Holidays to Sharjah

Sharjah is the subtle and more refined cousin to Dubai; foregoing towering skylines and glitzy shopping centres to concentrate on its art and culture scenes, this emirate has been crowned a Cultural Capital by UNESCO in 1998 and again in 2014. Sharjah is a ‘dry’ emirate, meaning no alcohol is available.

Home to some of the country’s most awe-inspiring art galleries, alongside well-painted museums telling stories of the UAE rich history, Sharjah offers luxury in the form of the arts and intelligence instead of material goods. The restored Sharjah Heritage Area and the huge Mleiha Archeological Site is not to be missed, and immersing yourself in the information showcased by either makes it easy to appreciate how this city is doing so much to preserve it’s heritage.

Sharjah is the third largest of seven emirates of the gulf country of the UAE and is one of the fastest growing cities in the world seeing a boom in foreign investment and trading over recent years. The city itself is a masterpiece reflective of the galleries it homes; a blend of modern and traditional Islamic architecture separated by beautiful gardens, promenades, and parks. Sharjah’s cuisine matches its museums in uniqueness and inherited complexity and visitors can indulge in rich marinades, well seasoned meats, and filling rice or chickpeas sides. Restaurants cater to every taste and budget from fine dining to simple street food.