Sharjah

Introducing Sharjah

The anti-Dubai. The only thing conservative Sharjah has in common with its glitzy neighbour is that they both have charming waterways. With no alcohol, no sheesha cafés, no revealing clothing and most definitely no cohabitation by non-married couples, thankfully the third-largest emirate has plenty of other activities to keep your mind off the forbidden fruits offered elsewhere in the UAE.

Sharjah promotes itself as the cultural capital of the UAE, and its proliferation of excellent museums, galleries and theatres makes this tag well deserved. Architecturally, the restored central arts and heritage precincts are two of the most interesting neighbourhoods in the UAE, and the city’s souqs give it the cachet of being the best place for souvenir shopping in the country, and well worth a couple of days’ exploration – perhaps to detox from Dubai’s decadent delights?

Last updated: Feb 17, 2009