No lighting tricks or green screens involved here, the installment uses water that is 100 per cent real…

Ever wanted to walk in the rain and not get drenched? Well, Sharjah Art Foundation’s Rain Room in Sharjah allows you to do just that.

The Rain Room is an immersive installation by Random International that invites visitors to walk into a downpour without them getting drenched.

What’s the catch you say? Well, there isn’t one. The water is 100 per cent real – no lighting tricks nor green screens involved here.

The only light in the otherwise dark room is the one spotlight that allows you to see the rain falling from the ceiling.

It also allows you to take some pretty impressive photos.

The Rain Room opened in May 2018 and is a part of the Sharjah Art Foundation permanent collection. It’s the only thing inside the  entire building, so it won’t take out a massive chunk of time out of your day.

Before you leave the Rain Room, or if you’re waiting for your time slot, you can stop by Fen Café and Restaurant to grab a quick drink or bite to eat.

Here’s a glimpse of what we experienced:

So, how does it work?

Networked 3D tracking cameras placed around the installment detect your movement, which sends feedback to the system to stop the rain from falling in the location that you are standing.

Even as you walk, the cameras detect your motion and send signals to the system to stop the rain flow.

A few drops may fall on you from time to time, but if you go at a slow enough pace, you’ll make it through raindrop-free. Be warned though, walk too quickly and you will end up getting drenched.

The installation uses 2,500 litres of water, and no, don’t worry, all the water doesn’t go for waste. It goes through a self-cleaning process and so is recycled.

How to get there?

The Rain Room is located in Al Mujarrah in Sharjah, right next to the Al Hamra Cinema and opposite Al Mujarrah Park. Look for a one-floor white building block.

There’s no onsite parking facilities, so try on the opposite side of the road to Rain Room (heading to Al Nabba) where you can find sandlots to park.

Tickets:

Tickets are available on site, but they can also be purchased online.

We recommend planning ahead and purchasing your tickets online to get the date and time slot that best suits your schedule.

Each session lasts for 15 minutes and time flies when you’re having fun, so make sure you enjoy your time in the rain before you spend time trying to nab that perfect pose for your next Instagram post.

Only six people are allowed in the Rain Room at once to ensure everyone enjoys the unique experience.

As much as you may want to belt out Rihanna’s ‘Umbrella‘ in the Rain Room, leave the umbrella and any other sort of rain gear at home, as they are not allowed in the installment.

Rain Room, Al Mujarrah, Sharjah, Sat to Thur 9am to 9pm, Fri 4pm to 11pm, Dhs25 adults, Dhs15 teachers, Dhs15 students under 22 (ID required), under 5s free. Tel: (06) 561 0095  sharjahart.com

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Image credit: Sharjah Art Foundation