Here's Why You Should Plan Your Next Trip to Sharjah

Cultural and cosmopolitan, the third largest city of the United Arab Emirates, Sharjah may be less popular than its counterpart, Dubai, but by no means any lesser in what it has to offer. From beaches and buildings to malls and museums, the authentic experiences of the region will steal your heart. Here is why you should plan your next trip to Sharjah.  

Attractions

Sharjah boasts of several tourist attractions that are worth checking out. Art connoisseurs will love the displays at the Sharjah Art Museum where works by Gulf artists are on display. Hung on the walls of the museum are paintings by Abdulqader Al Rais, Louay Kayali and Ismail Fatah Al-Turk, among other notable names. If looking for some spectacular architecture, head straight to the Al Noor Mosque, flaunting an elegant Ottoman style architecture. History buffs will be in for a treat at the Sharjah Museum of Islamic Civilization that showcases Islamic arts and culture dating between the 7th and 19th centuries including Mughal and Ottoman creations. For some outdoor fun, the Al Mamzar Beach Park is the perfect spot. With swaying palms and sandy beachfronts, the Gulf waters are ideal for swimming, jet skiing and kayaking. If you prefer to stay on shore, the park also has a picnic and barbeque area, amphitheatre, skating and bicycle paths and cafes. The Sharjah Maritime Museum is where you can see traditional wooden dhows and collections of pearls including what is believed to be the oldest pearl in the world! From here, drop in to the nearby Sharjah Aquarium to marvel at over 150 species of marine life like moray eels, reef sharks and seahorses. Of course, no trip to the Emirates would be complete without shopping at a traditional souk. Owing to its blue exterior, the Blue Souk houses over 600 vendors selling antiques, carpets, gold, perfume and souvenirs.

Day Trips

Centrally located, Sharjah is easily accessible to the other Emirates. Head to Dubai for a day filled with plenty to keep you busy. In addition to museums and monuments, attractions like Palm Jumeirah, Dubai Creek and Burj Khalifa are tourist favourites along with glitzy shopping venues like the Dubai Mall, Mall of the Emirates and Dubai Gold Souk. The parks and resorts like Legoland Dubai, Aquaventure Waterpark and Ski Dubai are other popular hotspots.

Distance: 27 kilometres

Abu Dhabi makes for an equally action-packed day trip from Sharjah. Starting with the stately Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque and ancient Al-Hosn Fort, the Emirates Park Zoo with animals like lions, zebras and a Siberian bear and Saadiyat Cultural District housing the Louvre Abu Dhabi are some of the attractions here. For unique experiences, visit the thrilling Ferrari World Abu Dhabi theme park and Observation Deck at 300 at Jumeirah at Etihad Towers for stunning 360-degree views of the city.

Distance: 163 kilometres

In Ras Al Khaimah, explore the highest mountain in the United Arab Emirates, Jebel Jais, at a height of 1,934 metres. With cooler temperatures than the cities, indulge in some adrenaline pumping activities like ziplining and cycling. Other ecosystems at Ras Al Khaimah are salt flats and mangroves where you can see unique landscapes and indigenous flora and fauna.
Distance: 86 kilometres

For another adventurous excursion, head to Hatta where you can go mountain biking and hiking around the Hajar Mountains. Hatta Lake is ideal for kayaking and the turquoise waters stand out brilliantly against the craggy ecru landscape.

Distance: 118 kilometres

Hotels

Warm and welcoming, the hotels in Sharjah are many across categories and budgets. Some options to consider are:

Budget: Ramada Sharjah (INR 3,059 per night) | Sharjah Premiere Hotel & Resort (INR 3,272 per night) | Citymax Sharjah Hotel (INR 3,320 per night)

Mid-Level: Golden Tulip Sharjah (INR 4,138 per night) | Emirates Palace Hotel Suites (INR 4,875 per night) | Coral Beach Resort Sharjah (INR 4,892 per night)

Luxury: Sharjah Grand Hotel (INR 7,463 per night) | Radisson Blu Resort Sharjah (INR 9,015 per night) | Hilton Sharjah (INR 9,408 per night)

**(all tariffs are subject to change based on availability)

Book Your Sharjah Holiday Now!