Sharjah

This emirate is considered to be the cultural capital of the UAE, thanks to a large number of different museums.

Central Market (Blue souk)

This market, rightly considered an architectural masterpiece, consists of two identical buildings, somewhat reminiscent of giant steam locomotives. The lower floor of that half, which is closer to the lagoon, is mainly occupied by shops selling gold, textiles, perfumes, cameras and video cameras. In a distant building, they sell ready-made clothes and electronics. Take a look at the wooden furniture from Jaipur, Persian and Pakistani carpets, as well as Nepalese pashmina from wool and silk. In total there are about 600 stores, which makes Blue Souk one of the largest wholesale and retail markets on the Arabian Peninsula. The market is fully air-conditioned, so that even in the midst of summer it can be completely circumvented. Next to it is the King Faisal Mosque, the largest in the UAE (accommodates 3,000 worshipers).

Opening hours: from 9:00 to 13:00 and from 16:00 to 23:00 (on Fridays, the lunch break starts an hour earlier).

Museum of Islamic Civilization

Contains a rare collection of Arabic manuscripts and the largest collection of coins of the Muslim world, including silver dinars and dirhams of the reign of the Abassids and Umayyads. The navigational instruments of the ancient Arabian seafarers and the unique “inverted” world map compiled a thousand years ago by the Arab geographer Sharif Al-Idrizi are especially impressive. There is also a copy of the Kiswa blanket used to cover the Kaaba in Mecca.

Opening hours: from 8:00 to 20:00 (Fridays from 16:00 to 20:00)
Free admission.
Tel .: (06) 565 2988

Archaeological Museum

Moving through the halls of this beautiful large building, you can find out the whole history of the existence of mankind on the Arabian Peninsula. Here are the finds made in Sharjah, belonging to the Stone, Iron and Bronze Ages. Along with them are models of houses of the first inhabitants of the Emirates. Through the touch screens of computers, access to images from the archives of the museum and educational games for children is opened.

Opening hours: from 9:00 to 20:00 (break from 13:00 to 17:00)
Free admission.
Tel .: (06) 566 5466

National Heritage Museum

Museum buildings are located in the old courtyard of the Al-Nabud family estate. They are a prime example of traditional Arabian architecture. The museum exhibits national clothing and cultural heritage items. You can buy antique items and replicas of antique jewelry at the nearby Al Ars Bazaar.

Opening hours: from 9:00 to 20:00 (lunch from 13:00 to 17:00), on Fridays only after lunch.
Free admission.
Tel .: (06) 569 3999

Desert Park and Arabia Wildlife Center

This modern educational and research center breeds endangered animals and plants. It is famous for its zoo, equipped with the latest technology, a museum of natural history (tel. (06) 531 1411) and a children's educational park. Wild animals feel at ease: the real conditions of their life in nature are recreated here. Visitors can admire the many birds living in a huge indoor enclosure.

Opening hours: from 9:00 to 17:30, Tuesday - day off, on Fridays from 14:00 to 17:30
Tel .: (06) 531 1999

Fort Al Hisn

It was built in 1820 by the Sultan Ibn Sakr, the first sheikh of the Kawashim dynasty, who planned to make Sharjah his capital. The fort has long been the political center of the emirate. In 1969 it was almost completely destroyed; new modern buildings appeared on the site of the fortress. In 1996, the fort was restored according to old drawings, however, only two walls and a 12 meter high tower were preserved from 19th century buildings. Now here is a museum, among the exhibits of which are weapons, coins, jewelry and accessories for catching pearls.

Opening hours: from 9:00 to 13:00 and from 17:00 to 20:00.
On Wednesday afternoon, only women with children are allowed.
Open on Fridays after lunch.
Free admission.
Tel .: (06) 512 9999

Art Museum

The paintings, documents and maps of the XVIII century from the personal collection of the ruler of Sharjah are presented here along with abstract paintings by contemporary artists. The permanent exhibition is accompanied by an active exchange of exhibitions with foreign museums. The famous International Biennale is also held here. This major event takes place in the spring of every odd year. The museum has a cafe-bar and underground parking.

