Introducing Sharjah

Sharjah doesn’t dazzle with glitz but with culture and got the Unesco nod back in 1998 when it was declared Arab Capital of Culture; and deservedly so. Once you have penetrated the traffic-clogged outskirts of town, the historic old town is easy to navigate on foot. Plan on setting aside several hours to explore the Heritage and Arts Areas, as well as the souqs and excellent museums.

Aside from the main city of Sharjah, the enclaves of Dibba Al Hisn, Khor Fakkan and Kalba on the eastern coast also belong to the emirate.

One caveat: Sharjah takes its decency laws very seriously, so do dress modestly. That means no exposed knees, backs or bellies – and that goes for both men and women. It’s also the only emirate that is ‘dry’ (ie no alcohol is available anywhere).