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Sharjah
The UAE's capital of culture
- Best time to visit
- Nov, Dec, Jan, Feb, Mar
- Currency
- AED
- Time zone
- UTC+4
- Country
- United Arab Emirates
Dubai's neighbour and the cultural heart of the UAE, known for its museums, restored old town and family-friendly waterfront, with more modest prices.
- Dubai
- Abu Dhabi
- Sharjah
- Al Ain
- Ras Al Khaimah
Quick facts
- Country
- United Arab Emirates
- Capital
- Abu Dhabi
- Province population
- 1.8M
- Population of United Arab Emirates
- 10.7M
- Country area
- 83,600 km²
- Official language
- Arabic
- Currency
- United Arab Emirates Dirham (AED) · 1 USD ≈ 3.67 AED
- Time zone
- UTC+4
- Calling code
- +971
- Drives on the
- Right
- Elevation
- 5 m
- Plugs
- G · 230V
- Emergency numbers
- 999 · 998
- Best time to visit
- Nov, Dec, Jan, Feb, Mar
Temperatures through the year
Average daily high and low for each month in °C. Months marked with a drop are often rainy.
Temperatures through the year
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High | 24° | 26° | 29° | 34° | 39° | 41° | 42° | 42° | 40° | 36° | 31° | 26° |
| Low | 13° | 14° | 17° | 21° | 25° | 27° | 30° | 30° | 27° | 23° | 18° | 15° |
Best time to visitOther months
Approximate daily cost
Per adult per day: food, local transport and half a double room, without activities or flights.
- ConservativeSimple stays, free and low-cost sights first.$58
- HighComfortable hotels, a balanced mix of sights and trips.$125
- LuxuryLuxury hotels, more paid experiences and day trips.$335
Top things to do
- ≈ $3
Sharjah Museum of Islamic Civilization
Manuscripts, science instruments and art from across the Islamic world under a golden dome.
- Half day
- Heart of Sharjah
- Indoors
- Free
Heart of Sharjah and Souq Al Arsah
Restored old houses, a covered souq and the blue-tiled Central Souk by the lagoon.
- Half day
- Heart of Sharjah
- ≈ $10
Al Noor Island
A small island park of sculptures, a butterfly house and light installations at night.
- Half day
- Al Qasba and Al Majaz
- Good for kids
- ≈ $8
Al Qasba and the Eye of the Emirates
A canal-side promenade of cafés with a Ferris wheel; the Al Majaz fountain show is nearby.
- Half day
- Al Qasba and Al Majaz
- Good for kids
- Good in the evening
- ≈ $60
Day trip: Mleiha
Archaeology in the desert, fossil rocks, dune drives and stargazing an hour inland.
- Full day
- Mleiha and the desert
- Good for kids
Before you go
Entry and visas
GCC citizens enter without a visa. Many nationalities get a visa on arrival; Indian passport holders with a valid US visa or green card, or a UK or EU residence permit, can get a pre-approved visa on arrival. Check your nationality on the official UAE portal, u.ae.
Official websiteFrom the airport
Sharjah International Airport is a hub for low-cost flights and about 20 minutes from the centre; Dubai airport is 30 to 60 minutes away depending on traffic.
Getting around
Taxis and ride-hailing are easiest; buses connect to Dubai. Traffic between Sharjah and Dubai is heavy at rush hour.
Local tips
- Sharjah is more conservative than Dubai: dress modestly, and alcohol is not served.
- Many museums close on Monday or keep shorter Friday hours.
- Staying here can cut hotel costs for a Dubai trip; allow for traffic.
- Winter evenings are pleasant for the waterfront and fountain shows.
Areas worth knowing
- Heart of Sharjah
- Al Qasba and Al Majaz
- Mleiha and the desert
The UK Foreign Office last updated its advice for this country on July 24, 2026.
Read the advice on GOV.UKMore cities in United Arab Emirates
All destinations
Sources: UAE Government portal (u.ae): visas · UAE Government portal (u.ae)