Are you an adventure fanatic? Have you experienced dune bashing and scuba diving on the same vacation? Here’s the golden opportunity to do both and many more such thrilling activities in the third most populous city in the UAE, Sharjah. Some of the other fun things to do in Sharjah, are: experiencing a desert safari, shopping in souqs, visiting mosques, snorkeling, scuba diving, exploring a gold market, learning about calligraphy in a museum, and many more. One of the advantages of planning a vacation in this emirate is that, being an untouched gem, it is not overcrowded, which makes it easy for tourists to enjoy themselves more.
Best Things to Do in Sharjah: Get a Glimpse of the City’s Scintillating Beauty
The emirate is divided into 3 main regions, which are Sharjah city, the central region, and the east coast. From mangrove forests and soaring desert dunes to rugged mountains and pristine beaches, the regions have different terrains and a variety of places to visit, offering ample options for tourists to make a long list of things to do in Sharjah.
- Enjoy the Thrilling Desert Safari
- Buy Traditional souvenirs in Souq Saqr
- Get Blessings from Sharjah Mosque.
- Explore Marine Life at Kalba Beach
- Observe the Wildlife at Al Hefaiyah Mountain Conservation Centre
- Live an Adventurous Day in the Nahwa Enclave
- Discover Rolla Gold Market's Bling
- Hike to Al Rabi Tower
- Savor the delicious dishes at Gusti
- Learn History at Sharjah Calligraphy Museum
1. Enjoy the Thrilling Desert Safari
Sharjah is a heaven for people looking for some thrills in the desert. One of the exciting things to do in Sharjah is experience a desert safari like never before. The heart-pounding dune bashing session, quad biking on the uneven terrain that provides a massive glimpse of the desert, sandboarding, enjoying a barbecue dinner, having tea or Arabic coffee, getting Henna tattoos, enjoying Arabic Tanura dance, Stickman and a fire show, and many more such activities are a part of this amazing safari. Do not forget to capture these wondrous moments to cherish later.
Top Attractions: Adventure, food, dunes
2. Buy Traditional souvenirs in Souq Saqr
This souq was once a centre of gold trading, with the bustling waterfront packed with dhows; it is now a vast and delightful market offering traditional Arabic souvenirs and many other items such as spices and herbs, henna and fragrances, perfumes and oils, sheesha pipes and flavoured tobacco, rabic abayas, sheilas, serwals, and many more. A wonderland for shopaholics, one can also have a leisurely stroll through the souq and browse through the items just for fun.
Top Attractions: Arabic souvenirs, perfumes
3. Get Blessings from Sharjah Mosque
One of the best things to do in Sharjah is to visit this fantastic pagan site with incredible architecture. Known to be the largest mosque in the emirate, it is designed in the Ottoman style and cordially welcomes non-Muslims to take the blessings of the almighty. The aesthetics of the mosque are based on traditional Islamic architecture, like the prayer hall, which displays a spectacular dome ceiling, inscribed with Arabic calligraphy. The grandeur of the mosque comes with the ever so grand and beautiful chandelier and the mihrab. Other than the prayer hall, the open grounds with sparkling fountains and waterfalls create a serene environment and will leave you impressed.
Top Attractions: Architecture, beauty
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4. Explore Marine Life at Kalba Beach
If you want to move freely deep under water and encounter colourful marine life, Kalba beach is one of the most beautiful places to visit in Sharjah. Scuba diving is one of the many water sports like fishing, snorkeling, etc., that one can participate in at this beach. One need not be a professional diver or swimmer as the tourists are always first informed about the basics and accompanied by the instructors. Also, an interesting nesting site for hawksbill turtles, Kalba is one of the beautiful beaches in Sharjah. It is spread over 7 kilometres of shimmering sand and turquoise water, and tourists can come with their chairs and relax at the beach.
Top Attractions: Water sports, sunbathing
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5. Observe the Wildlife at Al Hefaiyah Mountain Conservation Centre
This centre is one of the best places to visit in the UAE for people with children or who are interested in watching and learning about wildlife. It is home to 30 native mountain and desert species, with some indoor exhibits of animals like snakes, hedgehogs, scorpions, and lizards. There is also a larger landscape enclosure that has animals like Arabian leopards, wolves, tahr, and caracals, or desert lynx. Tourists can opt for a guide who would give detailed information about the animals and also encourage you to ask more and more questions. Tourists can rest and relax on the premises after their tour ends, get some fresh air, and enjoy Kalba.
