Sharjah is the third largest emirate in the United Arab Emirates. Sharjah began as a small settlement over 6,000 years ago, when it is believed to have been called Sarcoa and the residents relied on trade, farming, hunting, fishing and pearling. The scenery around Sharjah consists of spectacular desert views and the opportunity to see what life was like in the UAE before the discovery of oil.
In 1932, Sharjah was the sight of the first airport in the emirates - the runway is used as a main road today! When the airport was established it was located across the desert from the town so provisions for travelers were brought by donkey. In 1953, Sharjah was the location of the first properly organized school in the UAE.
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.
Address: Sharjah Museums Head Office, Sharjah's Qasba (First Floor, Block A) Box 39939, Sharjah, Ash-Sharjah , United Arab Emirates
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.
Address: Sharjah Museums Head Office, Sharjah's Qasba (First Floor, Block A) Box 39939, Sharjah, Ash-Sharjah , United Arab Emirates
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.
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.
Address: Sharjah Museums Head Office, Sharjah's Qasba (First Floor, Block A) Box 39939, Sharjah, Ash-Sharjah , United Arab Emirates
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.
Address: Sharjah Museums Head Office, Sharjah's Qasba (First Floor, Block A) Box 39939, Sharjah, Ash-Sharjah , United Arab Emirates
The Eye of the Emirates is a giant wheel offering an aerial view of the surrounding landscape. The Eye can carry 336 passengers in 42 air conditioned cabins.
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.
Address: Sharjah Museums Head Office, Sharjah's Qasba (First Floor, Block A) Box 39939, Sharjah, Ash-Sharjah , United Arab Emirates
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.
Address: Sharjah Calligraphy Museum, Al Sheyoukh, Sharjah, Ash-Sharjah , United Arab Emirates
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.
Address: Sharjah Museums Head Office, Sharjah's Qasba (First Floor, Block A) Box 39939, Sharjah, Ash-Sharjah , United Arab Emirates
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.
Address: Sharjah Museums Head Office, Sharjah's Qasba (First Floor, Block A) Box 39939, Sharjah, Ash-Sharjah , United Arab Emirates
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Night view of Sharjah seen across the water.
Sharjah mosque with modern high rise buildings behind.
