Things to do in Sharjah
Key takeaways
Sharjah, the third largest emirate, is called the cultural capital of the UAE due to the abundance of museums and mosques. But, there are a lot of things to do in Sharjah, and, like any resort city, it is ready to offer various entertainment, beaches, and attractions for every taste.
Sharjah, like all the emirates, is convenient for traveling by car. With Trinity Rental Boutique you can rent VIP cars for a truly high-class experience. More than 80 low-mileage models in perfect condition comprise a fleet, you can choose among Lambo models, Ferraris, Porsche, McLarens, Rolls-Royce, Maybachs, G-class and many more. The car will be delivered to any convenient location, and no deposit is required.
The Sharjah car rental price already includes VAT, toll roads, a full insurance package, as well as an increase in mileage to 300 km per day. Plus, a fully filled tank is included as a gift. Our managers are always ready to help you from the moment you place an order on the website until the car is returned, if you have any questions, feel free to contact us. Payment is traditionally accepted by card or cash, but we also accept crypto.
Sharjah is the closest emirate to Dubai, but it is not as huge and noisy and, what is important, not as expensive. And the abundance of attractions makes the city very attractive for recreation. That’s why Trinity Rental allows you to come here and enjoy the Sharjah attractions in comfort.
Sharjah Art Foundation & Rain Room
Sharjah is considered the cultural capital of the Emirates and therefore the question of what to do in Sharjah is rarely asked here. Situated in Sharjah's historic arts and heritage districts, the Sharjah Art Foundation hosts events and activities throughout the year, including exhibitions of works by Arab and international artists, performances, music, film screenings, and artist talks, as well as extensive arts education programs for children, adults, and families. The Foundation holds an annual meeting in March and presents the Sharjah Biennial every two years.
The Rain Room in Sharjah is one of the most famous art installations and indoor activities in Sharjah, which is worth a visit. When you step inside, you will see a cloud room with a continuous curtain of rain. Motion sensors detect movements, ensuring that the rain does not fall in your immediate surroundings. A charming achievement of technology allows you to walk through the downpour without getting wet.
Address: Al Majarrah Park
Timing: Sat-Thur 9 am-9 pm, Fri 4 pm-10 pm
Cost: adults — 25 AED, students, and teachers — 15 AED, children under 5 and visitors with disabilities plus one — free
Sharjah Aquarium
The Sharjah Aquarium is home to over 150 species of marine life: clownfish, seahorses, sharks, rays, moray eels, and many others. It should be noted that this aquarium is the largest state educational center in the UAE. It is recommended to plan a visit for the morning or first half of the day, as the number of visitors increases in the evening. Visitors note the interesting layout of the oceanarium, especially highlighting the glass tunnel, which is one of the best activities in Sharjah, especially popular with children.
Address: Al Meena St
Timing: Sat-Thur 8 am-8 pm, Fri 4 pm-8 pm (opening hours in Ramadan are different — check on the website)
Cost: children under 2 — free, children (2-12 years) — 15 AED, adults (13+ years) — 25 AED
Al Noor Mosque
When you google what to do in Sharjah this place is the first thing to appear. The most beautiful mosque in Sharjah was built in 2005. It was erected by order of the wife of the Sheikh of Sharjah in honor of their son, who died of a drug overdose. The prototype of the mosque was the famous Blue Mosque in Istanbul. Like the Blue Mosque, the Al Noor Mosque has 34 domes, but fewer minarets — only 2.
The Al Noor Mosque is located on the Al Majas embankment, an extension of the Al Qasba, and attracts tourists with its beautiful lighting. In addition, this is one of the few mosques in Sharjah where non-Muslims are allowed to enter. You can freely enter the mosque with a free tour in English every Monday at 10 am.
Address: Corniche St — Al Majaz
Timing: 24/7 (the tours take 45 minutes to an hour on Thur and Mon only)
Cost: free
Sharjah Calligraphy Museum
The Calligraphy Museum was opened in 2002 and is located in the historical center of the city, in the Al Mareija district. The museum is the only one in the Arab world entirely dedicated to the art of writing. It might not be one of those exciting Sharjah activities, but it has a profound educational character and is definitely worth your attention.
The first hall of the Calligraphy Museum displays books of various genres written in Arabic and many photographs. The second hall houses an exhibition of golden ligature. The last museum hall houses an exhibition of quotations from the Holy Quran and prayer texts.
Address: Heart of، Calligraphy Square — Al Shiokh
Timing: Sat-Thur 8 am-8 pm, Fri 4 pm-8 pm
Cost: children under 2 — free, children (2 to 12 years old) — 5 AED, adults (13 years old and above) — 10 AED
Science Museum
The first Science Museum in the UAE was opened in 1996. It is not just an exhibition complex, but first and foremost, an organizer of modern educational programs for children of Sharjah and other emirates. The exhibition hall contains 50 interactive devices. Research classrooms are equipped with the latest achievements in science and technology and attract countless groups of students. It is one of the most interesting things to do in Sharjah for kids.
