Where we can take a culture tour in Sharjah?

Sharjah, proudly crowned the cultural capital of the UAE, offers an extraordinary tapestry of experiences for anyone eager to embark on a deep dive into its rich heritage, artistic expressions, and traditional way of life. We believe that to truly grasp the essence of this emirate, a well-planned culture tour is indispensable, allowing you to connect with its past and present in a meaningful way.

The Heart of Sharjah: The Ultimate Cultural Immersion

The Heart of Sharjah stands as the unparalleled destination for a comprehensive culture tour, meticulously designed to transport visitors back to the emirate’s pre-oil era. This ambitious restoration project has revitalized the historical core, presenting a living museum of traditional Emirati life and heritage.

• Beginning Your Journey at Sharjah Fort (Al Hisn Sharjah): We recommend starting your cultural expedition at Sharjah Fort (Al Hisn Sharjah). This imposing fortress, a symbol of the ruling Al Qasimi family’s power and resilience, served as the government headquarters and royal residence for nearly two centuries. Exploring its thick coral stone walls, watchtowers, and interior exhibits provides a foundational understanding of Sharjah’s political history and traditional defensive architecture. The fort’s museum offers insights into the emirate’s justice system, the ruling family’s lineage, and everyday life within its walls.
• Wandering Through Traditional Souqs: From the fort, a short walk leads you into the bustling traditional markets: Souq Al Arsa and Souq Al Shinasiyah. Souq Al Arsa, the oldest souq in the UAE, offers a sensory feast with its shaded walkways, traditional shopfronts, and an array of antiques, handicrafts, and perfumes. Souq Al Shinasiyah provides a blend of historical charm and contemporary Emirati craftsmanship. These souqs are perfect for observing local life, understanding traditional commerce, and perhaps finding unique souvenirs. We encourage you to take your time, soak in the atmosphere, and appreciate the architectural details like the intricate wooden ceilings and ancient coral construction.
• Exploring Heritage Houses and Museums: The Heart of Sharjah is dotted with beautifully restored heritage houses, many of which now serve as specialized museums. Bait Al Naboodah, the former residence of a prominent pearl merchant, is a must-visit. Its traditional architecture, complete with elegant courtyards, ingenious wind towers (barjeel), and stunning woodwork, provides an intimate glimpse into the domestic life of a wealthy 19th-century Emirati family. Nearby, the Sharjah Heritage Museum offers a broader overview of Emirati customs, traditions, and the daily lives of its people, covering everything from traditional dress to social etiquette. The Al Eslah School Museum, Sharjah’s first formal school, allows you to step into a preserved classroom and learn about the emirate’s early educational journey.
• Appreciating Islamic Art and Calligraphy: Within this cultural cluster, you’ll also find the Sharjah Calligraphy Museum, a dedicated space celebrating the aesthetic and spiritual beauty of Arabic script. Its collection of masterworks showcases various calligraphic styles and provides insights into the tools and techniques of this revered Islamic art form. Additionally, the Sharjah Museum of Islamic Civilization is just a short walk away, offering a comprehensive journey through Islamic history, science, and art, featuring a stunning central dome adorned with a celestial mosaic.

A guided tour of the Heart of Sharjah, perhaps organized through Sharjah Museums Authority, can greatly enhance your experience, providing expert commentary and deeper insights into each site. This entire walking route can easily fill half a day or even a full day, depending on how deeply you wish to explore each museum.

Al Majaz Waterfront and Al Qasba: Modern Cultural Leisure

For a complementary perspective that blends traditional elements with contemporary leisure, a culture tour around Al Majaz Waterfront and Al Qasba offers a different, yet equally engaging, experience of Sharjah’s modern cultural identity.

• Abra Boat Tour on Khalid Lagoon: We recommend embarking on a traditional abra boat tour across the Khalid Lagoon. These small wooden boats, while modernized, echo the traditional vessels that once plied these waters. From the abra, you get a unique vantage point of the city’s skyline, passing by iconic landmarks like Al Noor Mosque and the vibrant Al Majaz Waterfront. The gentle pace of the boat allows for leisurely sightseeing and photography, especially magical during sunset or evening when the city lights illuminate the water.
• Al Noor Mosque Cultural Visit: The Al Noor Mosque, with its stunning Ottoman-inspired architecture, is a prominent landmark on the Khalid Lagoon. Non-Muslims are often welcome to join guided tours, typically organized by the Sharjah Centre for Cultural Communication. These tours provide invaluable insights into Islamic architecture, culture, and practices, offering a respectful and informative way to understand the role of the mosque in the community. It’s a chance to appreciate the serene beauty of its interiors and learn about Islamic customs firsthand.
• Al Qasba Canalside Stroll and Art: Al Qasba is an excellent place to conclude your contemporary culture tour. Its canalside promenade, lined with cafes and cultural attractions, offers a relaxed atmosphere. While it’s primarily a leisure destination, the architecture often incorporates traditional motifs, and public art installations are frequently displayed. The Eye of the Emirates, while no longer at Al Qasba, has left a legacy of modern entertainment that aligns with Sharjah’s vision of cultural leisure. You can also find exhibition spaces and cultural centers that host various events throughout the year.

