Is Sharjah worth visiting from Dubai?

Yes, particularly for history and culture. Sharjah has more museums per capita than almost any city in the region. The Heritage Area and Blue Souk are genuine highlights. Factor in the traffic — the Dubai–Sharjah commute is notorious.

Is alcohol available in Sharjah?

No. Sharjah is a dry emirate — alcohol is not available anywhere within its borders. This is strictly enforced. If you are staying in Sharjah and want to drink, you will need to cross into Dubai.

How do I get from Dubai to Sharjah?

The E11 connects the two cities. By car or taxi, 20–40 minutes without traffic, but the route gets severely congested during morning and evening rush hours. Public bus E303 runs from Al Ghubaiba bus station in Dubai for approximately AED 10.

What is the dress code in Sharjah?

Sharjah has stricter dress standards than Dubai. Shoulders and knees should be covered in all public areas, not just near religious sites. Swimwear is restricted to designated beach areas. The rules are enforced.

Sharjah Travel Guide | The UAE Guides

Sharjah travel guide: culture, heritage, museums, hotels, and practical tips for visiting the UAE's cultural capital, just 30 minutes from Dubai.

Sharjah is the UAE’s official cultural capital — a UNESCO designation the emirate has earned through serious investment in museums, heritage restoration, and the arts. It sits immediately north of Dubai, separated only by a boundary that traffic makes feel much longer. Where Dubai prizes spectacle and commerce, Sharjah has preserved and reconstructed its old city, built an impressive network of specialist museums, and maintained social norms that feel closer to traditional Gulf culture. It is also a dry emirate, which shapes the visitor experience significantly.

Getting to Sharjah

From Dubai by car or taxi: The E11 (Al Ittihad Road) connects the two cities. Distance is roughly 15 km, but the road is among the most congested in the UAE. Outside rush hours, the journey takes 20–30 minutes; during peak hours (07:00–09:30 and 16:30–20:00), allow 60–90 minutes. A taxi from central Dubai costs approximately AED 60–90 depending on traffic surcharges.

By public bus: Bus E303 departs Al Ghubaiba station in Dubai for Sharjah’s main bus terminal near the Blue Souk. Fare approximately AED 10. Journey time 45–60 minutes. Alternatively, shared taxis (abras) run between Deira and Sharjah for around AED 15 per seat.

Top Attractions

Sharjah Museum of Islamic Civilization: Housed in a restored souk building near the Corniche, this is one of the best Islamic art and science museums in the region. Entry approximately AED 15 adults, free for children under 6. Hours: Saturday–Thursday 08:00–20:00, Friday 16:00–20:00.

Sharjah Heritage Area: The restored old city neighbourhood with wind towers, the Al Eslah School Museum, and the Sharjah Calligraphy Museum. Most buildings are free or charge AED 5–15. Open daily during museum hours.

Al Noor Island: A beautifully landscaped island in Khalid Lagoon with a butterfly house, sculpture trail, and light installations. Entry approximately AED 35 adults. Hours: 09:00–22:00 (Friday and Saturday until 23:00).

Blue Souk (Central Market): Sharjah’s iconic twin-towered souk selling gold, carpets, antiques, and souvenirs. Free to enter; shops open roughly 10:00–13:00 and 16:00–22:00. Good for haggling on carpets and silver.

Sharjah Aquarium: Entry approximately AED 35 adults, AED 20 children. Hours: Sunday–Thursday 08:00–20:00, Friday–Saturday 16:00–20:00. Adjacent to the Maritime Museum (same ticket covers both).

Sharjah Art Foundation: Regular exhibitions and events, often free. The main gallery and Al Hamriyah studios host shows by regional and international artists. Check the calendar before visiting.

Where to Stay

Budget (AED 200–400/night): City Seasons Hotel Sharjah near the Corniche offers clean rooms and a convenient central location from approximately AED 230/night. Arabian Park Hotel is a budget-friendly option near the Rolla area, from approximately AED 200/night.

Mid-range (AED 400–750/night): Sheraton Sharjah Beach Resort & Spa has a private beach on the Arabian Gulf and good family facilities, from approximately AED 480/night. Radisson Blu Resort, Sharjah is adjacent on the same beachfront strip, from approximately AED 440/night.

Upscale (AED 800+/night): Bab Al Bahr Beach Hotel offers contemporary rooms with direct beach access in the Khor Fakkan area (Sharjah’s east coast), from approximately AED 850/night.

Where to Eat

Because Sharjah is dry, the restaurant scene is largely family-focused and café-style, with a strong Emirati and South Asian presence. Hanin Restaurant near the Heritage Area serves Emirati home cooking — ask about the daily special, typically AED 40–70 per person. Automatic Restaurant has branches across Sharjah and serves reliable Lebanese food, around AED 50–80 per person. Al Fanar Restaurant (the Dubai branch is better known, but the Sharjah marina outlet has excellent views) serves traditional Emirati food, approximately AED 100–150 per person.

International chains are well represented in the Sahara Centre and City Centre Sharjah malls.

Getting Around Sharjah

Sharjah has a bus network, but taxis are far more practical for visitors. Metered taxis are available; typical city journeys cost AED 15–40. The Heritage Area, Corniche, and Blue Souk are within walking distance of each other once you are in the old city.

Practical Tips

Photography inside mosques and religious sites requires permission
The Sharjah Art Biennial (held every two years) draws visitors from across the region — worth timing a visit around if possible
The eastern enclave of Khor Fakkan (on the Gulf of Oman coast) is also part of Sharjah emirate and worth combining with a Fujairah trip
Sharjah is notably cheaper than Dubai for accommodation and food — a useful base if budget is a priority and you don’t need late-night options

Combine a Sharjah day trip with our Ajman guide for a full cultural circuit north of Dubai.

Sharjah Travel Guide

Guides for Sharjah