Sights in The Northern Emirates
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University City
A cross between Oxford and Disneyland, this sprawling and somewhat surreal campus is artificially greened, with splendid fountains, expansive lawns and flowerbeds galore. Its architecture is truly stunning and it's a popular stop on most expat's visitor sightseeing tours.
Check out the American University of Sharjah, with its Middle-East-meets-the-White-House building, the School of Sharia'a Law, the Sharjah Library, and the University of Sharjah. The city is unlike anything else in the country and is a sign of the importance placed on higher education in the UAE. It's next to Sharjah airport, 15km from the centre of town.
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National Museum of Ras al-Khaimah
The National Museum of Ras al-Khaimah, set in an imposing 18th-century fort built of stone and gypsum, and with a wonderful wind tower, was the residence of the Qawassim rulers until the 1970s. The thoughtfully curated collection includes exhibits on the area's natural history, archaeology, ethnography and the Qawassim tribe. Highlights include intricately patterned Iron-Age softstone vessels, 18th-century terracotta urns and other splendid artefacts from Julfar, the biggest port in the UAE from the 13th until the 18th century, and Shamal.
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Sharjah Desert Park
About 26km east of central Sharjah towards Al-Dhaid, Sharjah Desert Park packs four venues into a one-square-kilometre package. The main attraction is the Arabian Wildlife Centre, a zoo and breeding centre showcasing the diversity of critters that call the region home. The indoor aviary is home to flamingos, Houbara bustards and Indian rollers, while the outdoor enclosures house hamadryas baboons, striped hyenas, Arabian wolves and the splendid Arabian leopard.
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Sharjah Archaeological Museum
This fascinating museum is housed in an elegant building set in manicured gardens, next to the Science Museum near Cultural Sq. The displays, accompanied by audiovisual interpretations, cover the earliest archaeological finds in the emirate (dating from 5000 BC) up to the present day, including coins, jewellery, pottery and weapons. Wednesday afternoon admission is for women only. A taxi here from the centre will cost around Dh7 to Dh10.
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Ajman Museum
Undergoing renovation at the time of research, the splendid AjmanMuseum occupies an imposing old police fort. Built in the late 18th century, the attractive fort served as the ruler's palace and office until 1970. From 1970 to 1978 it was Ajman's main police station; hence the bizarre exhibit featuring handcuffs and police uniforms. In the fort yard is a charming reconstruction of a traditional souq.
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Heritage Area
The beautiful historic buildings in the Heritage Area, just inland from the Corniche between Burj Ave and Al-Maraija Rd, have been carefully restored and faithfully reconstructed using traditional materials such as sea rock, coral, and gypsum. First visit the imposing Al-Hisn Fort, with its fascinating historical exhibits inside, before making your way to the atmospheric Literature Square and the House of Poetry.
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Sharjah Art Museum
Anchoring the Arts Area, Sharjah Art Museum is one of the UAE’s largest and most impressive galleries. Its permanent exhibition includes 18th- and 19th-century oil paintings, watercolours and lithographs from the ruling family’s collection; curators also mount changing shows of local and international contemporary talent.
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Sharjah Museum of Islamic Civilisation
A short stroll north of Sharjah Art Museum is the fantastic Sharjah Museum of Islamic Civilisation, which zeroes in on different aspects of the Islamic faith, scientific accomplishments in the Arab world and 1400 years of Islamic art. Don’t miss taking a peek at the central dome with its striking deep-blue zodiac mosaic.
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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.
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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.
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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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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.
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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.
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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.
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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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