Under the patronage of the regional emirs, the sprawling metropolis of Sharjah has styled itself as the cultural and artistic capital of the United Arab Emirates. Of course, it’s also attracted many with its shimmering gulf beaches, its swanky shopping centres and the possibility of water sporting (particularly jet skiing) on the gulf.
Starting in the central old town area, visitors here are invited to uncover one of the country’s richest arrays of traditional architecture, albeit largely reconstructed. Check out the Al Hisn Fort, with its shimmering marble frontispieces, before moving on to the intriguing Museum of Islamic Civilization, where the exhibitions deal with the history of religion in this particularly pious corner of the globe. Then, perhaps settle for an herbal tea in one of the dusty coffeehouses of Souq al-Arsah, as your Sharjah tour guide briefs you about the abundance of galleries, exhibitions and attractions that pepper the city’s Heritage Area—from the fascinating Art Museum, and the Maritime Museum bordering the Aquarium, to the monkey-peppered Sharjah Desert Park.