Best things to do in Sharjah this weekend (22-23 November, 2025)

The last weekend of November has a festive feel in Sharjah. Daytime temperatures hover around 26–28 °C and there’s plenty of sunshine, although a light breeze picks up near the coast. Locals are getting ready for National Day celebrations, so expect parades and fireworks in nearby towns. The Mleiha desert becomes a stage for music and mindfulness, while the city’s museums unveil new exhibitions. Pack sunscreen, a hat and a light jacket for evening desert chills, and be prepared for some traffic around popular venues. With that in mind, here’s a relaxed yet event‑packed itinerary.

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Saturday Morning — Cultural Immersion and Desert Vibes

Start at the Tanweer Festival

The Tanweer Festival transforms the Mleiha Desert into a cultural haven. From around 09:00, early birds can join yoga and meditation sessions on the sand before the festival grounds open fully. The three‑day event features concerts by A.R. Rahman, Anoushka Shankar and Emel Mathlouthi, poetry readings and art installations. Family‑friendly workshops and guided tours of nearby archaeological sites make the experience accessible to all ages (tickets from around AED 200). Allow a 45–60‑minute drive from Sharjah city; head out early, bring cash for the market stalls and wear closed shoes for the sandy terrain. Desert nights can be surprisingly cool, so pack a light jacket for later.

Discover “From Oyster to Crown” at Bait Al Naboodah

Back in the old town, the Bait Al Naboodah museum hosts an interactive exhibition on pearl diving. Doors open at 08:00 AM and visitors can spend about 1½ hours learning how the pearling trade shaped the region. Kids are invited to become “junior merchants” as they try on jewellery and examine old ledgers; adults will appreciate the quiet courtyard and historic architecture. Entrance is about AED 10, and children under six usually get in for free. The museum is in the Heart of Sharjah district; parking is available nearby, but mid‑morning is quieter. Allow extra time if you want to explore the surrounding souqs afterwards.

Shop at the Alsafqa Al Rabeha Market

If you fancy a road trip, head east along the coast to Khorfakkan Expo Centre, where the Alsafqa Al Rabeha fair runs until late November. This indoor bazaar opens around 10:00 AM and offers clothing, accessories, home goods and street‑food stalls under one roof. Entry is free, and the air‑conditioned hall is a pleasant escape from the midday sun. Expect to spend 1–2 hours browsing; there are play areas for children and plenty of seating for older visitors. The drive from Sharjah takes about 90 minutes along the mountain road, so leave time for the return trip.

Saturday Midday — Outdoor Adventures and Film Lovers

Kayak at Al Rafisah Dam

Continue your day in the mountains by driving a few kilometres past Khorfakkan to Al Rafisah Dam. The lake sits between rugged peaks and offers kayaking, pedal‑boat and doughnut‑boat rentals from 07:00 AM to 9:00 PM. Single kayaks cost around AED 40, doubles AED 80, and pedal boats 100 AED per hour. Life jackets are provided and must be worn, and children under two are not permitted on the water. Aim to arrive before 13:00 to avoid the afternoon breeze; the area has picnic tables, a small waterfall and walking paths for those who prefer to stay on land. Cash payments are common here, so carry both cash and card just in case.

Catch a Screening at the Sharjah Film Platform

Film enthusiasts shouldn’t miss the Sharjah Film Platform’s midday screenings at Mirage City Cinema in the Al Mureijah area. The festival runs daily, with screenings roughly every two hours from 14:00 to 20:00. An early‑bird festival pass costs around AED 40 and grants access to all films and talks. Featured titles this year include On Becoming a Guinea Fowl, Universal Language and Yathoom. Arrive 20 minutes early to secure a comfortable seat; the cinema has a café and a bookshop. Parking in the heritage area can be tight, so consider taking a taxi or parking in the nearby open lot.

Join National Day Parades in Dibba Al Hisn or Kalba

On Saturday afternoon, neighbouring towns start their Union Day festivities. Dibba Al Hisn hosts a late‑afternoon parade followed by traditional dances and fireworks; Kalba presents its annual operetta and water‑sports competitions from about 16:00 onwards. Both events are free, family‑friendly and lively, with food stalls and craft markets. Allow a 60–70‑minute drive from Sharjah city and bring your Emirati flags or scarves to join the patriotic atmosphere. Arrive early to find parking, as traffic builds up closer to sunset.

