Sharjah

Sharjah is the UAE's third-largest emirate and the capital of the emirate of the same name, sitting right up against Dubai — the border between the two cities barely shows on a map, and it's about half an hour by car from central Sharjah to Downtown Dubai with no traffic. In spirit, though, it's a very different city: more conservative and quieter, known as the country's cultural capital — in 2019 UNESCO named Sharjah the World Book Capital.

According to the 2025 census, the emirate of Sharjah's population passed 2.1 million — nearly one and a half times what it was a decade earlier. Sharjah is the UAE's only "dry" emirate: selling and drinking alcohol is banned throughout the city, including in hotels (with the exception of a few resorts outside the city), and dress and behaviour in public are held to stricter standards than in Dubai.

What to see

The Heart of Sharjah historic quarter, with the Al Arsah souk and Al Hisn Fort, recreates the look of the city in the mid-20th century; nearby is the Blue Souk (Central Souq), known for its distinctive blue towers. On the water, Al Noor Island has a butterfly garden, and Al Majaz Waterfront hosts evening fountain shows. Sharjah is proud of its dozens of museums, from Islamic art to archaeology, most of them compactly clustered in the historic centre.

Best time to visit

The season lines up with the rest of the UAE — October to April, with comfortable daytime temperatures of +25…+32°C. Peak season runs December to February. From June to September it's hot and humid, and being outdoors is only comfortable in the evening, though museums and malls stay open as usual, air-conditioned.

How to get there

Sharjah International (SHJ) is a major low-cost hub, home base for Air Arabia, so flying into Sharjah is often cheaper than flying into neighbouring Dubai. The airport is 15 km from central Sharjah and just 25 km from Downtown Dubai — plenty of travellers fly into Sharjah and stay or sightsee in Dubai, since the distance makes it practical.

From the airport to the centre — by taxi or a pre-booked transfer; visa requirements depend on your nationality — check the official ICP UAE website for the current rules before you travel.

Getting around the city

There's no metro in Sharjah. Around town, it's taxis (yellow, metered) and the Careem and Uber apps; Sharjah Public Transport Corporation buses cover the main routes, including lines to Dubai. Many visitors staying in Dubai come to Sharjah by taxi or rental car for a day trip — the historic centre is compact enough to cover on foot in a few hours.