Best things to do in Sharjah this weekend (6–7 December, 2025)
Sharjah steps into early December with sunshine and mild temperatures, making outdoor adventures and cultural experiences especially appealing. Forecasts suggest clear skies around 25 °C–26 °C, so light layers and sunscreen are a must. With National Day festivities winding down, the city leans into art, shopping festivals, water sports and family-friendly fun.
From the hum of Formula 1 powerboats on Khalid Lake to the lure of honey tastings at Al Dhaid and late-night shopping at Expo Centre Sharjah, there’s a mix of high-energy events and relaxed outings. Saturday is perfect for cultural exploration and waterfront strolls, while Sunday balances adrenaline-fueled races with gentle beach mornings or community celebrations. Keep an eye on traffic around the Corniche and Expo Centre, and plan to arrive early at popular events.
F1H2O Sharjah World Championship – Heat and Qualifiers
The global Formula 1 powerboat series splashes into Khalid Lake for three days of high-octane competition. On Saturday morning the pit area opens around 08:00, and visitors can watch teams prepare before time trials and qualifiers run between 12:00 and 17:00. Sunday hosts the final race from 14:00 to 17:00. There is no admission fee to watch from the Corniche, making it ideal for families and thrill-seekers. Arrive early to secure a waterside spot and bring ear protection for children because these powerboats scream down the straight at over 200 km/h. The event is organised by Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority; helpline 800 80000. Nearby parking is limited, so consider using public transport or rideshare.
Big Shopper Sale Finale at Expo Centre Sharjah
Running through Sunday, the Big Shopper Sale at Expo Centre Sharjah features more than 100 brands with discounts on electronics, fashion, homeware and toys. Doors open daily at 11:00 and close at 23:00. Entry costs approximately AED 5, which includes free parking. Go Saturday morning or midday to avoid evening rushes and bring reusable bags for bargains. With the event closing on 7 December, Sunday will be busiest; arrive before noon for a calmer experience. The Expo Centre is on Al Taawun Road and can be reached by taxi or bus; contact 06 577 0000 for inquiries. Expect heavy traffic near the centre, so budget extra travel time.
Al Dhaid Honey Festival – Sweet Finale
Expo Al Dhaid hosts its annual honey festival, which runs through Sunday. Open from late morning until evening, the fair gathers about seventy exhibitors showcasing sidr, samar, mangrove and floral honeys along with unusual blends like cocoa-infused and peanut-butter honey. Wander through stalls to meet Emirati beekeepers, sample rare varieties and learn about sustainable apiary practices. Entry is free, but bring cash for purchases. With the festival ending on 7 December, Saturday and Sunday are your last chances to buy gifts before vendors pack up. Wear comfortable shoes for walking and expect sweet aromas filling the air.
Sharjah Islamic Arts Festival – Siraj (Lantern)
Art lovers can spend Saturday morning at the 26th Sharjah Islamic Arts Festival. Themed “Siraj (Lantern)”, the festival runs across Sharjah from November 19 to January 31 and features 114 events and 473 artworks created by 170 artists from twenty-four countries. More than fifty exhibitions illuminate venues such as the Sharjah Art Museum, House of Wisdom, Sharjah Research, Technology and Innovation Park, University of Sharjah and Khorfakkan Amphitheatre. Start at Sharjah Art Museum around 10:00 (open 08:00–20:00 Saturday through Thursday, 16:00–20:00 Friday) then stroll to the House of Wisdom, which stays open until midnight on weekends. Exhibitions are generally free, but some workshops require advance registration. Parking at heritage areas fills quickly, so arrive early or use taxi/rideshare.
Winter Outdoors Adventure – Waterfront Strolls
Discover Sharjah’s waterfront during the new Winter Outdoors season, running from 1 December 2025 to 31 May 2026. The initiative invites visitors to explore Al Qasba, Al Majaz Waterfront, Al Heera Beach and Khorfakkan Beach. Start your Saturday around 09:00 with a canal walk at Al Qasba, where shaded promenades and art installations offer an easy stroll. Midday, head to Al Majaz Waterfront for lunch along the lagoon, and later drive to Al Heera Beach for a sunset swim. This self-guided experience is free; plan for short drives between sites and pack sunhat, water and light jacket for evening breezes. Watch for road closures around Al Majaz during events and use public transport if possible.
