UAE · City Guide
Sharjah
Sharjah is the UAE's most culturally conservative and artistically distinguished emirate, combining an outstanding concentration of museums and art spaces, beautiful Islamic architecture, a wonderful old town heritage area, excellent souks and a quieter and more authentic character than its neighbours Dubai and Abu Dhabi. The Sharjah Art Foundation has made the emirate one of the most important contemporary art destinations in the Middle East.
Elect's take
"Sharjah offers a genuinely different perspective on the UAE. The cultural institutions here are excellent, the old town is beautiful and the absence of the more excessive elements of Dubai creates a destination that I find more interesting for cultural exploration."
The Sharjah Art Foundation is a remarkable organisation that has transformed the emirate into a major centre for contemporary art, hosting the Sharjah Biennial, maintaining outstanding gallery spaces in the beautifully restored Al Mureijah Art Square and supporting a global programme of cultural exchange. The Blue Souk is one of the UAE's finest traditional markets. The Sharjah Museum of Islamic Civilization is outstanding. The Al Qasba waterfront development provides pleasant cafés and entertainment in a beautiful canal setting. The historic Heart of Sharjah district is a beautifully restored old town of traditional wind tower architecture. Sharjah is approximately 20 minutes from Dubai by road.
Best time to visit
How to get there
What to expect
Sharjah Art Foundation
One of the Middle East's most important contemporary art organisations and gallery spaces.
Islamic Civilization Museum
An outstanding collection of Islamic art, science and cultural history.
Blue Souk
One of the UAE's most beautiful and atmospheric traditional markets.
Heart of Sharjah
A beautifully restored historic district of wind tower architecture and traditional buildings.
Sharjah Biennial
One of the Arab world's most significant contemporary art events held every two years.
Al Qasba
A beautiful canal waterfront of cafés, restaurants and entertainment.
