SHARJAH the ultimate cultural and family destination
The emirate of Sharjah in the UAE offers some of the most amazing tourism experiences in the region with its authentic Arabian atmosphere and state-of-the-art facilities set in a family-friendly environment. Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Author
Highlighting its distinct status as the cultural capital of Arab region, Sharjah is home to some of the most important cultural and heritage sites in the region. The most prominent of these is The Heart of Sharjah, which features architectural buildings, mosques and markets that bear witness to the city’s development and evolution through time. The Heart of Sharjah has been registered in the tentative list of World Heritage Sites by UNESCO.
The emirate has preserved its rich past in as many as 16 museums, ranging from the official residence of Sharjah’s ruling family for over 200 years to those housing art, calligraphy and Islamic artefacts. There are even museums dedicated to Sharjah’s key status in the region’s aviation and maritime history.
In addition to its famous Islamic monuments, mosques and public parks, Sharjah boasts literary and intellectual institutions that have enriched the cultural scene. Today it draws millions of visitors from all parts of the world with a number of cultural festivals, including book fairs, painting exhibitions and theatrical performances.
In recognition of Sharjah’s efforts to embrace its rich traditions and strong cultural heritage to create a modern tourism industry, the emirate was selected as the Arab Tourism Capital for 2015 by the Arab Tourism Organisation. Sharjah was earlier crowned the ‘Cultural Capital of the Arab World’ in 1998 and the Islamic Culture Capital for 2014.
Culture and heritage is just one element in the wide canvas of Sharjah’s diverse offering for family tourists. The emirate has a variety of attractions for everyone in the family, from dazzling shows and carnivals to enchanting parks and stunning desert landscapes as well as scenic man-made lagoons and an array of cultural and edutainment locations.
Sharjah’s outdoors have plenty of activities for families in charming locations such as Al Majaz Waterfront, Al Qasba, and Khalid Lagoon. Visitors can also choose to relax with their families in any of the nearly 55 parks which offer the latest facilities and amenities.
One of the latest attractions is the Al Khan Beach, the first public beach in Sharjah with multiple facilities and activities designed for both beach sport enthusiasts and sun-lounging guests. Tourists can also take a drive to Sharjah’s picturesque east coast which is popular for water sports, snorkeling and diving. The east coast offers visitors camping facilities on the beach as well as accommodation in any of the motels and hotels that line the coast.
Another new development, Al Noor Island in Sharjah’s Khalid Lagoon, has been attracting thousands of visitors since its opening in December 2015. The AED 80 million ($22 million) iconic destination in the emirate consists of a uniquely designed streamlined structure inspired by the natural environment of butterflies. A key attraction housed within the island, the Butterfly House, is a nature-inspired structure hosting 500 exotic butterflies brought from Far East Asian countries.
Al Montazah Park, another new attraction, is a 126,000 square metre water themed park featuring eight pulsating rides. The park is distinct for its
massive green spaces and designated facilities for children. For adults and children seeking an extra bit of adventure, the park offers Al Montazah Adventures which consists of a number of gladiator-inspired obstacle courses divided into different difficulty levels.
Sharjah has also established its presence in the eco-tourism sector with some of the major projects in the region. The 25,000 hectare Mleiha project is one of the most significant of these, the project features special guided tours to Mleiha’s protected areas and gives visitors a chance to take part in some adrenaline fuelled desert activities.
Another new development is the Wasit Nature Reserve, spread across 4.5 square kilometres, that ticks all the boxes in terms of ecotourism, preservation, and natural diversity. The nature reserve featuring trees, lakes and salt flats attracts over 150 species of birds, both migratory and resident. It has a new 1.5 square kilometre visitor centre equipped with innovative technologies that allow visitors to learn more about birds.
Sharjah opened its Al Hefaiyah Mountain Conservation Centre, located at the base of the Hajar Mountains outside of Kalba. The Centre allows visitors to closely witness the flora and fauna of the mountains, and highlights the strong connections between the animals and landscape and regional culture.
Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority is focused on new initiatives to take tourism in the emirate to the next level of growth. As part of its continued efforts to improve the tourism experience by providing innovative solutions, ATM will see the launch of new documentary film highlighting the various attractions that tourists can find in Sharjah.
With its constant efforts to offer new products and facilities that meet the requirements of all segments of tourists from every part of the world, SCTDA has firmly established Sharjah’s distinct status as a cultural and family tourism destination in the region. The Authority is now all set to achieve the Sharjah Tourism Vision 2021, which aims to welcome 10 million visitors to the emirate in the next five years.
Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority is focused on new initiatives to take tourism in the emirate to the next level of growth. As part of its continued efforts to improve the tourism experience by providing innovative solutions, ATM will see the launch of new documentary film highlighting the various attractions that tourists can find in Sharjah.