Saturday Evening — Concerts and Fireworks

Marwan Khoury & Adam at Al Majaz Amphitheatre

Saturday night belongs to Arabic music fans. Al Majaz Amphitheatre welcomes Lebanese artists Marwan Khoury and Adam for a concert beginning at 21:00. Expect a blend of classic ballads and contemporary hits; the show runs until midnight. Tickets range from around AED 150 to 400 depending on seating, and the venue provides free seating for children under two on a guardian’s lap. Arrive by 19:30 to find parking on the Corniche; ride‑hailing services drop off at the main gate. Bring a light jacket, as temperatures dip to about 24 °C by the end of the show.

Return to Tanweer for Evening Performances

If you started your day in the desert, consider staying for the Tanweer Festival’s nighttime programme. Headline concerts begin around 20:00, with spectacular lighting and projection shows against the dunes. Food trucks serve regional delicacies and artisanal coffees late into the night. Families can enjoy telescope‑guided stargazing sessions while singles and couples dance under the stars. The desert cools quickly after sunset; pack an extra layer and closed shoes to stay comfortable.

Fireworks on the Coast

Kalba’s waterfront lights up with fireworks around 21:30, while Dibba Al Hisn ends its celebrations with a fireworks display at about 20:00. These coastal shows are free and suitable for families. Bring a picnic blanket or folding chairs and settle on the promenade for the best views. Expect heavier traffic leaving town after the final boom, so consider waiting an extra 15 minutes before driving back.

Sunday Morning — Festivals and Community Events

Konkan Udkana 2025

Start Sunday early at the Sharjah Wanderers Sports Club, where the Konkan community stages a day‑long cultural fiesta from 08:00 AM. Guests can join interactive games, watch Pili Nalike tiger‑dance performances, listen to live music by the band Open High and groove to DJ sets. There’s a kids’ corner, African drummers and coastal Mangalorean cuisine stalls. Tickets cost around AED 25 for adults and AED 15 for children, and proceeds support community initiatives. Arrive before 09:00 to find street parking and avoid the heat later in the morning.

Explore Cultural Films at Al Madam

As part of the Union Day celebrations, the town of Al Madam hosts cultural film screenings, heritage costume contests and community discussions on 22 and 23 November. Activities begin around 10:00 AM and run through the afternoon in the town square. Entry is free, and you’ll meet poets, historians and local elders sharing stories. The drive from Sharjah takes about 50 minutes; bring a hat and water, as the events are mostly outdoors. Don’t be shy about joining the traditional “ayyala” dance when invited.

Take a Morning Museum Tour

If you’re seeking quieter surroundings, revisit the museums. Bait Al Naboodah continues its pearl exhibit, and nearby Sharjah Art Museum opens at 09:00 AM, showcasing regional art across three floors. Entry is free, and you can expect to spend 1–2 hours. Guided tours run at 11:00 and 13:00; register at the front desk. Photography is allowed, but please refrain from using flash.

Sunday Afternoon — Nature Trails and Mangroves

Hike the Al Rabi Trail

For a dose of exercise, drive back to Khorfakkan and ascend the Al Rabi Hiking Trail. This 4–5 km round‑trip hike takes about 1½–2 hours and rewards walkers with panoramic views of the Gulf of Oman. The path is well‑marked but involves steep sections; wear sturdy shoes, carry plenty of water and start no later than 15:00 to finish before sunset. The trailhead offers free parking and basic restrooms. Not recommended for very young children or anyone with mobility issues.

Paddle Through the Al Qurm Mangroves

Kalba’s Al Qurm Protected Area is a serene escape where guided kayak or paddle‑board tours wind through thick mangrove forests. Tours depart every hour from 09:00 AM to 16:00 and last about 45 minutes; prices start around AED 95 per person. You may spot flamingos, kingfishers and turtles in the calm lagoon. Bring binoculars if you’re a bird‑watcher and wear quick‑drying clothes; changing facilities are available on site. Pre‑booking is essential, especially on weekends, as numbers are limited to protect the fragile ecosystem.

Sunday Evening — Poetry and Final Performances

Poetry at Wadi Al Helo

Wadi Al Helo’s Union Day celebrations culminate on Sunday evening with poetic recitals and student performances starting around 17:00. The mountain village hosts community competitions and invites visitors to taste home‑cooked dishes from local families. Attendance is free, and the atmosphere is intimate and welcoming. Bring a light sweater and arrive before dusk to admire the wadi’s terraced farms. Mobile reception is patchy, so agree on a meeting point if attending with friends.

Tanweer Festival Finale

The closing night of Tanweer is a crescendo of music, dance and light shows. Arrive by 18:00 to explore any workshops you might have missed and catch impromptu performances in the souk. The final concert begins around 20:30 and includes surprise collaborations between visiting artists. Food stalls stay open until midnight, offering everything from vegan bowls to Emirati grills. Expect a rush at the car park after the encore; waiting ten minutes before leaving will make the return journey smoother.