Address: Al Abar — Halwan
Timing: Sat-Thur 8 am-8 pm, Fri 4 pm-8 pm
Cost: children under 2, the elderly 60+ and people of determination — free, children (2 to 12 years old) — 5 AED, adults (13 years old and above) — 10 AED
Arabian Wildlife Centre
If you want to see the unique animals of the Arabian Peninsula in their natural environment, you should definitely visit the Arabian Wildlife Center. This is the only place in the UAE where you can enjoy watching animals in comfortable conditions while being protected from the scorching sun.
The attraction is located just 38 kilometers from the city of Sharjah. A huge zoo, where animals are kept in spacious enclosures, as close as possible to their natural habitat, allows you to watch them through large panoramic windows while in cool rooms. Here you will meet lions, gazelles, and leopards. In the immediate vicinity, there is a botanical garden where you can see a variety of plants from the region. For younger guests, there is also a children's farm, where they can interact with domestic animals and even feed them.
Address: Al Dhaid Road, Interchange 9, Sharjah Rural
Timing: Wed-Thur & Sun — 9 am-6 pm, Fri 2 pm-6 pm, Sat 11 am-6 pm, Tue — closed
Cost: children (up to 12 years old) — free, children (12 to 16 years) — 5 AED, adults — 15 AED
Al Majaz Waterfront
Al Majaz Waterfront is located on the picturesque shore of Khalid Lagoon. When you ask yourself what to see in Sharjah — "Al Majaz Waterfront" was named the best tourist attraction of this emirate.
During a walk along the landscaped embankment, the light and music fountain undoubtedly deserves special attention. The fountains are turned on every day (except Sunday) after sunset — and the musical show begins from 19:30 until midnight. The spectacle is accompanied by laser and light effects. One performance lasts 15-20 minutes.
Address: Khalid Lake Trail
Timing: 24/7
Cost: free
Scuba Diving
Diving is one of the most popular things to do in Sharjah among tourists. It is worth highlighting two main locations:
- near Shark Island — off the coast of Sharjah where you can see sharks, including white sharks and black tips, as well as various species of fish, turtles, starfish, and extensive coral gardens;
- the reefs in the Dibba area — on the border between Sharjah and Oman, are also a popular place for diving, where you can find a large variety of fish, sponges, and corals.
It is important to get the right certification, familiarize yourself with local rules and restrictions, and use the services of qualified instructors or guides to ensure safety and maximum enjoyment from diving.
In any case, whatever you choose, Sharjah will be remembered for its diversity and abundance of entertainment for every taste. And Trinity Rental will help you move around the city and beyond with maximum convenience and luxury.
FAQ
Is Sharjah worth visiting?
With more than 20 museums and art galleries displaying modern art, Arabian artifacts, and paintings, Sharjah is rightfully referred to as the capital of Arab culture. There are many adventure activities available in Sharjah. Sharjah might be a better option if you're looking for a more child-friendly, culturally diverse, and reasonably priced setting.
Is 2 days enough for Sharjah?
Before traveling to neighboring Dubai and Abu Dhabi, two days is sufficient to see the main Sharjah attractions. Two days is the ideal amount of time to see Sharjah's main attractions; if you want to spend a third day relaxing at a beach club, consider adding that day.
Is Sharjah safe for tourists?
Strict adherence to the law by locals and tourists makes the streets of Sharjah safe at any time of day, but it is still best to take precautions.
Can you drink in Sharjah?
In Sharjah, everything is simple with alcohol — it is prohibited. In other words, you will not buy it anywhere — not in special shops, not in hotel bars, nowhere. True, there is one shop located in the duty-free zone at the airport. So, the only option is to go to neighboring Dubai or Ajman for alcohol: there are no problems with alcohol there (except for the high price).
What is the cost of a taxi ride from Sharjah to Dubai?
Taxis are the quickest way to travel from Sharjah to Dubai; they take 26 minutes and cost between 120 AED and 150 AED.
How to dress in Sharjah?
You can wear swimsuits on the beach or in the hotel pool, but visitors should dress modestly in public places. You should cover your body from the shoulder to the knee and avoid tight, transparent, or revealing clothing. No one will stop you or say anything if you wear shorts, but you will stand out.
What is Sharjah best known for?
Considered the cultural capital of the United Arab Emirates, Sharjah was named the Islamic Culture Capital in 2014 and the Sharjah World Book Capital by UNESCO in 2019.