Culture

Since the first international airport that graced the Arabian Gulf was constructed in Sharjah in 1932, the emirate has initiated drastic transformation and development to provide visitors to Sharjah, a 10-minute drive from Dubai, with a wide array of cultural touring options.

Boasting some of the most beautiful, ornate and uniquely Arabic architecture, many name Sharjah as the most aesthetically pleasing emirate in the UAE. In addition, since 1998, Sharjah has been ruled by UNESCO to be the “cultural capital of the Arab world,” due to its commitment to art, culture and preservation of its heritage.

Those visitors to the UAE interested in gaining insight into the customs and way of life of the local UAE population find Sharjah the ideal vantage point. From the latest, modern five-story shopping mall to the largest UAE Souq (a traditional Arabic market for those who like bargaining with merchants from Arabia, the Indian Sub-continent, Asia and Africa), visitors cannot help but enjoy the calm and relaxed atmosphere of Sharjah. It is a countenance that stands in sharp contrast to its cosmopolitan, never sleeping next-door neighbor, Dubai. A stroll through any of Sharjah’s main points of congregation such as Sharjah Mega Mall or along the café-lined Buheirah Corniche will give an accurate representation of typical life for the UAE citizen; life in Sharjah is serene, clean, organized and family-oriented.

Sharjah is committed to retaining its cultural roots and family values throughout its development and expansion, as well as to enabling those who visit the UAE the opportunity to feel, experience and understand life and history in the Arabian Gulf. To this end, Sharjah has opened over 20 museums, several art galleries and restored heritage areas. The refurbishment of Sharjah’s old city, which began in the mid 1990s, is the largest historical area found in the UAE. Buildings where once prominent national families resided are now museums filled with artifacts and antiques from Sharjah’s past, an emirate that has its first settlement dating back some 6,000 years ago. The newest addition to Sharjah’s collection of impressive museums is the Antique Automobile Museum. Located next to Sharjah International Airport, it displays an admirable array of over 100 vintage models, dating back to the early 20th century.

Those vacationers traveling with children will find Sharjah full of family-oriented options and activities. One of the most popular family destinations in the UAE is the Sharjah Desert Park, which includes the Natural History Museum, Arabia’s Wildlife Center and the Children’s Farm. The Wildlife Center cares for species of animals that can survive only in captivity or are on the verge of extinction, such as the Arabian Leopard. Visitors have the opportunity to “dine with” the animals at a café overlooking their water hole and separated by reinforced glass.

The most globally recognized event held in Sharjah is the F1 World Powerboat Championship, held towards the end of each year. Boats representing 14 different countries race in the Khalid Lagoon at speeds over 170 miles per hour. The Grand Prix entails a weekend of festivities ranging from a water ski show and family entertainers along the Buheirah Corniche.