Sharjah holidays

How to reach Sharjah

• Flight time: There are no direct flights to Sharjah from the UK; most visitors fly into Dubai International Airport, just 15km south. Flights to Dubai take approximately 7 hours, and are available from London, Manchester, Birmingham, Newcastle and other major UK airports.

• Transfer time: Sharjah is just a short drive from Dubai Airport, which can take as little as 15 minutes by taxi, but the traffic can make it much longer. You can ask your hotel if there is a shuttle service you can book.

• Price: A taxi from Dubai Airport to central Sharjah will usually cost about Dhs60–Dhs80 (£13–£17), depending on your exact destination and the traffic.

Best time to visit Sharjah

Sharjah has a warm desert climate with dry, sunny weather year-round. However, it gets swelteringly hot in the summer, making timing your visit key to having the best holiday. Here’s a breakdown of what to expect throughout.

• Winter (November to March) is peak tourist season, and the best time for holidays to Sharjah. With pleasant temperatures ranging from 18°C to 30°C, it's ideal for exploring the city’s cultural sites, desert trips or enjoying the beach. The number of visitors is also highest then, as are prices for flights and hotels, and you may need to book accommodation in advance.

• Summer (June to August) has the hottest weather, regularly well over 40°C, so while this is a quieter time to visit – good deals can be found for hotels – be prepared for limited time outdoors during the hottest part of the day. It’s best to enjoy either water-based activities or being inside in air conditioning, with everything from shopping malls to museums.

• Spring and autumn (April to May and September to October) are the shoulder seasons, warmer than winter but not as hot as in the height of summer. Average daytime temperatures are 30°C to 35°C, with some hotter days from mid May onwards. These months are still good for exploring the city or the countryside and enjoying the beach, with fewer tourists than in the peak months.

Practical information

• Spoken languages: The United Arab Emirates’ official language is Arabic, but English is widely used, particularly in hotels, shops and tourist areas. A few words of Arabic can be a nice gesture and are usually well-received by locals.

• Local habits and customs: Sharjah is more conservative than the other emirates of the UAE, with an emphasis on traditional customs. Swimwear is best kept for beaches or the pool, and modesty is expected in public areas and at religious sites. If you visit during Ramadan, it’s a respectful and quieter time, but most tourist sites, restaurants and hotels remain operational with modified schedules. Public displays of affection are generally discouraged.

• Health and safety: Sharjah is considered a safe destination for tourists. Healthcare facilities are excellent, but travel insurance is recommended. Tap water is safe, but many prefer bottled water due to the taste.

• Currency: The currency in the UAE is the dirham (Dhs). ATMs are available in the city, and major credit and debit cards are widely accepted. However, cash is better in smaller shops or restaurants and in the souks.

• Getting around: Taxis are a popular and convenient way to get around Sharjah, with a typical city ride starting at Dhs15–Dhs20 (£3–£4). Ride-hailing apps like Careem are also available. There’s also a well-organised bus system, with tickets costing about Dhs5 (£1). For intercity travel, there are also buses to all the other emirates.

• Electricity and plug types: Sharjah's electricity supply is 220/240v and uses British-style three-pin plugs, so no adaptor is needed for UK visitors.

• Time zone: Sharjah is 4 hours ahead of GMT.

• Required travel documentation: UK visitors receive a free 30-day visa on arrival. Make sure your passport is valid for at least six months beyond your date of entry.

Best things to do in Sharjah

In contrast to the glitz and glamour of neighbouring Dubai, laid-back Sharjah is known for being the cultural capital of the UAE. With an excellent collection of museums, galleries and attractions for those interested in history, art, culture and heritage, here’s the best of what holidays to Sharjah have to offer.

The best districts

• Heritage Area: This district is the historic heart of Sharjah, where you’ll find restored coral stone houses, wind towers, charming museums and the quaint Al Arsa Souk. It’s a must-see for anyone interested in Emirati history and culture.

• Al Qasba: Based around its canal to the Al Khan Lagoon, Al Qasba is a vibrant hub for entertainment, cafés and restaurants. It’s a lovely spot to take a stroll, especially at sunset, with free light-and-sound shows in the evening.

Historic monuments

• Sharjah Museum of Islamic Civilisation: Home to a superb collection showcasing Muslim contributions to art, science and architecture, this museum features artefacts from around the Islamic world. The central atrium, featuring a mosaic of the night sky, is particularly impressive.

• Ruler’s Fort (Al Hisn): A glimpse into Sharjah’s past, this historic fort was once the centre of the emirate’s defence. Today it houses recently renovated displays on Sharjah’s heritage, including its pre-oil economy and the ruling family.

