Emirate of Sharjah

Khor Fakkan is the second largest town on the East Coast with a natural bay that has two prominent features - Shark Island and Port Khor Fakkan.Shark Island is a famous diving spot with many sites in the coral outcroppings. Another notable site is the Rifaisa Dam, tucked away in the mountains of Khor Fakkan. The dam was built over a village and the tops of the houses are more visible due to the lack of rain in recent years.Khor Fakkan is a popular tourist destination for swimming in the natural harbor and the sandy beach.The focal point of Khor Fakkan is the thriving container port. The busy Port Khor Fakkan is in an ideal location because of the close proximity to the main east-west shipping lanes and it is only three hours, by highway, from the main commercial and industrial areas of the United Arab Emirates.

Kalba is the most southerly village in the United Arab Emirates and the location of an important mangrove forest. The quaint charm of this old fishing village is still evident in the streets and shops of Kalba. The fruit and vegetable market is located along the seashore with the fish market next door.Two noteworthy attractions in Kalba are the restored House of Sheikh Saeed bin Hamad Al-Qassimi and the Al-Hisn Museum. The defensive fort, now the museum, was built 150 to 200 years ago to provide observation and defense.A large settlement dating back to 2,500 BC is being excavated, which will provide more pre-historical data for Kalba.

Al Eslah School Museum is housed in the first formal school in Sharjah, originally known as Al Qasimi School. It was established in 1935 and allows visitors to experience classroom life at the original wooden desks. The school focused on religion, Islamic education and the Arabic language.

Al Mahatta opened in 1932 as the first airport in the Gulf region. The airport buildings are used for the various exhibits focusing on the history of aviation on the Emirate of Sharjah. Four fully restored original propeller planes are on display in the hangar.

Bait Al Naboodah is a traditional house featuring local architecture. It was built around a courtyard, which served as a means of early air conditioning. This two-storey house was home to the Al Shamsi family, local pearl merchants, and was completed in 1845.

Bait Khalid bin Ibrahim was a distinctly original designed home that was completed over 100 years ago. Bahraini architecture and design is the highlight.The home belonged to pearl merchantsand features rooms filled with typical items as well as bridal attire, a wooden pearl chest and ornate weapons.

Key in the development of Sharjah has been the sea and the Sharjah Maritime Museum highlights this. Displays include the wooden dhows, methods of pearl collection, and traditional methods of catching fish.The museum is located next to Sharjah's aquarium.

Al Qasba is a popular tourist destination offering tons of entertainment possibilities. There are restaurants, shops, wooden boat rides, a kids zone and musical fountain.

Majlis Al Midfaa serves as a library and community centre for local residents. It has a notable feature - a round windtower - the only one of its kind in the UAE. Some of the items on display include books and manuscripts.

The Sharjah Calligraphy Museum focuses solely on calligraphy featuring various forms of this beautifully written script. Displays include calligraphy works on paper, wood, ceramics and canvas.

The Sharjah Discovery Centre is geared to children 13 and under. It is the only interactive hands-on museum for children in the UAE. There are seven areas for exploration including the five senses, shopping, travel and water.