Explore the emirates: 9 fun things to do in Sharjah
The cultural capital of the UAE…
If you’re looking to explore the rest of the UAE, we highly recommend checking out Sharjah. Whether you’re driving through or staying indefinitely there are plenty of fun things to do in Sharjah from a copious amount of cultural and heritage sites to beautiful art museums, cute cafes and restaurants and more, you’re sure to find something fun to do.
* Wonderful things to do in Umm Al Quwain *
* Top things to do in Fujairah *
* Amazing things to do in Ras Al Khaimah *
Here are 9 of the most best things to do in Sharjah.
It’s a glorious feeling at the Rain Room Sharjah
In recent months we’ve seen quite a bit of rain, but the rest of the year is normally rather dry. If you’re missing the drops of water trickling all around you – Rain Room Sharjah is the perfect spot to head to – without the worry of getting wet. Fueled by Sharjah Art Foundation, Rain Room Sharjah is a permanent installation that will allow you to walk through the rain without getting soaked. Take the whole family and walk away with some cool photos to share.
Rain Room, Al Sharq, Al Mujarrah, open Sat to Thu from 9am to 9pm, Fri 4pm to 10pm, Dhs25 per ticket. Tel: (0)6 561 0095 rainroom.sharjahart.org
Get in touch with nature
Ever wanted to get up close and personal with butterflies? You can at Al Noor Island which is home to over 70,000 trees, plants (of the indigenous and endangered variety) as well as the incredible butterfly house. Guests are invited to wander and wonder at the stunning nature around them. Whether you’re after a guided tour or simply looking to explore the venue on your own, you’re sure to be thrilled.
Al Noor Island, Sun to Thu 9am to 11pm, Fri to Sat 9am to 12am, alnoorisland.ae
Falafil Al Comodor
For those looking for a tried and tested hidden gem, this one is for you. This no-fuss falafel shop is the perfect place for those looking for delicious bites that really won’t break the bank but will deliver on all the flavour. It is by no means fancy, but we can say their falafels tasted authentic and delicious. They also do shawarma and falafel sandwiches.
Falafil Al Comodor, various locations in Sharjah.
Sharjah Safari Park
Exploring the savannahs just got a whole lot easier. Deemed the world’s largest safari park outside of Africa, Sharjah Safari Park is home to around 50,000 animals including birds, gazelles, giraffes, African wild turtles, crocodiles, lions, African rock pythons, elephants, flamingos and more. The park has a large natural lake, African trees plus restaurants, cafes, a conference hall, a safari visitors camp and more.
Sharjah Safari Park, daily 8.30am to 6.30pm, tickets start from Dhs40. Tel: (0)6 803 7777 sharjahsafari.org
Head to the desert for a pop-up cafe
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Some of our favourite desert cafes are located in Sharjah, including the highly popular The Uncommon. While weather permits, they are the perfect excuse to take a road trip to the middle of nowhere and enjoy a coffee and pastry or two. For a full guide to desert pop-up cafes click here.
various cafes around Sharjah
House of Wisdom
Covering an area of more than 12,000 square feet and according to Emirates News Agency (WAM), House of Wisdom is home to over 300,000 books in digital format, languages and more.
House of Wisdom, Al Juraina 1, Sharjah, open daily 10am to 8pm. Tel:(0)6 594 0000. @sharjahhow
Sink your toes into the sand
Di you know that Sharjah is home to a picturesque 7km coastline, including Kalba beach? Located just off Khor Kalba’s Mangrove Conservation Reserve, this area is the home to rare animals and the only place in the UAE where Arabian-collared kingfishers breed. Soak up the pristine waters, whilst trying to spot some endangered wildlife such as the Hawksbill turtles. Go chat and make friends with local fishermen who use these shores for their daily catches. Pack a beachside spread before you arrive to enjoy the most of your experience.
Kalba Beach, Sharjah, next to Khor Kalba Mangrove Conservation Reserve, open daily
Catch a Wave while you enjoy a coffee
We’re all for cafes that are beautifully decorated and this cafe is no different. Wave is a stunning cafe that overlooks the ocean. With a flowing roof to mimic the motion of the ocean, head down for a quick cup of brew-tiful coffee or stay and enjoy yummy dishes such as a vol au vent or truffle rigatoni.
Wave, Dibba Al Hisn, open daily from 8am to midnight. Tel: (0)54 487 9991 @wave.ad
Check out a museum or two
Sharjah being the cultural capital of the UAE means that there are plenty of museums to check out. If you’re a bit of a petrolhead – we would recommend you check out the Classic Car Museum. With vehicles from the 20th century, you can see a Model T Ford or even a Mercedes Pullman Limousine. Otherwise, the Sharjah Calligraphy Museum is a timeless celebration of Islamic art with centuries worth of Arabic heritage.
Images: Visit Sharjah and socials