Combining the historical depth of the Heart of Sharjah with the modern cultural vibrancy of Al Majaz Waterfront and Al Qasba offers a well-rounded and comprehensive culture tour of the emirate.

Mleiha Archaeological and Eco-Tourism Project: Ancient Civilizations

For those willing to venture further afield, the Mleiha Archaeological and Eco-Tourism Project offers a fascinating culture tour that delves into the prehistoric and ancient history of Sharjah, providing insights into civilizations that existed millennia ago.

• Prehistoric Beginnings: Mleiha is a globally significant archaeological site, with evidence of human habitation dating back to the Paleolithic era (over 125,000 years ago). A guided tour here, starting from the Mleiha Archaeological Centre, offers a profound understanding of early human migration, ancient tools, and the lifestyle of the first inhabitants of the region. The centre provides excellent interpretive displays, bringing the distant past to life.
• Archaeological Sites Exploration: The tour typically includes visits to various archaeological sites, such as the Bronze Age tombs, pre-Islamic forts, and the remains of ancient settlements. Walking through these landscapes, often surrounded by dramatic desert scenery including Fossil Rock and Camel Rock, provides a tangible connection to the layers of history beneath your feet. Understanding the strategic importance of Mleiha as a former trading hub, linking coastal areas with the interior, adds depth to the experience.
• Eco-Tourism Blend: Mleiha is not just about history; it’s also an eco-tourism destination. While exploring ancient sites, you can also appreciate the unique desert ecosystem, including native flora and fauna. This blend of history and nature creates a comprehensive cultural tour that highlights the interconnectedness of human civilization and its environment in this region.

Mleiha is best explored with a guided tour, which can be booked through the Mleiha Archaeological and Eco-Tourism Project directly or via Visit Sharjah. This ensures you gain the most insightful information and safely navigate the expansive desert terrain.

Sharjah offers a spectrum of cultural tours, from immersive historical walks to modern leisure experiences and ancient archaeological explorations, ensuring every visitor finds their unique path to understanding this remarkable emirate.

This guide has been carefully compiled by the www.few.ae team. Sharjah, proudly bearing the mantle of the UAE’s cultural capital, provides an extraordinary array of immersive experiences that allow visitors to truly delve into the heart of Emirati heritage, arts, and traditions. We’ve found that a culture tour in Sharjah is not just a visit to isolated sites, but a comprehensive journey through living history, where every corner reveals a story.

The Heart of Sharjah: The Ultimate Cultural Immersion

The Heart of Sharjah stands as the definitive starting point and indeed, the most comprehensive area for a cultural tour in the emirate. This meticulously restored heritage district is a living testament to Sharjah’s past, meticulously preserving its traditional architecture and historical essence.

• Architectural Exploration and Traditional Houses: As you wander through the pedestrian-friendly alleys, you’ll be enveloped by the unique beauty of traditional Emirati architecture. Buildings constructed from coral stone, gypsum, and teak wood with traditional wind towers (barjeel) are everywhere, offering a fascinating glimpse into past ingenious cooling systems. We recommend focusing on sites like Bait Al Naboodah, the former home of a wealthy pearl merchant. Stepping inside, you’ll see the intricate wooden carvings, serene courtyards, and traditional majlises, providing an intimate look into 19th-century domestic life and the social customs of a prominent Emirati family. The Sharjah Fort (Al Hisn Sharjah), the former residence of the ruling Al Qasimi family, is another architectural marvel, showcasing defensive strategies and the emirate’s historical governance.
• Museums and Galleries: A Deep Dive into Heritage: The Heart of Sharjah is a hub for some of the emirate’s finest museums, each offering a distinct cultural perspective. The Sharjah Heritage Museum provides invaluable insights into Emirati customs, traditions, and daily life, showcasing everything from traditional costumes to local handicrafts. For a deeper understanding of religious artistry, the Sharjah Calligraphy Museum is a must-visit, displaying exquisite Arabic script from various periods and styles, emphasizing its spiritual significance. Close by, the Sharjah Museum of Islamic Civilization offers an extensive collection of artifacts from across the Islamic world, illustrating the profound scientific, artistic, and cultural contributions of Islamic civilizations throughout history. These museums are thoughtfully curated, often with multilingual explanations, making them highly accessible for cultural exploration.
• Traditional Souqs: Sensory Cultural Experiences: No cultural tour is complete without a visit to the traditional souqs within the Heart of Sharjah. Souq Al Arsa, one of the oldest souqs in the UAE, exudes an old-world charm with its shaded courtyards and antique shops selling traditional Omani jewelry, old coins, and local perfumes. Next to it, Souq Al Shinasiyah offers a blend of heritage products and contemporary Emirati crafts. These souqs are not just places to shop; they are vibrant cultural spaces where you can interact with local vendors, observe traditional bargaining, and soak in the authentic atmosphere of historical commerce. The aroma of spices, oud, and frankincense fills the air, adding another layer to the sensory experience.
• Cultural Square and Performance Spaces: The area also includes Cultural Square, which is often a venue for various cultural events and festivals, particularly during the cooler months. The presence of traditional performance spaces and art installations further enhances the immersive cultural experience, connecting visitors with living traditions.

