Sharjah, UAE After 5:00 pm

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While Dubai is celebrated for its extraordinary architecture and innovation, its neighbor Sharjah takes a more subtle approach. Sharjah, the third-most populous city in UAE, is the cultural capital, which preserves the heritage and foregoes the glitz side. Concentrating on the history, culture, and tradition, it has kept its attractions and monuments untouched by modern developments. Touted as the Cultural Capital of the Arab World by UNESCO, the city is perhaps putting more endeavors than anywhere else in nurturing its heritage. With its many numbers of museums and opportunities for education as well as fun trips, there is so much for the history buffs, sightseers, and casual travelers. 

So, if you can handle a day or two without a beer or alcohol, Sharjah will have you fascinated with its flawless charm. 

In Sharjah, don’t miss out to visit the emirate’s most photographed building and the city-sized mall with over 600 shops, the Blue Souk.

How to Get to Sharjah, UAE

The emirate of Sharjah shares its border with Ajman and Umm Al Quwain to the north, Dubai to the south, and Ras Al Khaimah to the east. Most travelers come to this emirate for a one/two day trip from Dubai. The fastest and expensive mode to reach Sharjah from Dubai is by taxi, in 25 minutes. Other reliable and accessible transport options are buses, which cost you lesser and completes the journey in over an hour. Alternatively, you can hire a car for a day and wander around in absolute privacy, hassle-free. 

With the well-connected roads and efficient transport system, getting around Sharjah is safe and easy. While the best bet for budget-driven travelers is the public bus that runs via a plethora of routes, the comfort-seekers can rely on taxis and car hires. The other popular choice is ride-hailing services like Uber and Careem.

Where to Eat Dinner in Sharjah, UAE

The emirate has a thriving culinary scene with a wide-ranging list of cafes and restaurants, offering both fine dining and casual options.

Milas //  To give your taste buds the authentic traditional flavors, this restaurant serves Emirati dishes with a Middle Eastern twist. 

Casa Samak // This exotic restaurant serves great seafood and sets up the right mood for romantic couples. 

El Manza // Wonderful decor, amazing food, and great view combine to make it fantastic dining here. 

Kamat Restaurant // This place serves the most delicious and quality vegetarian and vegan dishes. 

Gazebo // Following the legacy of traditional Dum Pukht style cooking, this eatery has Indian dishes inspired by the era of Mughals. 

Shahabeek // Leave your senses tingling as you sit in an iconic restaurant and choose from the amazing Lebanese menu. 

Things to Do in Sharjah, UAE at Night

Desert Safari // When was the last time you stargazed in complete peace and spent your night in the endless stretch of sand? Sharjah Desert Safari is an exciting excursion that includes adventurous actions like dune bashing, buggy riding, and camel riding, as well as camping activities like belly dancing, fire shows, BBQ buffet, and lot more. The safari is packaged with a guided tour at the Mleiha Archaeological Centre which is a culturally awakening experience and you can unearth the history of the UAE. 

Sharjah Aquarium // Nestled in the Al Khan district and stretched over two floors, the giant Sharjah Aquarium is a treat to watch. Over 150 marine species that are found in Arabian Gulf waters are categorized into 20 aquarium tanks, each creating a unique aquatic environment. From reef sharks and moray eels to seahorses and clownfish, they look magnificent in their natural habitats lie coral reefs, mangroves, lagoon, and more. 

Eye of the Emirates Wheel // Located in the buzzing area of Al Montazah Parks, the Eye of the Emirates Wheel is the UAE’s answer to the famous London Eye. This interesting landmark is 60 meters high and has 42 cabins. Several residents and tourists hop on this massive Ferris wheel and immerse in the spectacular bird-eye view across the landscape. On the move, you can recognize the city’s major attractions and famous markets, such as the Central Souq, Al Jubail Souq, Al Majaz Waterfront, Khalid Lagoon, The Flag Island, and Al Noor Island.

Al Majaz Waterfront // The best place to hit after the sun sets is the Al Majaz Waterfront, a destination that has an array of activities ranging from miniature golf to alfresco dining. The Sharjah Musical Fountain, the signature element draws the visitors in large numbers to observe the awe-inspiring light and water show. Later, eat at a restaurant while the dhow cruise passes by, enjoy the concerts and theatres, browse the area on bike, and see the city in its best lighting. 

Sharjah Science Museum // For all the science buffs, either young or adult, Sharjah Science Museum is the desired attraction. Located adjacent to the Sharjah Archaeological Museum, this museum hosts an educative range of exhibits. It uses the amusing methodology of interactive sessions and displays to teach the children about life, space, science experiments, and various other fields. Level up the tour by exploring the on-site planetarium at the museum. Take a break for snacks and beverages. 

Al Noor Island // Grown into a popular hotspot for the residents and tourists alike, Al Noor Island is the new hangout place. Check out the Butterfly House that homes more than 500 butterflies belonging to 20 different exotic species, plug into thriving art scenes, get some reading done at Literature Pavilion, and revel in Landscaped Gardens. 

Sharjah is a conservative and safe emirate — and duly abides by Islamic law and strict rules that forbid drinking alcohol, taking pictures of local women, wearing provocative clothes, and littering around. With a wealth of activities, memories are just waiting to be made here. 

Guide by Pranita Purohit | Visit Desert Safari Dubai | Twitter

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