Saturday Lunch at House of Wisdom
Between morning exhibitions and afternoon shopping, enjoy lunch and a quiet reading session at the House of Wisdom. This modern library and cultural hub offers cafés and a central courtyard. It’s open from 08:00 to 24:00 on Fridays and Saturdays, making it a flexible midday stop. Grab a sandwich and coffee around 13:00, wander through the extensive book collection and catch an art installation from the Islamic Arts Festival. The venue is family-friendly with plenty of seating. Reserve a table if you plan to dine during peak lunch hours. For inquiries call +971 6 594 0000.
Saturday Evening at Global Village (Dubai)
Just a forty-minute drive from Sharjah, Global Village’s thirtieth season runs 15 October 2025 to 10 May 2026 and is open 16:00–00:00 Sunday–Wednesday and 16:00–01:00 Thursday–Saturday. Arrive around 17:00 on Saturday to explore pavilions representing more than 80 countries, carnival rides and live shows. Entrance tickets cost around AED 20–25 at the gate (discounts often available online). Wear comfortable shoes and allocate four to five hours to sample street foods, watch cultural performances and shop for handicrafts. Traffic on Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Road peaks at 21:00, so leaving before midnight eases the return to Sharjah.
Family Fiesta 2025 – Sunday Community Fun
On Sunday morning head to Sharjah Wanderers Sports Club, where the Family Fiesta 2025 kicks off from 08:30 onwards. This community event features live performances by local band Olive Haze, an emcee, DJ sets, tug-of-war contests, baila dance-offs, a mini-Santa parade, reel and carol competitions and a family photo challenge. Food stalls and drinks keep everyone refreshed. Entry is free, but donations support local charities. Bring picnic blankets and join in the games. The club’s pool area opens later for swimming. Arrive early to secure parking near the field and wear comfortable shoes for activities.
Sunday Morning at Al Khan Beach
For a quieter start, visit Al Khan Beach. This 600-metre public beach near Sharjah Aquarium opens 07:00–22:00 and entry is free. Lifeguards patrol the waters and there are shaded picnic spots, a children’s playground and rental facilities for jet skiing, kayaking, paddle-boarding and kite surfing. Early morning (07:00–10:00) or late afternoon (16:00–18:30) are the best times for swimming and photography due to calmer waters and softer light. Pack sunscreen, a hat and a change of clothes. Parking fills up quickly on weekends, but overflow lots nearby offer paid spaces.
Sunday Lunch and Art Stroll at Sharjah Art Museum
After the beach or Family Fiesta, head back to Sharjah Art Museum. It opens at 08:00 on Sundays and hosts a variety of exhibitions from the Islamic Arts Festival. Spend an hour viewing contemporary calligraphy and installation pieces before enjoying lunch at nearby cafés. Entrance is free. Families with children can join drop-in workshops (check on arrival). The museum remains a calm retreat before afternoon activities. Phones must be kept silent inside galleries.
Cinema Time – Five Nights at Freddy’s 2 and Kalamkaval
If you’re craving a movie, VOX Cinemas at City Centre Sharjah and Al Zahia are screening new releases. Horror fans can catch “Five Nights at Freddy’s 2”; premium showtimes at City Centre Sharjah are around 18:40, 21:00 and 23:20, while other branches have similar evening slots. For Malayalam cinema lovers, the crime drama “Kalamkaval” has showtimes such as 16:50, 18:05 and 23:20 (MAX) and a spread of standard screenings from late afternoon until after midnight. Ticket prices vary by format but start around AED 40. Pre-book seats online to avoid queues, especially for evening shows. City Centre Sharjah has ample parking and accessible bus connections.
