Al Jazeera Park
The Al Jazeera Park has been specially constructed for family entertainment on a 100,000 M² Island, surrounded by the Khalid Lagoon, one of Sharjah’s most popular attractions. This park is a thrills and spills day out for children of all ages. Features include a mini zoo, swimming pool, amusement park and a variety of rides to suit all ages. The park has the obligatory cafeteria and souvenir outlet, and in addition to cars and boats there is a train that carries visitors around the park, enabling them to plan their picnic.
Opening Hours: Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Saturday, 3pm to 10pm. Tuesday evening: ladies only. Public Holidays & Eids: 9:30am to 12:30pm.
Sharjah Desert Park
Sharjah’s desert park’s huge area contains three venues – The Arabia Wildlife Centre, The Sharjah Natural History and Botanical Museum, and a Children’s Farm. The Arabia Wildlife Centre houses the largest collection of Arabian wildlife in the Middle East, and the occupants are cared for in as close to their natural, true surroundings as possible. An Indoor Centre, with a walk-through Aviary, visitors are able to catch a rare glimpse of such diverse and rare creatures as the Arabian leopard and venomous viper. Peaking at a close, but safe distance! The Children’s Farm is located next door, where children can feed and pet domesticated animals. Nearby, the Sharjah Natural History and Botanical Museum are dedicated to preserving for all time the knowledge of animals and plants for future generations, and this museum is fascinatingly educational.
Opening Hours: Sunday to Thursday 9am to 5:30pm, Friday 2am to 5:30pm, Saturday 11am to 5:30pm. Closed on Tuesdays
Sharjah Museum of Islamic Civilisation
Sharjah’s Museum of Islamic Civilisation showcases rare and exquisite Islamic artefacts from around the world, in its seven extravagant display areas and expansive galleries. Located in the Al Majarrah area, this museum was once upon a time a traditional Middle Eastern Souk. Today is a centre for collecting, researching and developing Islamic masterpieces and treasures for the opportunity of viewing for local and international tourists alike.
Opening Hours: Saturday to Thursday 8am to 8pm, Friday 4pm to 8pm, closed on Sundays.
Sharjah Aquarium
To encourage and promote tourists to partake in the conservation of oceanic marine life, this aquarium is equipped with 20 huge aquariums with a diverse and rich collection of marine life native to it seas. It houses more than 250 species of maritime animals, and is home to a number of majestic sharks which includes several reef sharks. In addition, there are various colourful fish, moray eels and delicate seahorses. There is much to discover at the Sharjah Aquarium, including smaller marine life found in the coral lagoons, rock pools and mangroves of the area.
Opening Hours: Saturday to Thursday 8am to 2pm, Friday and Saturday 4pm to 8pm
Al Qasba
Positioned in the centre of the waterfront in Sharjah, Al Qasba offers a unique package for families and children can explore Arabian culture attending the various galleries, theatres and activity centres. This place is also accommodating for entrepreneurs who are able to conduct business around the Multaqa Al Qasba Conference Centre. A choice of indoor and outdoor experiences such as Abra rides, the Etisalat-Eye of the Emirates Ferris Wheel, the Al Qasba’s Musical Fountain and a kid’s Fun Zone, all guarantee a fun-filled and/or relaxing day here. There is also the opportunity to dine, later, at world famous restaurants, and partake in some retail therapy at the glittering retail centre’s and kiosks at Al Qasba.
Opening Hours: Abra Ride: Saturday to Wednesday: 4pm to 12am, Thursday, Friday & public holidays 4pm to 1am Kids Fun Zone: Summer: Daily, 4pm to 12am, Public Holidays 2pm to 12am, winter: Saturday to Thursday: 10am to 12am, Friday: 4pm to 12am
Sharjah Heritage Museum
Sharjah Heritage Museum preserves “objects d’ art”, precious to its rich tradition and customs. Visitors can admire handicrafts from long ago, when the local people survived solely on the pearling and fishing industries. The museum is renowned for its antique crafts, silks, herbal medicines, currency and jewellery.
Opening Hours: Saturday to Thursday 8am to 8pm, Friday: 4pm to 8pm, closed on Sunday
Sharjah Archaeology Museum
As its name suggests, this museum preserves all the archaeological records relevant to Sharjah’s history, since excavations began in 1972. Artefacts, weapons, pottery, coins and jewellery used by the inhabitants of the region from the Stone Age to the present day are on display in all their splendour at the Museum, to enable the visitor to appreciate, and enjoy.
Opening Hours: Saturday to Thursday: 9am to 1pm, 5pm to 8pm, Friday: 5pm to 8pm, closed on Sunday
Sharjah Discovery Centre
Children will find the Sharjah Discovery Centre a delight as they learn at this hands-on activity centre to understand the importance of technology and science through play. There are seven themed entertainment areas which allow children to shop at the supermarket, become a star on TV, test their five senses etc. There is also a cafe next door for refreshments.
Opening Hours: Sunday to Thursday: 8am to 2pm, Friday & Saturday: 4pm to 8pm
Sharjah Science Museum
The Sharjah Science Museum is committed to educating visitors of all ages, through various displays, exploring life, scientific experiments, space and aerodynamics etc. Younger children are allocated their own play area where they can discover all about the world around them. The cafe next door provides beverages and snacks.
Opening hours: Sunday to Thursday: 8am to 2pm, Friday & Saturday: 4pm to 8pm
Central Market
This is the biggest souk in Sharjah, and is built according to Islamic requirements. The Central Market is located on the Khalid Lagoon, and is the main shopping centre for Sharjah residents, who are able to buy their daily needs at the 600 shops, which are spread over two huge wings. This market is known as the ‘blue souk’ as the outside walls are decorated with blue tiles. Gifts of electronics and precious jewels amongst other unusual things are on sale here, offering a delightful unique shopping experience.
Opening hours: Saturday to Thursday: 9am to 1pm, and 4pm to 11pm, Friday: 9am to 12 noon and 4pm to 11pm