Top Attractions: wildlife, information, relaxation
6. Live an Adventurous Day in the Nahwa Enclave
One of the adventurous things to do in Sharjah is visit Nahwa, which has a mysterious vibe that adds to the thrill of a variety of activities that can be done in this enclave. One can pack their bags and go camping around different spots, or ride a bike through the Wadi and enjoy charming views of the lush plantations and rocky peaks. If one feels like hiking, there is a heart-pounding hike in Nahwa on the rocky peaks. The hike isn’t easy, but the view from the summit is breathtaking. If you are on a vacation with family and friends, enjoying some hours in the fresh water pools is the best way to spend a day in Nahwa.
Top Attractions: Camping, swimming, hiking
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7. Discover Rolla Gold Market's Bling
Dubai is famous for being known as the "city of gold," but Sharjah astonishes people when they visit and realise that there are great deals to be found in this emirate also. The place has clusters of shops selling beautiful golden jewellery, and if you are on a honeymoon in the UAE, buying some sparkle and bling for your beloved from the Rolla Gold Market is a must. As the name suggests, the market is known for selling high-quality gold jewellery with traditional and modern designs. The quality of gold ranges from 18 to 24 carat, along with precious gems, semi-precious stones, pearls, and other jewels.
Top Attractions: Gold, gems, pearls
8. Hike to Al Rabi Tower
A beautiful, lush green mountain with a well-laid trail above Khor Fakkan town and the ocean by the side is what one will find on the hike to Al Rabi Tower. This is one of the easiest hikes in the UAE and beginners are recommended to try it out. Tourists with children can easily complete this hike while resting at several spots and enjoying the beauty of the place. After reaching the peak, the sight of the town, the industrial port, and the hillsides around you will be enough to take your breath away.
Top Attractions: Hiking, scenic views
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9. Savor the delicious dishes at Gusti
One of the most famous restaurants in Sharjah is Gusti, and for all the right reasons. The variety of cuisines, the ambiance, the location, and the view; all combined, give you an amazing experience. The restaurant is a part of the Sheraton Sharjah Beach Resort & Spa, where people not staying at the hotel are also welcome. The restaurant specialises in Middle Eastern, International, Vegetarian, Vegan, and Halal dishes. Some of the most popular dishes among the visitors are kebabs, chocolate pudding, eggs, etc. The iftar buffet with live music in the background is something people look forward to.
Top Attractions: Dishes, ambiance
10. Learn History at Sharjah Calligraphy Museum
Visiting the only museum in the Arab world dedicated to Arabic calligraphy has to be on your list of things to do in Sharjah. The museum exhibits the history of calligraphy from early Kufic scripts to more fluid styles and celebrates this timeless Islamic art form. The museum also displays a collection of local and famous international calligraphers who have put their talents on canvas, wood, paper, and ceramic. There are plenty of ongoing workshops in calligraphy within the museum for people interested in either learning the basics or showing their talent.
Top Attractions: Calligraphy, art, history
This pearl of the Gulf offers a combination of culture, heritage, art and outdoor activities. Some of the best things to do in Sharjah are to take a stroll through the calligraphy museum and learn about the history, enjoy a four-wheel drive through the dunes, dive in the blue waters of the ocean, or bask under the sun at a beach. There are different tours of the city, like half-day tours, cultural theme tours, etc., which are also one of the ways to explore this beautiful place. Plan a vacation in Sharjah, take advantage of the UAE tour packages, and create beautiful memories of this amazing emirate.
Things to Do in Sharjah - FAQs
There are plenty of things that can be done in Sharjah, like learning about the history of calligraphy in the museum, taking a desert safari, doing water sports in many places, hiking, trekking, camping, visiting a mosque and so many other activities.
Sharjah International Airport is the name of the main airport in Sharjah. There are many hotels near the airport if one wishes to stay.
Spending 6 to 10 days in Sharjah is enough to understand the culture of the place and indulge in the various activities like dune bashing, snorkeling, hiking, etc. that the place offers.
This is the only museum in the Arab world which is completely dedicated to Arabic calligraphy and its history. Tourists can learn about its beginning and also take part in the ongoing workshops inside the museum. The works of renowned calligraphers are also displayed in the museum.
Yes, Sharjah is a hidden gem that should be explored more by tourists. There are a variety of activities that can be done and many interesting places that one can visit in Sharjah.
It is a reserve that is home to many wild animals. Like snakes, hedgehogs, scorpions, lizards, Arabian leopards, wolves, tahr, and desert lynx. Tourists can book a tour to explore and learn about all the animals.
The best time to visit Sharjah is either in the months between December and February or March and April. The weather during these months is pleasant and tourists can easily explore the place.
A desert safari offers a once in a lifetime experience in the dunes. There are plenty of activities that can be done during a desert safari, like dune bashing, sandboarding, riding the ATV etc.
