As Sharjah embraces the warmer months, the emirate transforms into a vibrant hub of indoor exhibitions and engaging programs, skillfully navigating the summer heat to ensure that cultural enrichment and entertainment remain at the forefront. While outdoor activities might take a backseat, institutions across Sharjah curate a fascinating lineup of events that beckon visitors indoors, promising both educational insights and artistic discovery.
Sharjah Art Foundation: Contemporary Art and Workshops
The Sharjah Art Foundation (SAF) consistently offers compelling exhibitions that extend into and through the summer, providing a cool sanctuary for art enthusiasts. For example, the extensive Sharjah Biennial 16, a globally acclaimed contemporary art event, typically concludes around mid-June, but its powerful installations and thought-provoking themes continue to draw visitors until then. Beyond this monumental biennial, SAF maintains an active calendar of solo and group exhibitions throughout July and August at its various venues, including Al Mureijah Art Spaces and Bait Al Serkal.
SAF also excels in its educational programming, offering a diverse array of summer workshops for both children and adults. These workshops, often led by local artists, delve into various art forms, from photography and pottery to jewelry making and storytelling. These are fantastic opportunities to learn new skills or simply unleash your inner Picasso in a comfortable, air-conditioned environment. We often find that these summer programs are incredibly popular, so it is always wise to check their official website, Sharjah Art Foundation, for specific dates, times, and registration details, as some workshops might require prior booking. This ensures you can secure your spot and make the most of their unique offerings.
Sharjah Museums Authority: “Happy Holiday Camp” and Thematic Exhibitions
The Sharjah Museums Authority (SMA) takes center stage during the summer with its renowned “Happy Holiday Camp”, a brilliant initiative designed to keep young minds active and engaged throughout July and August. This camp spans across five of Sharjah’s most popular museums: the Sharjah Archaeology Museum, the Sharjah Museum of Islamic Civilization, the Sharjah Aquarium, the Sharjah Science Museum, and the Sharjah Maritime Museum. Each museum offers unique, age-appropriate programs that delve into fascinating themes.
For instance, at the Sharjah Museum of Islamic Civilization, children aged 10 to 12 can explore “Creating with Our Own Hands,” participating in artistic workshops focused on colors, mosaics, and traditional crafts. The Sharjah Aquarium might host “Underwater Journeys” for children aged 9 to 12, offering close-up looks at marine life and coral reefs. Similarly, the Sharjah Science Museum sparks curiosity with hands-on workshops in chemistry and artificial intelligence for different age groups. These camps run daily from approximately 9:00 AM to 12:30 PM, providing a structured yet fun learning environment. Beyond the camps, each museum maintains its permanent collections, and often features temporary exhibitions that rotate throughout the year, offering continuous learning opportunities for families seeking refuge from the summer sun. Details for registration and specific camp themes are usually available on the Visit Sharjah website.
Expo Centre Sharjah: Trade Fairs and Consumer Shows
Expo Centre Sharjah remains a bustling hub even during the summer, hosting a variety of specialized trade fairs and consumer shows that cater to diverse interests. While the major international book fair is in autumn, the summer months bring different types of exhibitions. For example, a notable event in June is often the Eid Al Adha Exhibition, which blends shopping opportunities with a festive atmosphere, offering a wide range of products for the holiday season. In July, the Summer Sale – Back to School exhibition becomes a popular destination for families, providing deals on school supplies and related items as the new academic year approaches.
Beyond these consumer-focused events, the Expo Centre also hosts industry-specific trade fairs, such as the Middle East Rubber & Tyre Expo in June, which brings together manufacturers and experts from the industrial sector. These events provide a platform for business networking and product launches, attracting professionals from across the region. While some of these might be niche, they demonstrate the continuous economic activity and exhibition culture thriving in Sharjah even during the hotter months. It’s always a good practice to check the Sharjah Events website or the Expo Centre Sharjah’s official schedule for the most up-to-date calendar of events, as dates and themes can occasionally shift.
Cultural Palaces and Centers: Seasonal Programs
Sharjah’s various cultural palaces and centers, while perhaps not hosting large-scale “fairs,” often organize focused exhibitions, workshops, and smaller cultural programs during the summer. These can include art exhibitions by local artists, literary events, or educational sessions that delve into specific aspects of Emirati heritage and contemporary culture. These venues provide more intimate settings for cultural engagement and are perfect for those seeking a deeper, more specialized experience away from larger crowds. They often serve as platforms for emerging talents and community-driven initiatives. Checking the individual websites of cultural centers, such as the Cultural Palace or various youth centers, can reveal hidden gems and unique summer offerings.
University Events and Academic Showcases
Universities in Sharjah, like the American University of Sharjah (AUS) and the University of Sharjah (UoS), also contribute to the summer exhibition landscape. While their primary focus is academic, they sometimes host open days, student project showcases, or specific faculty-led exhibitions that are open to the public. For instance, an Industrial Engineering Open Day might include an exhibition of innovative student projects, offering a glimpse into the future of technology and design. These events provide a unique opportunity to explore academic achievements and emerging trends within a university setting, often with a focus on research and innovation. These are usually more niche but can be highly rewarding for those with specific interests.
Staying Informed About Summer Exhibitions
To make the most of Sharjah’s summer exhibition scene, we highly recommend proactive planning. The official tourism portal, Visit Sharjah, and the Sharjah Events website are excellent resources that consolidate information about upcoming exhibitions, cultural programs, and family activities across the emirate. Keeping an eye on the social media channels of institutions like the Sharjah Art Foundation and the Sharjah Museums Authority can also provide timely updates and insights into their summer offerings. While the heat dictates that most activities move indoors, Sharjah ensures that its cultural pulse remains strong, offering a refreshing blend of art, education, and entertainment even in the peak of summer. This comprehensive guide was put together by the www.few.ae team, dedicated to enriching your experience in the UAE.
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