Sharjah

Sharjah (الشارقة) is the capital of Sharjah emirate and the third largest city in the United Arab Emirates.

1 An introduction to Sharjah
2 Districts
3 Sharjah Halal Travel Guide
4 Local Language in Sharjah
5 Travel to Sharjah
6 How to get around in Sharjah
7 What to see in Sharjah
8 Best things to do in Sharjah
9 Muslim Friendly Shopping in Sharjah
10 Halal Restaurants in Sharjah
11 eHalal Group Launches Halal Guide to Sharjah
12 Muslim Friendly hotels in Sharjah
13 Stay safe as a Muslim in Sharjah
- 13.1 Medical services
14 News & References Sharjah
15 Explore more Halal friendly Destinations from Sharjah

An introduction to Sharjah

The word Sharq (short form of Mashriq) means east. Sharjah is east of Dubai and Abu Dhabi, thus its name. Its classical Arabic form is "Al Shareqah".

Districts

Sharjah is divided into neighborhoods, which are in both the main city and the suburbs. The neighborhoods are divided up into smaller communities or areas. The following are the neighborhoods in the main city:

Al Nahda
Al Khan
Al Mamzar
Al Majaz
Al Qasimia
Al Gharb (Rolla)
Al Sharq
Industrial Areas

Sharjah Halal Travel Guide

Sharjah is the third largest in area of the seven emirates that make up the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and the only one to have land on both the Persian Gulf Coast and the Gulf of Oman. Sharjah is next to Dubai and is effectively a suburb of it, with commuter traffic creating rush hour traffic jams. Expatriates generally live in Sharjah and work in Dubai because cost of living is cheaper in Sharjah, but better jobs are in Dubai.

The emirate is considerably larger than Dubai, with coastline on both west and east coasts of the peninsula, and with exclaves of Kalba, Khor Fakkan, and Dibba Al Hisn. The road to the east coast goes through rugged Al Hajar mountains. Public buildings in the Emirate were all designed by the present Shaikh (a qualified architect), a nice visual change from the usual fare of skyscrapers in other Emirates.

The Sharjah Commerce and Tourism website has sections on business, legacy, leisure, education, and coast.

Local Language in Sharjah

As in the rest of the United Arab Emirates, Arabic is the official language, although most residents speak other languages - particularly Hindi, Urdu and Tagalog. English is widely spoken in shops, souqs, and hotels.

Travel to Sharjah

For visa requirements to visit Sharjah, see the United Arab Emirates page.

Buy a Flight ticket to and from Sharjah

Sharjah International Airport IATA Code: SHJ - It is the home of the low cost carrier Air Arabia which has connections with various Middle East and Indian Subcontinent cities.

Getting to/from the airport

There is a shuttle bus connecting the airport with Sharjah centre (Rolla) running every 30 min (5 dirham).

Public bus route 111 (10 dirham) runs hourly from the airport via Al Qusais Bus station to the Metro's Rashidiya station in Dubai.

Dubai International Airport (IATA Code: DXB), in the neighbouring emirate of Dubai, has many more international connections and will be the more popular gateway to Sharjah.

Getting to/from the airport

To go to Dubai International Airport by taxi will set you back at around 100 dirham. You can travel by public bus to or from Dubai International Airport by using Dubai's local bus service and the inter-Emirate bus service.

Travel on a Bus in Sharjah

Bus travel to Dubai is feasible via an inter-emirate bus service run by the Government of Dubai Road and Transport Authority. Most buses arrive at Al Jubail bus station GPS 25.350138,55.381446, next to the Sharjah Fish market and the Sharjah Fruit and Vegetable market, nearby to the Central Souk. A bus from Sharjah to Dubai can take about 1 hours and costs 5 dirham. Timetables can be found at the RTA website.

Best way to travel in Sharjah by a Taxi

Taxis can travel from Dubai to Sharjah and vice versa without any restrictions.

How to get around in Sharjah

Public buses are by Sharjah Transport, There are seven local and three express routes. Dubai's RTA also offers express commuter bus service. Licensed taxi companies are Sharjah, Emirates, Citi, Union, and Advantage. Taxi plates are reflective green, which helps to spot them at night. Flag fall is 3.50 dirham and then 1 dirham every 650 m, and the minimum fare is 11.50 dirham. There is a surcharge of 20 dirham to go into Dubai.

What to see in Sharjah

Heritage Area - Good overview available here including a few restoration of old houses. The Heritage is situated near the Corniche between Burj Avenue & Al-Maraija Road. Many historic buildings have been reconstructed with traditional materials. The most interesting sites are Al Hisn Fort, Literature Plaza with House of Poetry, Sharjah Museum of Islamic Civilization, Sharjah Heritage Museum and Souq al-Arsa. Most sites in the Heritage Area have opening times set aside solely for women. Visitors of both genders should make certain of these on arrival in the city.

Al Hisn Fort - The Sharjah Fort Museum dominates the Heritage District. The fort itself has been lovingly restored by the present Sheikh and the museum provides something of a glimpse at social history of the Emirate. Many exhibit signs, however, are solely in Arabic, with those in English often being rife with errors.

Sharjah Museum of Islamic Civilization - Sharjah Museum of Islamic Civilization is a fascinating place for any visitors with an interest in the faith, as there are handwritten Qur'ans, letters from the Prophet Muhammad to other leaders and various artifacts from Mecca. Also a comprehensive display of Arab handicrafts.

