Why visit Sharjah?

For a mix of seaside relaxation and cultural exploration in the UAE, Sharjah is hard to beat. This Arabian Capital of Culture has plenty of treasures for the culturally curious visitor. UNESCO-listed for its Arabian heritage and with scores of museums, one of Sharjah's main draws is its rich cultural and sightseeing offering. In this quiet corner of Arabia you can also discover local customs, traditional souks and a gentle pace of life along the waterfront corniches. In Sharjah City alone you can find the huge bustling Blue Souk, so-named for its blue-glaze tiles, and the Heritage Quarter with its old fort and traditional restored houses.

Sharjah is also particularly appealing for travellers in search of a little haven of peace and quiet.

There's plenty of room to breathe, enjoy the wonderful climate and take in the breathtaking vistas of blue skies above sand-fringed lagoons and golden shores in Sharjah. Ample space means there are lots of resorts with wide landscaped grounds and private beaches where you can completely relax and unwind in a tranquil setting.

What is there to see and do?

While being situated so close to Dubai, Sharjah is a very different place. Rich in tradition, it is home to a historic centre, heritage area, fabulous souks and a fantastic array of museums and galleries - all of which make this an excellent place to go if you're keen to soak up a little culture. Among the highlights are the Sharjah Heritage Area, where you can stroll among authentically restored Bedouin village homes, and the variety of museums on offer. Particularly worth a visit is the Sharjah Museum of Islamic Civilisation, which provides a fascinating and comprehensive look at the the history of the Islamic faith, including everything from art to Arab scientific achievements. Sharjah Art Museum, meanwhile, is another cultural must-see, and includes a permanent Orientalist collection, as well as a space for temporary exhibitions. Sharjah is also home to some excellent souks. Topping your list should be the Blue Souk - also known as the Central Souk.
 

The best time to visit

Sharjah is the ideal winter sun destination. Either side of the hot season is the best time to visit the emirate, with November and March having pleasant temperatures for both sunbathing and sightseeing. In the intense summer heat of June, July and August, outdoor activities such as desert safaris can be tough-going so if you plan to explore outside your hotel it's best to avoid travelling then. From October to April the sun is generally less fierce and temperatures are much milder. If you decide to go to Sharjah in the winter, you may find that it's cool outside after dark, but a light jumper or cardigan will keep you from feeling the chill.
 

Travel tips

Sharjah is a particularly conservative emirate with a modest dress code and no alcohol served anywhere. The emirate's beach resorts often have their own sweeps of sand where usual swimwear such as bikinis and trunks are the norm. But away from the hotels, beach wear is considered inappropriate attire and this includes shorts for both men and women. If you are going for a stroll along the corniche, shopping at the mall or sightseeing in the heritage area it's a good idea to respect local cultural traditions by wearing attire below the knee and covering your shoulders.

Though most indoor places are air conditioned, it's generally very hot in the UAE so consider packing clothing in light breathable fabrics such as cotton and linen. In winter, around December to February, temperatures can drop dramatically at night in the desert and along the coast, so bring a cardigan, jumper or light jacket if you plan to be outdoors after dark.