The 7 Best Attractions in Sharjah (2026)

Updated November 2026 · 7 picks

The best attractions in Sharjah in 2026 are the Heart of Sharjah old town, the Sharjah Art Foundation, the Sharjah Museum of Islamic Civilization, Sharjah Archaeology Museum and Al Qasba waterfront. Sharjah is about 30 minutes from Dubai, does not serve alcohol and is quieter on Fridays.

Sharjah is the UAE's cultural capital and sits right next to Dubai, so it is easy to visit in a day. The emirate's laws are stricter than Dubai's: alcohol is not sold, and dress should be modest in public places. Many museums run shorter hours on Fridays, so check before you go. For other trips from Dubai see our best day trips from Dubai.

1. Heart of Sharjah — Old town

A restored old town of courtyard houses, souks, museums and galleries.

$ Budget

Heart of Sharjah is the restored historic quarter of the city, with traditional courtyard houses, Souq Al Arsah, museums and small galleries. It is the best place in the emirate to see how the old town looked.

It is easy to cover on foot in a morning, with cafes in the old courtyards.

Good to know: Go in the morning or late afternoon to avoid the heat, and check Friday hours.

Heart of Sharjah, Al Mareija, Sharjah, UAE

Google Maps

2. Sharjah Art Foundation — Heart of Sharjah

Contemporary art spaces in restored buildings, with free entry to many shows.

$ Budget

Sharjah Art Foundation runs exhibition spaces across the old town, including the Art Spaces in Al Mureijah, and organizes the Sharjah Biennial. Entry to many exhibitions is free.

It is one of the leading contemporary-art institutions in the Gulf.

Good to know: Check the website for current exhibitions and the Sharjah Biennial dates.

Sharjah Art Foundation, Al Mureijah Square, Heart of Sharjah, Sharjah, UAE

Google Maps Website

3. Sharjah Museum of Islamic Civilization — Corniche

Galleries on Islamic science, art and the Hajj, in a former souk building.

$ Budget

The Sharjah Museum of Islamic Civilization is housed in a restored souk building on the Corniche. Its galleries cover Islamic science, art and the Hajj.

It is one of the most visited museums in the emirate.

Good to know: Allow around 90 minutes, and check Friday opening hours.

Sharjah Museum of Islamic Civilization, Corniche Street, Al Majaz, Sharjah, UAE

Google Maps

4. Sharjah Archaeology Museum — Cultural Square

The region's archaeology, from the Stone Age to the Islamic period.

$ Budget

Sharjah Archaeology Museum displays finds from sites across the emirate, from the Stone Age to the Islamic period. Interactive displays explain how excavations are done.

It is a good introduction to the history of the region before oil.

Good to know: Pair it with Mleiha Archaeological Centre if you are interested in the emirate's archaeology.

Sharjah Archaeology Museum, Cultural Square, Sharjah, UAE

Google Maps

5. Al Qasba — Al Qasba

A canal-side promenade with cafes, the Eye of the Emirates wheel and shows.

$$ Mid-range

Al Qasba is a canal-side leisure district with restaurants, cafes, a theater and the Eye of the Emirates observation wheel. It is lively in the evening.

It works well for families and for a sunset meal by the water.

Good to know: Visit in the evening in winter, when the waterfront is at its best.

Al Qasba, Al Majaz, Sharjah, UAE

Google Maps

6. Sharjah Aquarium — Khalid Lagoon

A marine aquarium with native fish, plus a maritime museum next door.

$ Budget

Sharjah Aquarium has displays of marine life from the Arabian Gulf and the Indian Ocean, and sits next to the Sharjah Maritime Museum. It is a calm family stop.

It is located on the Khalid Lagoon waterfront.

Good to know: Check opening hours, since Friday timings differ.

Sharjah Aquarium, Al Meena Street, Khalid Lagoon, Sharjah, UAE

Google Maps

7. Sharjah Desert Park and Arabia's Wildlife Centre — Sharjah-Kalba Road

A wildlife park for Arabian species, with a natural history museum.

$$ Mid-range

Sharjah Desert Park includes Arabia's Wildlife Centre, a children's farm and a natural history museum. The wildlife center focuses on animals native to the Arabian Peninsula.

It is a good option for families who want animals rather than museums.

Good to know: It is a drive from the city, so plan for half a day.

Sharjah Desert Park, Sharjah-Kalba Road, Sharjah, UAE

Google Maps

Frequently asked questions

Is Sharjah worth visiting from Dubai?

Yes. It has the region's best concentration of museums and a restored old town, and it is quieter and more traditional than Dubai. Most visitors spend half a day to a day.

Can you drink alcohol in Sharjah?

No. Alcohol is not sold or served in Sharjah, including in hotels and restaurants. Dubai is a short drive away if you want a drink.

How do I get from Dubai to Sharjah?

By taxi, ride-hailing or the public bus from Dubai's Al Ghubaiba and Union stations. Traffic between the two cities is heavy at rush hour, so travel mid-morning.

What is the dress code in Sharjah?

Modest dress is expected: cover shoulders and knees in public places, and in mosques women should cover their hair.

1. Heart of Sharjah — Old town

2. Sharjah Art Foundation — Heart of Sharjah

3. Sharjah Museum of Islamic Civilization — Corniche

4. Sharjah Archaeology Museum — Cultural Square

5. Al Qasba — Al Qasba

6. Sharjah Aquarium — Khalid Lagoon

7. Sharjah Desert Park and Arabia's Wildlife Centre — Sharjah-Kalba Road

Frequently asked questions

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