Sights in United Arab Emirates
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Al-Jahili
In freshly restored glory, Al-Jahili is one of the largest forts in the UAE, built in the 1890s as a royal summer residence. It now houses a visitor information centre and a permanent exhibit on British explorer, writer and photographer Sir Wilfred Thesiger.
reviewed
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A
Jumeirah Beach Park
It’s a real treat to take a walk on the grass at this verdant park, as it’s a couple of degrees cooler than the beach. Fronting onto a long stretch of sand, the park has lifeguards on duty, a children’s play area, barbecues, picnic tables, walkways and kiosks.
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Sharjah Maritime Museum
West of Qanat al-Qasba, at the Sharjah Maritime Museum, wooden dhows, fishing tools, devices used in pearl diving and historic photographs of grizzled old sea captains pay tribute to the key role the sea has played in the emirate’s heritage.
reviewed
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Al Serkal Cultural Foundation
This rambling Bastakia Quarter courtyard building with its labyrinth of galleries provides a fitting setting for both traditional and cutting-edge works by local and international artists. In the courtyard are impressive relief portraits of Sheikh Zayed.
reviewed
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Sharjah Heritage Museum
Next door to the Islamic Museum, the Sharjah Heritage Museum, has similar traditional exhibits to Bait Sheikh Sultan Bin Saquer al-Qassimi though without the wind towers, but it is still worth a look. Wednesday admission is for women only, all day.
reviewed
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Islamic Museum
Walking past the Sharjah National Theatre, you'll come to the Islamic Museum, with interesting exhibits including a large collection of coins from around the Islamic world and a number of beautiful handwritten Qurans. Friday evening is women only.
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Qanat al-Qasba
South of the Khalid Lagoon, popular Qanat al-Qasba is a car-free, lively mix of restaurants, cafes and family-friendly entertainment venues along a canal. Diversions include a Ferris wheel and abra (water taxi) rides.
reviewed
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Children’s City
Kids naturally gravitate to Children’s City, a learning centre jam-packed with interactive exhibits that playfully explain scientific concepts, the human body, space exploration and natural wonders.
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Bait Sheikh Sultan Bin Saquer al-Qassimi
The splendid Bait Sheikh Sultan Bin Saquer al-Qassimi is a traditional house with wind towers set around a courtyard. Inside are wonderful displays of traditional costumes, jewellery, ceramics and furniture.
reviewed
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Sharjah Aquarium
The Sharjah Aquarium has ethereal sea horses, charming clownfish, spooky moray eels, prowling reef sharks and 250 or so other underwater species never fail to amuse, enlighten and entertain.
reviewed
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Children’s Farm
For a more hands-on experience take kids to the Children’s Farm, where they can meet, pat and maybe even feed goats, camels and ducks, or ride ponies or camels (Dh5, weekends only).
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Cuadro
In an enormous space taking up the entire ground floor of Gate Village’s Bldg 10, this highly regarded gallery presents top-flight artists from both the West and Middle East.
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Bastakiya Quarter
With its labyrinthine lanes lined with traditional wind-tower architecture, the old Bastakiya quarter on the waterfront east of Bur Dubai Souq is a magical place to explore.
reviewed
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Arts Area
Tucked behind the textile shops and souqs on the opposite side of Burj Ave is the Arts Area, home to the country's most impressive art gallery, the Sharjah Art Museum.
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Bait Obeid al-Shamsi
The Bait Obeid al-Shamsi, opposite the art museum, is a restored house used as an international artists' studio; don't miss the intricate pillars on the upper level.
reviewed
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Natural History Museum
From fossils to dinosaurs to desert plants, the Natural History Museum takes you through the region’s ecosystems and back millions of years in time.
reviewed
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Umm Suqeim Beach
This white sandy beach, with fabulous views of the Burj al-Arab, has showers and shelter and is popular with Jumeirah families and Western expatriates.
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Kite Beach
Also known as Wollongong Beach, this long pristine stretch of sand is quiet and a great place for relaxed sunbathing but, alas, it has zero facilities.
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Fujairah Museum
For a peek into Fujairah's past, drop by the dusty Fujairah Museum.
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Jumeirah Beach Residence Open Beach
This is a lovely wide beach paralleling The Walk at JBR. There are no facilities here.
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Very Special Arts Centre
The Very Special Arts Centre is a workshop and gallery for disabled artists.
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Emirates Fine Arts Society
The Emirates Fine Arts Society displays the works of local artists.
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Empty Quarter
This sleek gallery is devoted exclusively to fine art photography.
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Sharjah Heritage Museum
Next door to the Islamic Museum, the Sharjah Heritage Museum, has similar traditional exhibits to Bait Sheikh Sultan Bin Saquer al-Qassimi though without the wind towers, but it is still worth a look. Wednesday admission is for women only, all day.
reviewed
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R
Bastakiya Quarter
With its labyrinthine lanes lined with traditional wind-tower architecture, the old Bastakiya quarter on the waterfront east of Bur Dubai Souq is a magical place to explore.
reviewed