MYSTICAL AND MAGICAL
Sharjah may not be as famous as its neighbour Dubai but it ticks every box for travellers and is fast becoming the UAE’s hottest – and coolest – destination
DESERTS and dunes, mountains and museums, history and heritage, culture and cuisine with a generous helping of sunshine and splash thrown in – the emirate of Sharjah is one of few destinations that ticks every box on anyone’s list of holiday must-haves.
It’s a vibrant metropolis that mixes tradition with modernity.
Its bustling capital city sits on the Arabian Gulf surrounded by diverse landscapes – mystical deserts, rocky mountains, lush mangrove forests, calm coastal waters and pristine beaches – all of which present a wide and varied collection of sights and experiences for visitors to enjoy.
Al Majaz Waterfront, overlooking the Khaled lagoon, blew all misconceptions I had of the emirate well and truly out of the water.
I had imagined an ancient, dusty destination, not breathtaking landscapes, gleaming skyscrapers and a sparkling waterfront surrounded by lots of green space.
Visit the Butterfly House on Al Noor Island, a fairytale-like, dreamy experience, where you’ll see more than 500 exotic butterflies fluttering in their natural habitat inside an awe-inspiring structure.
Enjoy being transported into a magical state of calm by the sounds of the birdsong, the palm trees swaying in the breeze and the multi-sensory art installations.
It’s a magical oasis of solace and tranquillity where art and culture meet nature.
Al Qasba is another must-see on your city list.
Wind your way along the canal, criss-crossing over the brightlypainted pedestrian bridges, take a boat tour of the lagoons and stop at what’s known as the best Mediterranean-Lebanese restaurant in Sharjah, Shababeek.
For a slice of outdoors activity, explore the east coast. Sharjah’s terrain makes it an ideal destination for all levels of outdoors enthusiast.
Head to the Al Qurm Nature Reserve, the most northern mangrove forest in the world, for kayaking adventures.
Or take a trek or desert cycle at Mleiha, a nominated UNESCO World Heritage Site, to explore the archaeological finds.
If you’re feeling adventurous, hop into a dune buggy or 4x4 for some thrills in the mystical, magical red sands.
A desert BBQ experience is a must – you’ll feel like you’ve just stepped into a chapter of Arabian Nights.
Sharjah has a coastline on both the Arabian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman, making it an ideal destination for watersports enthusiasts.
Visit Khorfakkan on the east coast for beach fun in the form of windsurfing, jet skiing, sea kayaking and sailing.
Or take a deep dive or a shallow snorkel into the region’s clear waters, which are home to a