Monica Singh

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Itinerary to visit places in Sharjah that you don’t know about

A trip to Dubai or Abu Dhabi is a cliched UAE holiday. If you are searching for some off-beat journeys, then look beyond the usual and you will discover an array of interesting destinations in UAE. One such fascinating emirate in UAE is Sharjah. Bordering Dubai in the South, Sharjah is the third largest and populous emirate of UAE. It infuses more of old traditions, bygone Arabic era, and deep-rooted culture in its ambiance. Flanked by a beautiful coastline edging the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman, it offers some breath-taking beaches and port cities to explore. The emirate offers diverse sceneries of golden-hued sand dunes, pristine beach shores, rugged mountain terrains and dynamic cities. For a Sharjah vacation, here is a sample itinerary to guide you for off-beat holiday ideas and things to do in Sharjah.

 Day 1: Mleiha Desert

Start your Sharjah journey with a peek into the past where UAE was dominated by barren deserts. Head to the Mleiha Archeological Centre located in the south of Sharjah away from the city. Here, you can explore various expeditions such as visiting Fossil Rocks, enjoying the day with adrenaline rushing desert adventures, exploring historical sites, and discovering the wilderness. As evening dawns, unwind with a beautiful sunset on the desert horizon and get ready for a charming Arabian evening right in the middle of the desert. Set base at Mleiha campsite and settle down to enjoy a scrumptious Arabian meal. Enjoy a laidback star gazing experience that shimmer boldly in the dark, silent sky. Call it a day with an overnight camping experience in this Arabian Desert. 

Day 2: Khorfakkan Beach

Today, after you enjoy a serene sunrise moment in the desert, gear up for a contrasting experience amid blue skies, blue waters and white sandy beaches. Head to the Northeastern part of Sharjah and spend a day at Khorfakkan beach. This beach is one of the serene places to visit in Sharjah and has the added advantage of being one of the best diving spots in the UAE. With its water rich in marine life, it will be one of the most memorable adventures you will experience in Sharjah. You can also enjoy boating trips and island-hopping experiences. Set sail to Shark Island which is just a few distances away from Khorfakkan Beach. This petite rocky island offers a pristine panorama of crystal-blue waters, white beaches dotted with jagged rocky cliffs. You can swim along with sharks and turtles at Shark Island. Relax, take a dip in warm waters, stroll or snorkel, these beaches are idyllic spots to reconnect with nature. Take a short pause with a one-day city sightseeing if you feel that these adventures can become a bit overwhelming back to back. 

Day 3: Al Noor Island

Today, spend your day amid the man-made miracles in Sharjah. Al Noor Island is located within Sharjah City and offers an eclectic assortment of activities and experiences for its visitors. Located in Khalid lagoon, you get to step into an island oasis set away from the main city. Start with a boat ride to this fascinating island - the only way to reach this island. Once you step into Al Noor, you find yourself in a clean, car-free zone. Explore this beautiful island – take a trip to the Butterfly House where you are surrounded by thousands of fluttering flecks of over 20 species. Other highlights of this attraction are an Art and Sculpture zone, a kid’s playground for little visitors, Noor Café to grab a bite, and a Literature Pavillion to take a break and indulge in a good reading therapy. 

Day 4: Cultural Sights

Today, before you depart , take a tour of Sharjah’s cultural influences at Sharjah light festival. Sharjah is often referred to as the cultural capital of Arabia. Take a trip down the traditional lanes of Souk Saqr and Souq Al Arsah. Explore major cultural highlights of the city such as the Sharjah Islamic Museum, Sharjah Maritime Museum, Emirates Handicraft Centre, and Al Hisn Museum. Head to Al Shaab Village for a budget shopping experience where you can get loads of merchandise at bargain prices. The whole arena is jampacked with arrays of shops selling everything under the sun. If you still have time or departing the next day, wind up your day with a traditional Dhow Cruise experience at Al Majaz Waterfront. 

What makes this Sharjah holiday tour sample unique is that isn't centered around Sharjah’s city views and includes regions that are seldom included by travelers visiting Sharjah. This itinerary covers all major regions of Sharjah - the deserts in Central Sharjah, the beaches and islands in the East of Sharjah, and the fascinating city attractions of Sharjah City. It is essential to step out of the quintessential city areas and look beyond so that you find yourself in the alluring varied landscapes of Sharjah.