Alternative ideas
Breakfast: Shababeek’s Lebanese Morning
Start your day with a Lebanese breakfast at Shababeek in Al Qasba. The bright interior offers aubergine-hued decor, a live saj bar and views of the canal. Breakfast is served from 09:00 and features fresh manakish, hummus and foul. Expect to spend around AED 70 per person, and call +971 6 554 0444 to book. Large weekend families should book in advance to secure a window seat.
Coffee: Caribou on the Canal
For a mid-morning caffeine fix, stop at Caribou Coffee also in Al Qasba. Their Caramel High-Rise and Turtle Mocha pair nicely with a blueberry muffin. The café opens at 08:00 and can get busy after 10:00. Plan to spend around AED 25–35 on drinks. Limited parking near the entrance means it’s wise to park at the main lot and enjoy a short walk along the canal.
Lunch/Dinner: Waterfront Dining at Al Majaz
For a later meal, head to Al Majaz Waterfront, where numerous restaurants overlook the fountains. Try family-friendly Italian at Pizzaro or seafood at Zahr El-Laymoun; meals average AED 100 per person. Outdoor seating is available, but evenings can be breezy—bring a light jacket. Noise levels rise during fountain shows, so early lunch or late dinner offers a quieter atmosphere.
Family Water Activity: Sharjah National Park Lake and Picnic
Sharjah National Park is perfect for a relaxed paddle and picnic. Entry is just AED 6 for adults and children over five years. The park opens 08:00–22:00 and features boating on a small lake, sprawling lawns, barbecue areas and a miniature Gulf Heritage Village. It’s an easy drive along Al Dhaid Road. Rent paddle boats by the hour (~AED 30) and enjoy a picnic under the palm trees. Littering is strictly prohibited, so bring trash bags and leave no trace.
Nature/Sport: Kayak at Al Qasba Canal
Rent a kayak or paddleboard from the Al Qasba water sports kiosk and explore the calm canal. Rentals cost about AED 60 per hour, and staff provide life jackets. This activity is low-difficulty and suitable for older children and beginners. Early mornings or just before sunset provide the best light and cooler temperatures. Avoid midday heat and always apply sunscreen. After your paddle, reward yourself with ice cream from one of the nearby kiosks.
Culture/Art: Sharjah Art Museum
Spend a lazy afternoon wandering the halls of Sharjah Art Museum. With free admission, this institution hosts rotating exhibitions and houses an impressive permanent collection of Middle Eastern art. Plan on two hours to see the highlights. An onsite café offers light snacks and coffee. Photography is allowed without flash, but respect signage in sensitive areas. For information call +971 6 568 8222.
Cinema: Vox Cinemas – Afternoon or Evening
Catch a film at VOX Cinemas, City Centre Sharjah. Afternoon showtimes (13:00–16:00) are perfect for families with younger kids, while evening screenings (18:00–23:00) attract couples and groups. Choose between the latest blockbusters or local films; for example, “Five Nights at Freddy’s 2” and “Kalamkaval” are showing this weekend. Prices range from AED 40–80 depending on seat type. Booking online saves time and ensures you get preferred seats.
Day Trip to Mleiha or Khorfakkan
If you have more time, drive an hour into the desert to Mleiha Archaeological Centre for guided tours of Bronze-Age tombs and camel fossil sites; tours start from AED 50. Alternatively, head east to Khorfakkan to hike the Shees Park terraces or relax on its turquoise beach. The drive through the Hajar Mountains is scenic, but leave early and carry water. Check weather forecasts and avoid midday heat.
Weather, Traffic and Practical Tips
Expect sunny skies and comfortable temperatures around 25–26 °C with little chance of rain. Mornings and evenings can feel cooler, so carry a light jacket. Sunglasses, hats and sunscreen are essential. Traffic will be heavier near Khalid Lake for the powerboat races and around Expo Centre Sharjah due to the Big Shopper Sale—allow extra travel time and consider rideshare options. Parking at popular beachfronts like Al Khan and Al Majaz fills up quickly; arrive early or use paid lots. Some events may adjust timings or fees, so call ahead where possible. Book tickets or reservations in advance to avoid disappointment.
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