the south, Ajman to the southwest, and Umm Al Quwain to the northeast.

Sharjah has earned a reputation as the cultural center of the United Arab Emirates. As the third largest emirate in the UAE, Sharjah has a lot to offer visitors. Sharjah has beautifully balanced its deep-rooted traditions with contemporary ambitions.

Geography & Climate

Sharjah sits along the coast of the Persian Gulf in the Arabian Peninsula. It has about 16 kilometers (10 miles) of coastline.
It borders Dubai to the south and Ajman to the southwest. The northern enclave of Nahwa also belongs to Sharjah.
Sharjah is one of the seven emirates that make up the UAE. The others are Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Ajman, Umm Al Quwain, Ras Al Khaimah, and Fujairah.
The emirate covers 2,590 square kilometers (1,000 square miles), excluding Nahwa and other exclaves. This makes Sharjah the third largest emirate by area after Abu Dhabi and Dubai.
Sharjah City is the capital and main population center of the emirate. The city lies about 170 kilometers (105 miles) from Dubai City along the coast.
Sharjah is a 30-45 minute drive from Dubai depending on traffic conditions. It is well connected by highways to Dubai and the other Northern Emirates.

Sharjah shares borders with Dubai to the south, Ajman on its southwest border, and Umm Al Quwain to the northeast along the shores of the Persian Gulf. Its location lends itself to hot and arid conditions, with sunny blue skies for most months of the year. Summers are unrelentingly hot with temperatures averaging 106°F (41°C) at their peak in July and August. Winters offer some reprieve for about two months between December to February. During this period, pleasant weather in the 60-70°F range makes outdoor sightseeing a delight.

Top Attractions

With cultural preservation at its heart, the best places to visit in Sharjah offers an authentic glimpse into Arabic traditions. Here are some of the top attractions and places to see in Sharjah:

Al Noor Island

This man-made island off the coast features stunning butterfly gardens surrounded by lush greenery and cascading fountains. Walk along the wooden pathways and take in views of the Sharjah skyline. There’s also a literature pavilion onsite. This lush oasis is accessible by the bridge and hosts rotating exhibits amid its tropical butterfly gardens, lit-up fountain displays, and an on-site cafe.

Al Qasba

For a lively dose of entertainment, visit Al Qasba’s carnival games and rides or catch mesmerizing musical fountain shows while strolling along the waterfront boardwalk lined with cafes and ice cream shops. This lively canal-side area includes entertainment offerings like amusement park rides, musical fountains, and riverboat tours. Plenty of restaurants line the waterfront promenade. Don’t miss the striking Eye of the Emirates Ferris wheel!

Sharjah Museum of Islamic Civilization

Exquisite Islamic art and artifacts span over 1,400 years of history at this architecturally stunning museum. Kids will also delight in the Children’s Museum on site. Learn about Islamic culture and history at this architecturally striking museum. Exhibits of art, artifacts, manuscripts, textiles, and more are beautifully displayed. There’s also a children’s museum on the ground floor.

Souq Al Arsah

Get lost wandering this vibrant and colorful outdoor market with cozy cafes and rug stalls. Bargain hunters will love haggling over the wares. It comes alive at night when locals and tourists alike flock here.

Sharjah Fort (Al Hisn Sharjah)

Constructed in 1823, this imposing fort was once used to defend against land attacks. It underwent major renovations and reopened as a museum in 1997. A fun place for history buffs and photographers.

With its forward-thinking cultural preservation, rich history, and old-world charm, Sharjah provides the perfect blend of traditional Arabic culture and contemporary ambition. Where is Sharjah? Its proximity to Dubai makes it an easy and essential add-on for travelers looking to fully immerse themselves in UAE’s heritage.