The Ultimate Guide to Cultural Immersion in Sharjah

Records show that Sharjah has been inhabited for at least 5000 years and the emirate is rich in heritage sites and cultural traditions passed down for generations. Immerse yourself in the heritage of the region by walking through the carefully preserved Heart of Sharjah and imagine the lives of ancient civilizations in the Mleiha Archaeological Site. Are you ready to journey back in time? Read on for the ultimate Sharjah three day cultural itinerary.

Day 1 - A day and night in the Heart of Sharjah

To begin your exploration of Sharjah culture, you will spend the day in the Heart of Sharjah. This cultural district is home to over a dozen museums, galleries and souqs and is the perfect way to learn about Emirati history. Start your day with traditional tea from the Arabian Tea House or a coffee from Ratios Coffee located in Souq Al Shanasiyah. From there, wander the alleyways of the souq and feel free to drop into the Chedi Al Bait hotel, home to the only round windtower in the region, or one of the many museums that catch your eye - as there are plenty.

After your morning of wandering, have lunch at one of the many Emirati restaurants in the Heart of Sharjah district. Traditionally, lunch is a larger meal often with rice and meat or fish and you’ll notice your dishes are filled with spices like cinnamon, saffron and turmeric. Satisfied with your meal, head to Al Hisn museum - a well preserved ancient fort that houses a museum outlining the last 200 years of Sharjah history.

After your history ‘lesson’, explore the many galleries of the Sharjah Art Foundation, which houses a rotating collection of modern art as well as paintings from the Sheikh of Sharjah’s collection, or head back to your hotel for a break before dinner and evening activities.

In the evening, do as the locals do and stroll along the Buhaira Corniche or Al Majaz waterfront for views of the city reflected along the water. For dinner, consider trying one of the many enticing restaurants in the city; from South Asian to intriguing fusion to family favourites.

Day 2 - Ancient desert

On day two, take after the Bedouins of ancient times, pack your bags and prepare to leave the city to trek across the desert. By rental car or pre-arranged transport (easily organised by one of the many tourist companies in Sharjah), you’ll make your way to Mleiha Archaeological Centre about an hour away from Sharjah City. Leaving the city you’ll enter the desert ecosystem of central Sharjah, look out for camels on the drive!

Once arriving in Mleiha, you can opt for the 6km hike to Fossil Rock, getting first hand experience of the rugged desert that ancient human groups traversed. If hiking doesn’t appeal, spend more time at the Mleiha Archaeological Centre which houses numerous important sites and an impressive museum. Mleiha offers guided tours for both Arabic and English and will be able to paint a complete picture of the history of the area.

As the sun sets, head to your evening campsite, Mleiha offers a variety of packages and options for overnight stays including family tents and luxury glamping. A barbecue feast will be served on long tables nestled among the sand dunes, and the dark sky is perfect for stargazing.

Day 3 - Museums and mosques

Head back into Sharjah City, making sure to stop at Sharjah Mosque which is located on the outskirts of the city. This immense building can accommodate up to 25,000 worshipers, with an inside capacity of over 5,000 people. . After arriving in the city, visit The Museum of Islamic Civilization which houses seven galleries on two stories brimming with cultural and religious artefacts, a treasure trove of information about the region. . Afterwards, plan a visit to another of Sharjah’s splendid mosques - Al Noor Mosque. This mosque is open to the public on Sharjah’s corniche and provides complimentary tours. With a comprehensive understanding of Sharjah and its attractions, now is the time to revisit a favourite or choose a new Sharjah destination, www.visitsharjah.com.

Before you go:

Make sure you book your camping in advance, as Mleiha campsites fill up quickly, especially during astronomical events! Most museums and galleries offer complimentary tours, so make sure you ask when you enter if there is a possibility for a guide.

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The Ultimate Immersion into Sharjah Culture

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