Day trips in the area

• Dubai: Just to the south, Dubai offers a complete contrast to the quieter cultural attractions of Sharjah. This buzzing city does contain its own historic areas, but is better known for its skyscrapers, including Burj Khalifa, the world’s tallest, Palm Jumeirah island, modern architecture and attractions like the stunning Museum of The Future. There’s also an incredible amount of varied options for shopping, eating out, nightlife and entertainment.

• East coast: The east coast of the UAE has a very different character from that of Sharjah. Against the backdrop of the rugged Hajar Mountains, the Gulf of Oman has beautiful water with rocky islands, coral reefs and rich marine life, so it’s a great place to go swimming, snorkelling, diving and kayaking.

Activities for families in Sharjah

Alongside Sharjah's beaches, parks and theme parks, the city has masses of family-friendly activities from interactive museums to adventure parks.

• Sharjah Desert Park: Located on the outskirts of the city, this expansive area is ideal for families and nature lovers. It houses the Natural History Museum, Arabian Wildlife Centre and a botanical garden, providing a blend of education and scenic beauty.

• Sharjah Aquarium and Maritime Museum: The Sharjah Aquarium has a variety of marine life to view from the walk-through tunnels. The adjoining Maritime Museum dives into the emirate’s rich history of fishing, pearling and boat-building.

Free things to do in Sharjah

Travellers on a budget will find plenty of free activities in Sharjah that showcase the city’s cultural side and scenic spots.

• Events: Sharjah’s cultural calendar includes the Sharjah Biennial, which features public exhibitions and installations. The Sharjah Light Festival, held each February, is also a fantastic free event, with light shows projected onto historic buildings, and there are free light-and-sound shows at Al Qasba every evening.

• Al Noor Mosque: One of the UAE’s most beautiful mosques, this is the only one in Sharjah that can be visited by non-Muslims. As well as admiring its grand architecture right on the waterfront, free tours are available of the interior, giving information on all aspects of Islamic culture.

• Museums: The Sharjah Art Museum offers free entry to its permanent collection, which includes traditional and contemporary art from the Arab world.

Wellness in Sharjah

• Spas and hammams: Many of Sharjah’s top hotels host luxury spas where you can enjoy everything from hot stone massages to classic facials. Perhaps the most unique is at The Chedi Al Bait, where there is a range of relaxing treatments in the stylish Arabian-influenced surroundings, in addition to a sauna, steam baths and a hammam.

Nature and outdoor activities

• Desert: Sharjah’s surrounding desert is perfect for an adventurous day out. Join a 4WD desert tour for a roller-coaster ride through the dunes or opt for a more traditional camel trek. Some safaris even include evening BBQs, music and dancing under the stars.

• Mleiha: Located across the desert from Sharjah on the edge of the mountains, a visit here combines history with nature. As well as learning about the past of the area at the Mleiha Archaeological Centre, you can also hike up Fossil Rock, enjoy exploring the dunes by 4WD or mountain bikes, or even go paragliding over the rugged terrain.

Local dishes in Sharjah

The food of the UAE is diverse and flavourful, and draws on influences from Arabic, Indian and Persian cuisine, along with some dishes based on traditional Bedouin recipes. Here’s a taste of what to look for on your Sharjah holidays.

Some typical Emirati dishes

• Harees: A hearty dish, popular during Ramadan, combining meat – often chicken or lamb – slowly cooked with wheat and ghee until the grains are soft and it resembles porridge.

• Machboos: A rice dish, similar to biryani, often made with chicken, lamb or seafood, and flavoured with saffron, dried lime and various spices.

Meat and fish dishes

• Shuwa: A traditional meal across the Gulf, this is usually lamb that’s slow-cooked in a clay oven or underground until tender, and served with rice. For local families it's commonly eaten at special occasions or festivals, and is a must-try.

• Samak Mashwi: Local fish such as hammour (grouper) and safi (rabbitfish) are grilled with spices and served simply, allowing the fresh flavours to shine.

Street food

• Shawarma: Found all over the Gulf, Shawarma is a delicious choice for a quick bite. It’s made from spit-roasted meat wrapped in flatbread with pickles, garlic sauce and salad.

• Falafel: Crunchy, deep-fried balls of chickpeas flavoured with herbs and spices, enjoyed either as they come or in wraps with salad and tahini sauce.

Local drinks

• Arabic coffee (kahwa): An essential part of Emirati culture, this intense coffee is flavoured with spices such as cardamom and served in small cups, usually alongside dates.

• Laban: A refreshing, slightly sour buttermilk drink, perfect for cooling down after a day exploring Sharjah’s vibrant markets.