With vibrant souks and inspiring art galleries to enlightening mosques and historic monuments, Sharjah is aptly named the UNESCO cultural capital for the Arab World. The Sharjah government, Sharjah Art Foundation and Sharjah Museums Authority have made incredible efforts to preserve and share Emirati history and heritage. Today, Sharjah has over 20 museums and galleries, featuring modern art, priceless paintings and Arabian artifacts that offer a comprehensive history of the UAE. The city also boasts several nature and adventure activities, including trekking and camping in nature reserves, water sports at nearly every Sharjah beach, and motorsports in the desert. This has led to the city receiving international recognition with visits from travellers around the world.
People from neighboring emirates especially travel here to explore the many places to visit in Sharjah at night. The iconic Sharjah Corniche, for instance, offers a beautiful nighttime view of the Arabian Gulf. Though Sharjah has seen a lot of growth and changes over the years, it was named a “Healthy City” by the World Health Organisation in 2015 for promoting health protection and sustainable development. For people in the UAE, Sharjah is also a preferred residential base with a wealth of family-friendly activities. From casual dining, cafe and leisure options to cultural programs and events, development in this city is focussed around family and children. As a result, parents in this city always have several options for things to do with kids.
The Sharjah Airport – the hub of the airline Air Arabia – is conveniently located close to the city for seamless travel. And with over 106 hotels and hotel apartments, the city is a prime tourism destination. Sharjah weather is warm and sunny all year round, with the best time to visit during the later half of the year.
Destination by Sightseeing
Al Majaz Waterfront
As you walk down the Sharjah Corniche, you’ll notice a hub of lively activity ahead on the Al Majaz Waterfront. As the ultimate destination for family attractions in Sharjah, this waterside destination features mini golf, a splash park, a mini-train and several attractions made for children. In addition to being one of the popular places to go with the family, there are activities here for all types of travellers. Al Majaz Waterfront is the perfect place for dinner with a host of restaurants to choose from and dhow cruise boats sailing by. A hit attraction for everyone, the Sharjah fountain periodically features an awe-inspiring light and sound display.
For cyclists, a bike rental service offers the convenience of a scenic ride around the lake. If you prefer to be on your feet, you can also do a round of the lake by walking, jogging or running. With options for food, leisure and activity, this destination is a local favourite among the places to visit in Sharjah at night.
Al Majaz is also a focus for Sharjah’s annual Eid and National Day celebrations, while the open-air amphitheatre hosts major Sharjah events and cultural performances. Once a year, during the Sharjah Light Festival, the Al Majaz Waterfront is the perfect vantage point to see the city lit up with bright reflections on the water. Among all the Sharjah tourist places, many visitors consider Al Majaz a trip highlight. So be sure to put this on your list of places to visit in Sharjah.
Al Montazah
A combination of water park and amusement park that offers hours of fun for all members of the family, Sharjah’s iconic Al Montazah is the venue for a fantastic family day out. Located in the centre of Sharjah, close to a number of the emirate’s well-known landmarks, Al Montazah is easy to access. Two exciting parks themed around ancient heroic legends are available.
Al Noor Island
As one of the main family attractions in Sharjah, Al Noor Island is known for its tropical biosphere filled with floating butterflies. Families can pick up a snack and a beverage from a cafe serving healthy food, visit the literature pavilion or take in a beautiful sculpture. The island hosts several art installations, including the world-famous OVO structure.
While the city is known for its yearly Sharjah light festival, Al Noor island boasts a similar spectacle on the regular. At night-time, light and sound installations convert the island into an awe-inspiring wonderland. With beautifully landscaped gardens and a large children’s playground to slide, swing and manoeuvre climbing frames, Al Noor Island is among the popular parks in Sharjah and one of the ideal places to go with the family. The 3.5-km long boardwalk on the island is also frequented by evening joggers, who enjoy exercising in one of the most scenic places in Sharjah. Once a year, it also hosts the International Storytelling Festival in a celebration of tales, fables and myths in Arabic and English.
You can club your trip to Al Noor Island with a tour of more of the top places to visit in Sharjah at night. Tour Al Noor Island, and hop into a boat for dinner by the water at Al Qasba. End your tour with a walk along the Sharjah corniche for a breathtaking night-time view of the city’s modern architecture.
Al Qasba
Among the most popular places to visit in Sharjah at night, Al Qasba is the complete experience for anyone looking to tour on foot. With pedestrian bridges and a canal-side complex, this destination is sure to inspire fun for everyone.
As a center for arts, the venue features exhibitions and events at the Maraya Art Centre and the Masrah Al Qasba Theatre. During the holidays, the district is especially abuzz with families and travelers coming to witness special performances at one of the busiest Sharjah tourist places. Parents often pick Al Qasba to unwind at a cafe while their children enjoy the musical fountain, frolic at the kids’ fun zone and indoor soft play centre, or choose from the many summer activities for kids. There are also routine abra rides, electric water karts and bikes for hire. Overall, Al Qasba is the ultimate destination for group and family activities in Sharjah.
The scenic route to reach Al Qabsa is on a boat ride from Al Noor Island. It is also easily accessible from the Sharjah bus station. You can hail a cab from a number of waiting Sharjah taxis or walk from the closest stop along the Sharjah bus route.
Heart Of Sharjah
Once the hub of Sharjah’s merchant trade, the original city centre has been reborn as a vibrant heritage and arts district. You can easily spend a whole day exploring the art spaces and museums housed in traditional barjeel (wind tower) buildings.
Due for completion in 2025, restoration is well underway and the area has been listed as a potential Unesco World Heritage Site. Keep an eye out for Al Hisn Fort and the only round wind tower in the UAE while bartering for souvenirs in the old-style souks.
The district hosts a number of annual events including the acclaimed Sharjah Biennial and Sharjah Summer, which takes place from July to mid-September.
