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Dubai, United Arab Emirates
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United Arab Emirates
Sharjah Travel Guide
Sharjah is the third-largest city in the UAE and sits directly north of Dubai, so the two cities almost run into each other. It is known for its museums, restored heritage quarter and family-friendly waterfronts rather than nightlife, and it is the home base of Air Arabia at Sharjah International Airport.
- Best time: November to March
- Airport: SHJ / DXB
- UAE dirham
Overview
About Sharjah
Sharjah is the third-largest city in the UAE and sits directly north of Dubai, so the two cities almost run into each other. It is known for its museums, restored heritage quarter and family-friendly waterfronts rather than nightlife, and it is the home base of Air Arabia at Sharjah International Airport.
The emirate follows more conservative rules than Dubai: alcohol is not sold, and modest dress is expected in public. Many travellers stay here for the calmer atmosphere and generally lower hotel rates, then visit Dubai by road — but rush-hour traffic between the two cities can be heavy.
- Best time to visit
- November to March
- Currency
- UAE dirham (AED), pegged to the US dollar
- Time zone
- Gulf Standard Time (UTC+4), no daylight saving
- Language
- Arabic is the official language; English is widely spoken in hotels and shops
Hotels in Sharjah
Where to stay in Sharjah
Each area links to places to stay on our Sharjah hotels page.
- Al Majaz & Al QasbaTwo linked waterfronts on Khalid Lagoon and Al Qasba canal, with fountains, parks, cafés and the Eye of the Emirates wheel. The most popular hotel area for first-time visitors.
- Heart of Sharjah & the CornicheThe restored old town between the Corniche and Al Mureijah, with traditional coral-stone houses, Souq Al Arsah and the Sharjah Museum of Islamic Civilization within walking distance.
- Al Khan & Al Mamzar coastThe beachfront strip at the Dubai border, home to the Sharjah Aquarium and several beach hotels. Handy for Dubai, but most exposed to cross-border traffic.
Getting there
Flights to Sharjah
Sharjah International (SHJ), about 15 km east of the centre, is the hub for Air Arabia and many low-cost routes. Dubai International (DXB) is a similar distance from central Sharjah by road and offers far more long-haul flights.
- SHJ
- Sharjah International Airport
- DXB
- Dubai International Airport
Things to do
Things to do in Sharjah
Popular tours and tickets from our activity partner.
Popular attractions
- Sharjah Museum of Islamic Civilization
- Heart of Sharjah heritage area
- Al Noor Island
- Al Qasba & Eye of the Emirates
- Sharjah Aquarium
- Rain Room Sharjah
- Mleiha Archaeological Centre
- Central Souq (Blue Souq)
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Full Day
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6h 10m
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5 hours
Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Dubai Desert Safari: Dune Bashing, Camel Ride, BBQ Dinner.
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4 hours
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6h 30m
Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Dubai Desert Safari: with Camel Ride, live entertainment and bbq
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4 hours
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4 hours
Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Quad Bike Thrill: 30/60-Minute Red Dune Adventure with Camel Ride
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When to go
Best time to visit Sharjah
November to March brings warm, dry days and comfortable evenings for walking the waterfronts and the heritage area. From June to September temperatures regularly pass 40°C, so sightseeing shifts to museums, malls and the aquarium.
Transport
Getting around Sharjah
Sharjah has no metro. Taxis and ride-hailing are the easiest way to get around, public buses cover the main roads, and intercity buses run to Dubai (Al Ittihad and Union stations). Allow extra time for the Sharjah–Dubai road at peak hours.
Travel tips
Sharjah travel tips
- Sharjah is a dry emirate — alcohol is not served in hotels or restaurants, and modest clothing (covering shoulders and knees) is expected in public areas.
- Rain Room Sharjah uses timed entry; book a slot in advance, especially at weekends.
- Mleiha, about an hour inland, combines an archaeological centre with desert and fossil-rock excursions — a quieter alternative to Dubai desert safaris.
- If you plan to spend most days in Dubai, check travel times at your hotel before booking: a Sharjah base can mean long taxi rides during rush hour.
Sharjah essentials
Sharjah travel FAQs
What is the best time to visit Sharjah?
November to March, when the weather is warm but comfortable for the waterfronts and heritage area. Summer is very hot and humid.
Is Sharjah close to Dubai?
Yes. Central Sharjah is roughly 20–30 minutes by road from Deira in light traffic, but the journey can take well over an hour at peak times.
Can you drink alcohol in Sharjah?
No. Sharjah does not permit the sale of alcohol, including in hotels. Visitors who want a drink usually travel to Dubai or Ajman.
Plan your trip
Plan your Sharjah trip
- Hotels in SharjahExplore hotels in Al Majaz & Al Qasba and Heart of Sharjah & the Corniche and more.
- Things to do in SharjahExplore Sharjah Museum of Islamic Civilization, Heart of Sharjah heritage area and other experiences.
- United Arab Emirates travel guideUAE travel guide: Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah and Ras Al Khaimah — where to stay, the best time to visit, getting around and things to do in each emirate.
Nearby and related destinations
- Dubai, United Arab EmiratesDubai travel guide: the best areas to stay, when to go, getting around from DXB, top things to do, and hotels, flights and tours to book.
- Ras Al Khaimah, United Arab EmiratesRas Al Khaimah travel guide: Jebel Jais, Al Marjan Island beaches, forts and heritage villages, the best time to visit and where to stay.
- Abu Dhabi, United Arab EmiratesAbu Dhabi travel guide: where to stay from the Corniche to Yas and Saadiyat Islands, the best time to visit, airport tips and things to do.
Facts last reviewed 27 September 2026. Hotel, flight and activity availability is provided live by our booking partners, and bookings are completed with them.