The Emirate of Sharjah
The Emirate of Sharjah (/ˈʃɑrdʒə/; Arabic: الشارقة Aš Šāriqah) is one of the states of the United Arab Emirates. The emirate covers 2,590 square kilometres (1,000 sq mi) and has a population of over 800,000 (2008).[1] The emirate of Sharjah comprises the capital city of Sharjah, after which it is named, and other minor towns and exclaves such as Kalba, Dibba Al-Hisn and Khor Fakkan.
The emirate is a constitutional monarchy. It has been ruled by Sultan bin Mohamed Al-Qasimi since 1972.
Attractions
Ramadaniat Al Qasba - Eye of the Emirates
Experience a rich world of ancient tradition, culture and food during Ramadan at the ancient Silk Road, Al Qasba. Listen to renowned scholars at "Eiman Oasis", which is an Islamic lecture tent open to visitors of all religions and faiths. There are special discounts and offers on the finest selections of food and beverages at various restaurants from Iftar to Suhour. This is definitely a must visit attraction for those that want to encounter the Islamic culture.
A visit to Sharjah is incomplete without a ride on the "Eye of the Emirates". This giant Ferris wheel offers an aerial view of Sharjah Corniche, lagoons and landscape, extending its horizons to neighbouring Dubai. It has 42 air-conditioned cabins that go 60 meters high over Sharjah and is capable of carrying 336 passengers at a single instance.
Opening Hours: Saturday to Wednesday: 4:00 pm to 12:00 am
Thursday to Friday: 3:00 pm to 1:00 am
Arabian Wildlife Centre
The Arabian Wildlife Centre is located about 26 km from the city centre, next to Sharjah International Airport. It opened in September 1999 with the ambition of breeding and safeguarding rare animal species. It has over 100 animals kept in safe, spacious and natural surroundings. Watch the diversity in flora and fauna at the wildlife centre, which houses the largest collection of Arabian wildlife, completely indoors. This attracts many tourists who can easily visit the centre on their way to or from the airport.
Address: Sharjah Desert Park, Al Dhaid highway, United Arab Emirates
Opening Hours: Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Sunday: 9:00 am to 6:00 pm, Friday: 2:00 pm to 6:00 pm, Saturday: 11:00 am to 6:00 pm, Closed on Tuesday
Al Hisn
Al Hisn is a two-storey fort situated in the Al Shukh district of old Sharjah. Constructed in 1820, the fort has now been converted into a museum to showcase a world of local history and charm. Exhibits include old coins and weighing scales, jewellery, arms and ammunition, a window to the pearl trade and plenty of amazing photographs and maps.
Address: Al Bourj Avenue, Al Hisn Square, bank street, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
Opening Hours: Tuesday to Thursday and Saturday: 9:00 am to 1:00 pm & 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm
Friday: 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm, Closed on Monday
Photo Credit: Creative Commons/yeowatzup
Expo Centre
The Expo Centre of Sharjah was founded in 1977 by Frederick Pittera, an organiser of International Fairs and Exhibitions. It was the first established trade fair centre in the country and hosts cream of the crop events such as the Sharjah International Book Fair. Throughout the year, the Expo Centre is the chosen venue for several international exhibitions, conferences and events.
Address: P. O. Box 3222, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
Tel.: +971 6 5770000
The Planetarium
The Planetarium was originally a part of the Arab Maritime Transport Academy. When the academy re-located to Alexandria, it gifted the planetarium to the Sharjah government. It is located in Al Majaz near the Sharjah Bridge, about 3 km away from the city centre. The centre mostly attracts schools and science clubs who choose it for the study of astronomy and celestial navigation. Permission of Department of Culture and Information is required for group visits.
Address: P.O. Box 5119, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
Opening Hours: Prior appointments necessary
Tel.: +971 6 5286229
Sharjah Fountain
Is one of the biggest fountains in the Gulf, sending jets of water soaring 100 metres high in the air. Installed in the late 70s, the fountain has become an iconic attraction in Sharjah and continues to be a fascinating sight for all visitors.
In addition to that, there are cybernetic fountains spanning more than 220 metres wide that overlook the piazza where visitors can enjoy multiple fountain shows with displays combining lasers, light, video, audio and movement to create a truly mesmerising experience.
Diners at the waterfront's restaurants and cafes have some of the best seats in the house as they overlook this incredible work of art lying within the Khaled Lagoon.
Sharjah Art Museum
Opened in 1997, the Sharjah Art Museum is the largest art museum in the Gulf with a provision for both temporary and permanent exhibitions. Spread over three stories, the museum showcases collections of Oriental painters, modern artists and works of artists from the Arab world. Several solo and group exhibitions and related activities are also organized at the venue.
Address: P. O. Box 19989, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
Opening Hours: Saturday to Thursday: 8:00 am to 8:00 pm, Friday: 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm
Tel.: +971 6 5688222
The Discovery Centre
Located on Al Dhaid Road and about 15 km away from the city centre, the Discovery Centre is one of the greatest attractions amongst Sharjah's never ending list of amazing museums. It has seven themed areas, especially designed to promote the role of science and technology in children up to 13 years. The only interactive, hands-on children's museum in the UAE, it is the place where entertainment and education is packaged into one. The centre also has a kiddie's supermarket, bank, recording studio and refreshment facilities.
Address: P.O. Box 24155, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
Opening Hours: Sunday to Thursday: 8:00 am to 2:00 pm Friday & Saturday: 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm
Tel.: +971 6 5586577
Central Souq ( Blue Souq)
The Blue Souq is the largest of Sharjah's souks. It was named so because of its uncommon blue vaulted roof. Located in the Khalid Lagoon region, the Blue Souq has two sections and about 600 shops. The first section on the ground floor houses shops that sell gold and precious stone studded jewellery, including antique Yemeni and Omani ornaments. The other section, on the upper floor has shops trading in electronic appliances, gifts items, garments, cosmetics, perfumes and so on.
Address: Located at Al Majaz, at the end of Corniche Road, close to Khalid Lagoon
Opening Hours: Saturday to Thursday: 9:00 am to 1:00 pm, 4:00 pm to 11:00 pm;
Friday: 9:00 am to noon, 4:00 pm to 11:00 pm
