Discover Sharjah 2026

As the only emirate that upholds stricter Islamic laws and bans alcohol, Sharjah instead invested heavily in culture and education, which earned it the title Cultural Capital of the Arab World from UNESCO in 1998.

The Sharjah Museum of Islamic Civilization and the Archaeology Museum are among the city's more than 20 museums, offering an exceptionally broad cultural range from Islamic art to marine biology for such a small emirate city.

The centrally located Souk Al Markazi, decorated with blue tiles, offers traditional gold jewelry, Persian carpets and spices across two floors and is considered one of the most authentic and architecturally impressive bazaars in the UAE.

The small, artificially built island at the heart of the city houses a colorful butterfly garden as well as elaborate sculptures, offering a peaceful green retreat in the middle of the urban center.

Sharjah Airport lies only about 15 kilometers from the center; alternatively, the city is reachable from Dubai by car or taxi in about 30 to 45 minutes.

As the only emirate that upholds stricter Islamic laws and bans alcohol, Sharjah instead invested heavily in culture and education, which earned it the title Cultural Capital of the Arab World from UNESCO in 1998.

The Sharjah Museum of Islamic Civilization and the Archaeology Museum are among the city's more than 20 museums, offering an exceptionally broad cultural range from Islamic art to marine biology for such a small emirate city.

The centrally located Souk Al Markazi, decorated with blue tiles, offers traditional gold jewelry, Persian carpets and spices across two floors and is considered one of the most authentic and architecturally impressive bazaars in the UAE.