Exciting attractions for all the family and easy access to Dubai

There's definitely much more to Sharjah the historic value and unique cultural assets. Entertainment is also big on this emirate and it being the most conservative of all in terms of dress code and drinking does not mean they don't know how to have fun.

One of the top places to go for a day out include the Eye of the Emirates (a giant observatory wheel much like the one in London), the Majlis of Ibrahim Mohammed al Midfa (great for people-watching and hanging out), the shady Sharjah Natioanl Park, and the Sharjah Desert Park, home to the Arabia Wildlife Centre, The Sharjah Natural History and Botanical Museum and a Children's Farm.

Great attractions for children also include the Sharjah Aquarium, the Sharjah Discovery Centre and Al Qasba with its musical fountain and Kids Fun Zone (the ferris here is also located here). The Al Jazeera Park makes for a fantastic day out for families, with an amusement park, mini zoo and swimming pool.

With many resorts offering free daily shuttle service to Dubai, one of the perks of basing yourself in Sharjah is its proximity to Dubai, making it incredibly convenient to hop to and fro between the two emirates.
 

Idyllic beach resorts

The beaches in Sharjah are simply beautiful, clean, lovingly maintained, with crystalline waters ideal for a good array of water sports. Whilst the Hamriyah and Al Khan lagoons are popular with windsurfers, jet-skiers and water-skiers, the calmer waters of Al Corniche and Al Khan beaches are ideal for relaxing as no motorised engines are allowed here.

Stretches of beach where you'll find luxury resorts include Coral Beach (part of the Corniche beach) and KhorFakkan beach, a private stretch owned by the Oceanic Hotel and Resort featuring its own marina and charging non-guests for use of their private beach.

Our only piece of advice regarding beaches in Sharjah is to stick to resort's private beaches, or private sections of beaches, as the most conservative of all emirates, strict dress codes apply in public beach areas, especially for women. In a resort you have nothing to worry about and are free to wear bikinis or swimming shorts, although you should always refrain from going topless, but this last rule actually applies to all United Arab Emirates.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to go?
Sharjah's climate is characterised by sunshine and warm temperatures - even in the winter months between December and February, the mercury rarely dips below 23 degrees C. Generally speaking, the best time to visit Sharjah is from November to April, when the weather is still pleasantly warm, but without the intense heat of the summer, when temperatures often rise above 35 degrees C and spending time outside is less comfortable.

Do you need a visa?
British citizens can get a 30-day visa on arrival in the UAE. Your passport needs to be valid for at least six months from the date you arrive.

How can I get there?
Sharjah does have its own airport, but there aren't any direct flights from the UK. Fortunately, Dubai International Airport is just 40 minutes away, so it's easy to fly into Dubai and then drive, or get a bus or taxi, to Sharjah to complete your journey. The flight to Dubai will take approximately seven hours.