For the most up-to-date information on opening hours and any special cultural programs, we always recommend checking the Sharjah Museums Authority website.

Al Noor Island: Art, Nature, and Modern Culture

For a blend of nature, contemporary art, and modern cultural expressions, Al Noor Island offers a unique dimension to a Sharjah culture tour. While not historical in the traditional sense, it represents Sharjah’s forward-thinking approach to cultural engagement.

• Art and Literature Focus: The island features a variety of art installations and sculptures that blend seamlessly with the natural landscape, offering a tranquil space for reflection. The highlight is often the Butterfly House, a unique climate-controlled enclosure home to hundreds of exotic butterflies, providing a beautiful example of bio-cultural diversity. The island also integrates literary elements, with poetry passages inscribed along pathways and dedicated reading areas, fostering a connection between nature, art, and literature.
• Architectural Harmony: The design of structures on Al Noor Island, while contemporary, often incorporates elements inspired by Islamic art and natural forms, demonstrating how modern architecture can respectfully blend with cultural themes. The soft lighting and thoughtfully designed pathways create an ethereal atmosphere, particularly in the evenings.
• Location and Accessibility: Connected to the Al Majaz Waterfront by a pedestrian bridge, Al Noor Island is easily accessible and can be integrated into a larger cultural itinerary that includes the bustling waterfront. This allows for a contrasting experience between the historical Heart of Sharjah and the more contemporary cultural offerings.

While there is an entrance fee for Al Noor Island, the serene ambiance and unique blend of art and nature make it a worthwhile addition to a cultural exploration. Information about Al Noor Island can often be found on the Visit Sharjah website.

Sharjah Art Foundation and Art Spaces: Contemporary Cultural Dialogue

For those interested in contemporary art and how it engages with and interprets cultural themes, the various venues managed by the Sharjah Art Foundation offer an insightful cultural tour.

• Diverse Exhibitions: The Sharjah Art Foundation hosts a year-round program of exhibitions, screenings, and public art installations that often explore social, political, and cultural themes relevant to the region and the wider world. Many of these contemporary artworks draw inspiration from Islamic art forms, local heritage, or historical narratives, creating a dynamic dialogue between past and present.
• Architectural Adaptations: Many of the Foundation’s spaces are housed in beautifully restored heritage buildings within the Heart of Sharjah, providing a fascinating contrast between traditional architecture and contemporary art. This adaptive reuse of historical structures adds another layer of cultural appreciation, showing how the past can be repurposed for modern cultural expression. The minimalist interiors of these galleries allow the art to speak for itself while maintaining the historical shell.
• Community Engagement: The Sharjah Art Foundation is known for its strong community engagement programs, including workshops, talks, and educational initiatives. Participating in one of these events can offer a deeper, interactive cultural experience, allowing you to connect directly with artists and cultural practitioners.
• Sharjah Biennial: If your visit coincides with the Sharjah Biennial, a major international contemporary art exhibition held every two years, you’ll be treated to a large-scale exploration of contemporary art that often has a strong cultural and social commentary, drawing artists and art enthusiasts from around the globe.

Details on current exhibitions and upcoming events can be found on the Sharjah Art Foundation website.

Cultural Events and Festivals: Living Traditions

To truly immerse yourselves in Sharjah’s dynamic cultural scene, timing your visit with one of its numerous cultural events and festivals offers unparalleled opportunities to experience living traditions.

• Sharjah Heritage Days: This annual festival, usually held in February or March, is a vibrant celebration of Emirati and regional heritage. It transforms the Heart of Sharjah into an interactive cultural village with live demonstrations of traditional crafts, folk performances, authentic Emirati food, and historical re-enactments. It’s an immersive experience that brings the past vividly to life.
• Sharjah Islamic Arts Festival: Typically held from December to January, this festival showcases a wide array of contemporary Islamic art forms, including calligraphy, sculpture, installations, and photography. It features local and international artists and often includes workshops and artist talks, providing a unique opportunity to engage with Islamic aesthetics.
• Sharjah International Book Fair: Held annually in November, this is one of the largest book fairs in the world, attracting authors, publishers, and literary enthusiasts from across the globe. It’s a significant cultural event that promotes literacy, intellectual exchange, and a love for reading within the Arab world and beyond.
• Traditional Performing Arts: Throughout the year, various cultural centers and public spaces in Sharjah host performances of traditional Emirati music, dance, and poetry. These events offer an authentic glimpse into the performing arts heritage of the region, often accompanied by traditional instruments and costumes.

For an up-to-date calendar of events, we highly recommend checking the official Sharjah Events website, as it provides comprehensive information on all upcoming cultural happenings.

A culture tour in Sharjah is a rich tapestry woven with historical narratives, artistic expressions, and living traditions, ensuring a memorable journey through the heart of the UAE’s cultural identity. This guide has been carefully compiled by the www.few.ae team.