Catch the Festival’s Final Films

Back in town, the Sharjah Film Platform screens its closing films at 18:00 and 20:30 on Sunday. Limited seats remain, so arrive early if you’d like to see award‑winners and festival favourites. After the final screening there is a casual closing reception with filmmakers and audience members. If you’re feeling tired, remember taxis are readily available outside the arts area even late at night.

Alternative Ideas

Breakfast at Arabian Tea House

For a leisurely morning before your activities, book a table at the Arabian Tea House in Souq Al Shanasiyah. They serve traditional Emirati breakfast trays with balaleet noodles, khameer bread and dates; most combos cost around AED 85 per person. The breezy courtyard opens from 07:00 AM, but it fills up quickly at weekends. Reservations are recommended, especially if you want a shaded table.

Coffee and Dessert at Paper Fig

Head to University City’s Paper Fig Desserts for a specialty coffee and something sweet. Their saffron‑infused pistachio cake is a local favourite, and a cappuccino costs around AED 18. The café opens at 08:00 AM and stays busy through brunch, but mid‑afternoon is quieter. Indoor seating is limited, so be prepared to wait if you arrive during peak times.

Lunch or Dinner at Al Fanar Restaurant & Café

Situated on the Al Majaz Waterfront, Al Fanar serves Emirati classics in a rustic setting. Signature dishes include machboos (spiced rice with chicken or lamb) and prawn biryani, with mains around AED 75–100 per person. The restaurant opens from 11:00 AM to 11:00 PM and offers both indoor and outdoor seating. High chairs are available, and the sound level can be lively in the evening. Request a table on the terrace for views of the musical fountain.

Family Water Fun at Wasit Wetland Centre

For a calmer water experience, the Wasit Wetland Centre in northeast Sharjah offers boardwalks over lagoons and hides for bird‑watching. Entry is about AED 15 for adults and AED 10 for children. Visitors can hire binoculars or sign up for short boat tours around the reserve. Feeding wildlife is prohibited, so remind children to admire birds from a distance.

Nature and Sport: Al Rabi Trail or Desert Bike Tours

Beyond hiking the Al Rabi Trail, adventure companies offer guided mountain‑bike rides on Fossil Rock near Mleiha. Tours last around 2 hours, cost about AED 200 and include bikes, helmets and a guide. Riders should be comfortable on uneven terrain. Wear closed‑toe shoes and bring a change of clothes, as the red sand is very fine and gets everywhere.

Culture and Art: Sharjah Museum of Islamic Civilization

This beautifully curated museum on the Corniche houses ancient scientific instruments, manuscripts and ceramics. It opens from 08:00 AM to 08:00 PM (Fridays from 16:00) and admission is AED 10 for adults, free for children under 12. Expect to spend 2–3 hours exploring. Modest clothing is appreciated and photography without flash is allowed. Allocate time to browse the gift shop for books and crafts.

Cinema: Latest Releases at VOX Cinemas

Prefer a quiet evening? VOX Cinemas at City Centre Sharjah screens new films like Mask and De De Pyaar De 2. Shows typically run at 15:00, 18:00 and 23:00; check the schedule on the day for exact times. Standard tickets cost around AED 35. The cinema offers family seating and a kids’ zone; couples might enjoy the premium seats with extra leg room. Arrive 30 minutes early on weekends to choose the best seats.

Other Ideas

• Al Noor Island on Khalid Lagoon offers a butterfly house and illuminated art installations. A day pass is around AED 35, and the island stays open until 22:00. Perfect for couples and families.
• Blue Souk (Central Market) is ideal for shopping for carpets, gold and perfumes. Haggle politely, and expect to spend 1–2 hours exploring the two wings.
• Global Village in Dubai is about 30–40 minutes away; if you’re willing to cross into Dubai, the multicultural pavilions and nightly shows provide an entertaining afternoon.
• Shurooq’s “Last Exit” food truck park near Al Madaar offers gourmet burgers, tacos and ice‑cream in an open‑air setting; ideal for teens and casual dining.

Check out some tips!

The weekend forecast for Sharjah promises sunshine with highs around 28 °C and cooler evenings near 24 °C. Dress in breathable fabrics for daytime activities and carry a light sweater for desert nights or indoor venues with strong air‑conditioning. National Day celebrations will attract large crowds, especially on Saturday evening, so allow extra travel time. Public transport within Sharjah is limited; taxis and ride‑hailing apps are reliable, and hiring a car gives you flexibility for excursions to Khorfakkan or Kalba. Book tickets and make restaurant reservations ahead of time to avoid disappointment, as events and dining rooms fill up quickly.