Top Sharjah experiences

When visiting the UAE with family, make sure you reserve a few days for Sharjah. The emirate has numerous attractions that make for a fun family holiday. Here’s a look at some of the attractions that you can head to.

This is the first of its kind in the region and showcases more than 100 classic cars, which have been manufactured in the early 20th century. The museum is cleverly split into sections that start from Early Autos to New Heights of Innovation, to give you an understanding of how cars evolved over time.

The Rain Room in Sharjah invites you to walk through a downpour of continuous rain without getting wet. The responsive environment follows visitors as they navigate the darkened underground space, preventing the rain from falling directly above any detected human presence. This site-specific installation uses 2500 lts of self-cleaning recycled water, which is controlled through a system of networked 3D tracking cameras. The installation explores the transition of human relationships with one another and nature, as they get increasingly mediated through intangible technologies.

Located close to the Sharjah Aquarium and Sharjah Maritime Museum, the Al Khan beach in Sharjah is an ideal place to learn surfing. The beach features a 600 m stretch of sand and a dedicated swimming area. Facilities include changing rooms, showers and toilets, as well as a kids’ playground with multiple slides. Rent sun loungers and parasols, or just enjoy a picnic on the sand. The more active can indulge in some activities at the water sports centre, which offers kayaking, kite surfing, parasailing, banana boat rides, fly boarding, beach volleyball and more. You could also try to battle the tide at the surf school by enrolling for a lesson or two.

Fossil Rock in Sharjah is particularly popular among locals. The vibrant camping location is filled with numerous activities like dune bashing, dune buggy rides, and trail running, among many other things. Fossil Rock is situated in the middle of stunning desert landscape while close to the city therefore it’s a convenient spot for star gazing and trekking.

Off-grid tip: The popular Big Red nearby is a huge red dune and is a must-visit!

Khorfakkan is a town in the Gulf of Oman, located in the east coast of Sharjah. Centered. Famous for its unspoilt bay, Khorfakkan is home to a curved beach and a deep-sea port. The new Route 142 makes it well worth the now 45-minute drive to explore the wonders of Khorfakkan Beach and Al-Rafisah Dam.

Khorfakkan Beach: Relax on the sand or swim in the clear, warm water. There are huts about half way along the Corniche, where you can hire jet skis. You can also hop onto a small boat that will take you to the nearby Shark Island, a popular hotspot for snorkelling and scuba diving.

Al-Rafisah Dam: Located in Khorfakkan, this visually stunning and peaceful location is perfect for a picnic during your stay in Sharjah. You can also rent a paddle boat and explore the dam with your loved ones.

Centrally located, the Sharjah Centre for Astronomy and Space Sciences (SCASS) has many attractions for visitors, including a Planetarium, Space Exhibition, Astronomical Observatory and a Cosmic Park. It also has other facilities that include a cafeteria and a gift shop for astronomical and scientific souvenirs. One of the signature attractions is The Universe in The Holy Qur’an Exhibition. The exhibition offers a glimpse into the creation of the universe starting from the Big Bang. Learn about the formation of stars, galaxies, and the solar system. All of this constitutes a unique harmony between scientific theory and Holy Qur’an literature penned 14 centuries ago.

Then, there’s the Space Age Murals, that lets you browse through the Graphic Book of Space Technology, which offers insights on space and its technologies. Moreover, you can explore celestial objects, and learn about humanity’s moon landing. At the Planetarium, enjoy some of the most awe-inspiring shows in its elaborate and state of the art infrastructure. Learn about Astronauts, Black Holes, Dawn of the Space Age, Oasis in Space, Stars and Super Volcanoes among other concepts.

If you plan your Sharjah trip in advance, the one thing that you must not miss is the Sharjah Light Festival. The 10th Sharjah Light Festival will take place in February, when the whole city embraces the festive mood. Iconic structures such as the University City Hall, Police Academy, Heart of Sharjah, Al Noor Mosque, Al Qasba and other landmark structures in Kalba and Khorfakkan in the East Coast, light up for you. Eat to your heart’s content at the festival food courts, which offer delicacies from all over the world.

For more information, visit www.visitsharjah.com/en/

Disclaimer: This article has been produced on behalf of Sharjah Tourism by Times Internet.