Sharjah is eclectic mix of culture and modernity. Though the city may not be as advanced as the other Emirates, Dubai and Abu Dhabi, Sharjah still has wonderful attractions that imbibe modernity and tradition. Sharjah is developing fast as a holiday destination, and will soon compete with the other Emirates. There’s a lot you can see, do and experience in Sharjah. So, if you are looking for a unique Middle Eastern holiday, consider Sharjah. Here are few awesome things to do in Sharjah.
Visit Al Qasba
Start off at a fun place. Al Qasba is the place where quite a few attractions of Sharjah are located, including the Eye of the Emirates Ferris wheel. You just have to take a ride aboard. It reaches a height of 60 metres, and you can see views upto 50 kilometres wide. It will be an exciting ride. Once down, there are many restaurants, cafes, and retail centres to have a good, leisurely time at. There’s also a canal where you can take a ride in a traditional abra. You can also visit the Al Qasba theatre and catch the latest concert. Al Qasba is the best place to experience the lifestyle of the people of Sharjah.
Admire the Sharjah Art Museum
Sharjah is the art centre of the Middle East. This fact is very significant because there are strict rules regarding art in Islam. This is the reason why there aren’t many art museums and exhibitions in the Middle East. But the Sharjah Art Museum is the largest art museum in U.A.E. A total of 72 galleries, spread across 3 floors hosts art from H.H. Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qassimi, the ruler of Sharjah’s collection. There are also paintings by 18th Century painters who were influenced by the Middle East. In the contemporary section, there are paintings by more than 300 modern artists. Sharjah Art Museum is always packed with tourists and is must-visit place.
Shop at the Blue Souk
With more than 600 shops to sell you everything from gold to hand-woven carpets, the Blue Souk is Sharjah’s favourite place to shop. It is also known as Sharjah’s Central Market, and is a good place to experience traditional market shopping. Though the place looks like a mall from outside, adorned with stylish blue tiles, from the inside, it is set up to look like a traditional market place. Rows and rows of stalls selling everything from souvenirs, clothing, spices, antiques, jewellery, etc., will make you think you are in an Arabian market in the middle ages. There different sections for specialised products. And if you are hungry, there are many cafes as well serving delicious food and beverage. Therefore, make sure your itinerary has some leisure shopping time.
Get Enlightened at the Sharjah Natural History Museum
A place for nature and history lovers, the Sharjah Natural History Museum is where lost and historical flora and fauna come alive. It is divided into 3 sections – Natural History Museum, The ChildrenÍs Farm, and Arabian Wildlife Centre. Natural History Museum showcases the natural history of the world, and of the Middle East. At The ChildrenÍs Farm, children can interact with farm and domestic animals, and even learn about them. At The Arabian Wildlife Centre, there are live samples of a rare flora, and there are recreated statues of lost Fauna, and information about them. The famous Geology Section carries in-depth knowledge on the origins of the world, and draws the most tourists. The Sharjah Natural History Museum is a place rich with knowledge, and you will leave this place feeling a lot smarter.
Feel Divine at Al Noor Mosque
Every Emirate in U.A.E. has a culturally significant mosque and the Al Noor Mosque is the one in Sharjah.Though the mosque is not very old, it is the first mosque that opened doors to expats and tourists as her highness, Sheikha Jawaher bint Mohammed al Qassimi, wanted the tourist to see the beauty and culture of Islam in U.A.E. Since then, the number of tourists has only increased, who come to see the beautiful Turkish Ottoman architecture, the pools, the minarets and the world record breaking wooden charity box that was installed in 2014. Al Noor Mosque promises peace, quiet and divine feeling to everyone who visits.
Get Lost in the Sharjah Aquarium
The Sharjah Aquarium is the largest government education centre in the country. This massive aquarium is home to more 150 species and serves the dual purpose of an aquarium and a conservatory. There are close to more than 20 different aquariums spread over 2 massive floors. You can see marine life like eels, rays, reef sharks, and other rare species. Sharjah Aquarium is also home to a lot of knowledge on U.A.E.’s coastline, and also holds marine creatures exclusive to the area. It is a great place to spend a day, and feel like you are actually living under the sea.
The above mentioned are some of the best things to do in Sharjah. But there are more places like Sharjah Heritage Area, Sharjah Corniche, Sharjah Museum of Islamic Civilization, and Sharjah Archaeology Museum that are worth a visit too. So, plan a trip to Sharjah today, it is U.A.E.’s most culturally rich Emirate.
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