Sharjah

Sharjah provides a window into Arabic and Islamic art, literature, and architecture that Abu Dhabi and Dubai cannot match. The city serves as the cultural and literary hub of the UAE, featuring Umayyad and Abbasid-styled buildings designed by the current Sheikh, an architect by training. It offers a family-friendly environment with green parks, cultural centers, and a conservative atmosphere that appeals to visitors seeking an authentic Arabian experience rather than the Westernized glitter of neighboring emirates.

Sharjah forms part of the Dubai-Sharjah-Ajman metropolitan area, with significant commuter traffic between Sharjah and Dubai during rush hours. Many residents live in Sharjah for lower rents while working in Dubai. The emirate is considerably larger than Dubai with coastline on both west and east coasts, including exclaves of Kalba, Khor Fakkan, and Dibba Al Hisn. Public buildings throughout the emirate follow Umayyad and Abbasid architectural styles.

Sharjah International Airport (15 km from the city) serves as the home base for Air Arabia, a low-cost carrier connecting to Middle East and Indian Subcontinent cities. Air India Express also operates routes connecting major Indian airports to Sharjah, offering direct access to smaller destinations like Leh in Ladakh without routing through Delhi. Al Jubail bus station provides ground transportation options.

Public transportation options include buses from Al Jubail bus station. For visa requirements to visit Sharjah, travelers should consult the United Arab Emirates page as Sharjah follows UAE entry policies.

The Date Festival runs from May 15 to August 15 at the Fruit and Vegetable Market, celebrating the date season. Several yearly festivals take place throughout Sharjah featuring camel rides, henna, traditional Arabian foods, and cultural activities. December hosts F1 Boat Races at Buhaira Corniche.

The Heritage Area near the Corniche between Burj Avenue and Al-Maraija Road offers proximity to major museums and historic sites. The Central Business District provides options like Holiday Inn Sharjah (270-430 AED for single/double rooms) and Crystal Plaza Hotel (from 355 AED). Budget travelers can consider Sharjah Youth Hostel with dorm beds at 60 AED, though facilities are basic. The Abu Shagara district offers affordable options like Citymax (210-450 AED) with free WiFi. Beach resorts including Lou' Lou'a Beach Resort and Radisson Blu Resort line the Corniche.

Sharjah is a dry emirate where alcohol sale or possession is almost entirely forbidden, with exceptions only at Sharjah International Airport duty-free and business class lounges, and for those with personal alcohol licenses. Street food staples include shawarma and khuboos (wheat flatbread) sold throughout the city at very affordable prices. Mushmaool Arabic Grill Restaurant in Abu Shagara offers meals at 35 AED per person. Pakistani cuisine is well-represented at Lasani near Al Majaz, while Syed Al Biryani serves traditional biryani near Crystal Plaza Hotel. Seafood options include Seashells near Radisson SAS Resort.

The Heritage Area between Burj Avenue and Al-Maraija Road features Al Hisn Fort (5 AED adults), Sharjah Museum of Islamic Civilization (5 AED adults, open Sa-Th 8AM-8PM), and Bait al-Naboodah, all showcasing Emirati history. The Blue Souq (Central Souq) houses about 600 shops across two wings, with upper levels selling carpets and curios from Afghanistan and Tibet where haggling yields major discounts. Sharjah Desert Park (28 km from city, 15 AED adults) includes Natural History Museum, Arabian Wildlife Centre, and Children's Farm. The Sharjah Cricket Stadium on Second Industrial Street hosts international matches. Al-Qasba Waterfront offers boat tours around Sharjah.

Sharjah is generally considered a safe destination. Women may attract attention and staring in certain parts of the city, so traveling with a male companion can provide additional comfort in conservative areas. The conservative atmosphere means modest dress is expected, particularly when visiting religious sites and public areas.

Arabic is the official language, though Hindi, Urdu, Tagalog, and English are widely spoken in shops, souqs, and hotels. WiFi is commonly available at hotels, and Citymax hotel offers free cabled internet in rooms and free WiFi in the lobby.

Budget travelers can get by on approximately 150-200 AED per day covering basic meals (shawarma, khuboos), public transport, and admission to one or two museums. Museum admissions typically range from 5-15 AED for adults. Sleeping at Sharjah Youth Hostel dorm costs 60 AED per night, while budget hotels like Citymax range from 210-450 AED. The most expensive costs will be accommodation and inter-emirate transport.

Neighboring Dubai is accessible by road, though rush hour traffic occurs in the morning. Ajman, the smallest emirate, lies to the north of Sharjah and makes for an easy day trip. The east coast areas including Khor Fakkan require driving through the Hajar mountains.

Sharjah follows strict Islamic customs with modest dress required, especially at religious sites and in public areas. Most heritage sites set aside opening times solely for women visitors, so both genders should confirm schedules on arrival. Alcohol is strictly prohibited except for transit through the emirate with destination permits. Photography at religious sites requires sensitivity and permission where appropriate.

Ajman, the smallest UAE emirate, lies immediately north of Sharjah. Dubai is the neighboring emirate to the south, accessible via major roads where morning rush hour traffic should be avoided when possible. The east coast emirates including Fujairah are accessible through Sharjah, and alcohol can be legally transported through Sharjah en route to Fujairah.