Historic coral-stone houses, calligraphy on a range of materials and an amphitheatre with 1,000 seats showcase Sharjah’s diversity. In the restored Heart of Sharjah, architectural history, crafts and traditional cafés come together; museums, events and leisure activities add further highlights.
Heart of Sharjah: Houses, Alleyways and Events
The restored historic Heart of Sharjah district includes coral-stone houses, among them Bait Al Naboodah, dating from 1845. Narrow alleyways lead to craft workshops and traditional cafés. As well as architecture, the district’s themes include crafts and café visits.
The Heart of Sharjah hosts the Sharjah Biennial and Sharjah Heritage Days each year, among other events, as well as further events organised by the Sharjah Art Foundation and the Sharjah Institute for Heritage. These events add a programme of activities that varies over time to the area’s architectural history. If you would like to plan your trip around the Biennial or Heritage Days, check the specific dates in advance.
Calligraphy at the Museum and in Workshops
The Sharjah Calligraphy Museum’s collection includes significant works by local and internationally renowned calligraphers. Works on canvas, wood, paper and ceramics show the variety of materials on which calligraphy can be created. The museum also offers workshops where visitors can develop their calligraphy skills. If you would like to explore the art of writing hands-on, include a workshop in your plans and check the current programme.
Flag Island: Leisure and Events
Al Montazah Parks is located on Flag Island in Khalid Lagoon, opposite the Central Souk. The complex combines a water park and an amusement park and is considered a family destination. Individual facilities may change; check in advance which activities you plan to enjoy.
Flag Island is also home to an amphitheatre with 1,000 seats. It hosts live shows, concerts and celebrations for Flag Day and National Day. If you are planning your visit around a particular show or celebration, check its date separately. The flagpole on the island is 123 metres tall. When it was inaugurated on 2 December 2012, it was described as the seventh tallest in the world.
Wind Tower and Historic Gathering Places
Majlis Al Midfa is a historic site in the Heart of Sharjah, featuring the only round wind tower in the United Arab Emirates. The round barjeel, or wind tower, differs from wind towers, which are usually square. The site was used for gatherings of regional intellectuals and merchants. Its architecture and former social function therefore offer two distinct ways to explore the place.
At Cultural Square, a sculpture of the Holy Quran stands on a 14-metre-high plinth. It is a distinct example of a religious monument in a public urban space, while Majlis Al Midfa is associated with its architectural form and historic use.
Al Qasba and Choosing a Focus for Your Stay
Al Qasba features pedestrian bridges and a complex along the canal. This makes it a different architectural point of comparison from the coral-stone houses in the Heart of Sharjah: here, the pedestrian bridges and canal-side complex are the defining features. If these appeal to you more than historic architectural styles, you can include Al Qasba as a separate focus in your selection.
When looking for hotels in Sharjah, it helps to first identify the focus of your stay: history, calligraphy, events or leisure. You can then assess specific offers against your own requirements.
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