Of the states that make up the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Sharjah is not only the third largest, but also the third most populous. Unlike some of its glitzier neighbours, it is more about history, cultural and heritage than living the luxurious lifestyle and was awarded the title UNESCO, Arab City of Culture. 

Whilst the outskirts is a maze of traffic lanes, the old town is easy to explore on foot at a leisurely pace, with numerous cultural areas, vibrant souks and some world-class museums. Those that should not be missed include the Sharjah Heritage Museum and the Art Museum but make sure you leave plenty of time for The Sharjah Museum of Islamic Civilisation, one of the best museums in the Emirates focusing on the full breadth of Islamic history and culture. It holds a wealth of fascinating and well-laid out exhibits that trace the course of Islam from the early years of the Islamic empires through to the present day.

For those keen on ancient civilisations, we recommend venturing deep into the desert to The Mleiha Archaeological Centre with its still active and ongoing excavation programme, unearthing the secrets of the region’s ancient past and allowing you to step back in time and learn about the settlers in the region during the Palaeolithic, Neolithic, Bronze, Iron, pre-Islamic and Islamic through to modern times.

Best time to visit Sharjah:

High Season runs from November to April

Shoulder Season sits within September and October

Low Season between May and August

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