Opening hours: from 8:00 to 20:00.
On Wednesday afternoon, open only to women and children, on Friday from 16:00 to 20:00
Free admission.
Tel .: (06) 568 8222

Museum of Arabic Calligraphy

Its galleries contain works by Arab, Persian and Turkish artists. In winter, students at work in ceramics and calligraphy workshops can be seen.

Opening hours: from 9:00 to 20:00 (lunch from 13:00 to 17:00), on Fridays only after lunch.
Free admission.
Tel .: (06) 568 3334

Museum of Aviation "Al Mahatta"

At the site of the first Al-Mahatta airport in the Middle East, which opened in 1932 last century with the aim of making commercial flights from the UK to India, today is the museum of the same name. The exhibits presented in it are dedicated to the history of aviation development in the region, air transport, the history of man's first attempts to fly into space and land on the moon.

Opening hours: 08:00 - 20:00 (on weekdays) and 16:00 - 20:00 (on Fridays).
Admission is paid: 5 drh (adult ticket) and 10 drh (family ticket).

Science museum

In the Science Museum, visitors will be able to observe the implementation of scientific achievements in the course of practical experiments, as well as study optical illusions, explore the basics of aerodynamics, cryogenics and physiology. It is an ideal place to learn, research and have fun with family and friends.

Opening hours: Sunday to Thursday, from 08:00 to 14:00, on Fridays and Saturdays - from 16:00 to 20:00
Tel .: (06) 566 8777

Beit Al Nabuda Fortress

Visit the former residence of the influential Al Shamsi merchant family, built in 1845, and admire its unique architectural features and magnificent courtyard.

Opening hours: Saturday to Thursday - from 08:00 to 20:00, on Fridays - from 16:00 to 20:00
Tel .: (06) 568 1738

The House of Sheikh Saeed Bin Hamad Al Kassimi

Visit the famous beachfront residence of the ruling Sharjah dynasty in Kalba, where you can see an extensive collection of archaeological finds, weapons and cultural heritage items of unique value to the eastern part of Sharjah.

Opening hours: Saturday to Thursday - from 09:00 to 13:00 and from 17:00 to 20:00, on Mondays - from 09:00 to 13:00, on Fridays - from 17:00 to 20:00
Tel .: (06) 277 4442

Classic Car Museum

The museum opened in 2008. It presents more than 100 classic cars of the last century. Visitors can familiarize themselves with the fascinating history and evolution of all modes of transport.

Opening hours: from Saturday to Thursday - from 08:00 to 20:00, on Fridays - from 16:00 to 20:00, on Sunday - a day off
Tel .: (06) 558 0222

Maritime Museum

Embark on a journey to the only maritime museum in the Middle East that contains the history of the UAE and Sharjah. The museum displays boats and gear used for fishing, collecting pearls and trading activities.

Opening hours: Saturday to Thursday - from 08:00 to 20:00, on Fridays - from 16:00 to 20:00
Tel .: (06) 522 2002

School Museum "Al Esla"

Find out what school life was like 70 years ago by wandering around the halls of the first school in Sharjah. Residents from all over the region have come here for many years to study Arabic and Islam.

Opening hours: Saturday to Thursday - from 08:00 to 20:00, on Fridays - from 16:00 to 20:00
Tel .: (06) 568 4114

Aquarium

The Sharjah Aquarium features a multicolored, rich and diverse underwater world. More than 250 marine inhabitants coexist peacefully in it: from miniature seahorses and hedgehogs to large and small fish that swim in unique aquariums that accurately reproduce the seabed with coral reefs and artificial lagoons. On special electronic stands that can be easily used by both adults and children, complete information in Arabic and English about the inhabitants of the underwater world presented in the Aquarium is placed.

Opening hours: 08:00 - 20:00 (Monday to Thursday), 16:00 - 21:00 (Fridays), 08:00 - 21:00 (Saturdays).
Admission is paid: 20 drx (adult ticket), children under 5 years old - free of charge.

Cognitive center

The scientific and educational center allows children to learn in a playful way. The network of thematic zones allows children to explore the world and realize that science and technology are an integral part of everyday life.

Opening hours: Sunday to Thursday, from 08:00 to 14:00, on Fridays and Saturdays - from 16:00 to 20:00
Tel .: (06) 558 6577

Watch the video: Sharjah City 28th March 2019 (March 2024).