Bait al-Naboodah Heritage Area
Souq al-Arsah - Another souq worth a visit. It is considered to be the oldest souq in the nation. Stop at the traditional coffehouse for a mint tea and a plate of dates.

Sharjah Calligraphy Museum - A small museum with magnificent calligraphic works of art by Persian, Arabic and Turkish artists with a workshop where students are trained in the art of calligraphy

Sharjah Heritage Museum - A small museum about the history and habits of the emirate

Art Area - Includes Sharjah's Art Museum which covers regional and international art exhibits, with the oriental collection being its highlights. The Arts Area is situated opposite the Heritage Area on the other side of Burj Avenue.

Sharjah Art Museum - The Sharjah Art Museum shows contemporary art by local and foreign artists. It is also the home of the Sharjah International Art Biennale, a bi-yearly exhibition of international contemporary art and performance.

Sharjah Archeology Museum - The museum explore the changing environments experienced by the region's inhabitants from the Stone Age to the present day through displays of artefacts, coins, jewellery, pottery and ancient weapons. Investigate a dig in progress, explore models of burials, houses and tombs and see the first forms of writing in this area.

Other museums also covers marine, natural history, aviation, and other valuable aspects.

Blue Souq (Souq Al Markazi or Central Souq). An interesting shopping centre hosting around 600 shops in two wings. The ground floor shops tend to stock Gold and expensive designer clothes, with the upper level containing shops stocking carpets and curios from as far afield as Afghanistan and Tibet. Haggling over prices in the upper-level shops will frequently attract massive discounts. A great place to buy gifts and traditional goods. Considered superior to Dubai for carpets by Western expatriates.

Sharjah Desert Park - It has three components spread over 1 km²: the Natural History Museum, Arabian Wildlife Centre and the Children’s Farm. The museum provides people of all ages with an opportunity to learn about the flora and fauna of the Arabian Desert and has five main exhibition halls: A Journey through Sharjah, Man and the Environment, A Journey through Time, The Living Desert and The Living Sea. The Arabian Wildlife Centre showcases the rich diversity of fauna in the Arabian Peninsula as well as teaching about species which have become, and are becoming, extinct. It contains more than 100 species of animals, and is divided into a reptile and insect house, aviary, nocturnal houses, viewing area and a section for large predators and monkeys. The children’s farm gives children a chance to come into close contact with farm animals, such as donkeys, goats, sheep and chickens.

Fish Market - opposite Blue Suq

King Faisal Mosque - This magnificent mosque was a gift of the Saudi Arabian King Faisal. It was opened in 1987 and has space for 15,000 people. There are separate prayer rooms for men and women and the mosque has an Islamic library with more than 7,000 books. Admission for Muslims only.

Al-Qasba and Eye of the Emirates - Here you can enjoy culture, entertainment and leisure attractions representing the very best from the Arab world and beyond.

Al-Mahattah-Museum - Al Mahatta was the first airport in the Gulf region. It opened in 1932 as a staging post for commercial Flights from Britain to India. There is an interesting film about the daily life at the airport and Sharjah town in the 1930s and four original propeller planes stand in the hangar.

Best things to do in Sharjah

Jetskiing is very famous around summer time in the Khalid Lagoon.
F1 Boat Races happen around the human-made island in the Buhaira Corniche sometime around December.
Qanat al Qasba has a beautiful mosque right by the canal.
From Al Qasba there is a ferry that gives a boat tour around Sharjah.
Several different yearly festivals take place, and each one is a wonderful cultural experience. There are many fun activities at these festivals including camel rides, henna, delicious Arabian Halal Foods and dishes.
In celebration of the date season, which runs from mid-May to mid-August and the Date Festival is held at the Fruit and Vegetable Market from May 15 to August 15.

Muslim Friendly Shopping in Sharjah

Souq al-Arsa - Souq al-Arsa is considered the most atmospheric souq in the United Arab Emirates: authentic antiques, handicrafts, carpets and souvenirs for a much better price than in Dubai.

Central Souq (Blue Souq, New Souq) - The Central Souq is one of the best souqs in the United Arab Republic, specialising in carpets from Iran, Afghanistan and Türkiye, pashminas from Kashmir and silver jewellery from Oman and Yemen. In the Gold Center (corner of Sheikh Humaid bin Sar al-Qassimi Road and Al Wahda Roas) there are plenty of stores selling Gold jewellery.

Khlas Malaki Dates - Sweet dates, packed into small boxes, a nice souvenir.

Sharjah Mega Mall - Luxury shopping center with more than 140 international shops and the Lebanese Beyrouth Restaurant.

Halal Restaurants in Sharjah

The ubiquitous Halal shawarma is sold all over Sharjah and makes a very affordable and hearty meal. Khuboos made of wheat also a good quality food available at very cheap

Mushmaool Arabic Grill Restaurant - Mushmaool is good food and amazing service. Provides the best Halal grill in town and an outstanding halal dining experience. Committed to provide quality Halal food and a healthy dining experience as close to as what you get at home.

Seashells - Halal fish restaurant serving fried or grilled shrimps, tuna fish and hammour or a seafood platter at reasonable prices.

Lasani - (Pakistani) Halal barbecue and oriental Halal food. One of the best (Pakistani) Halal food in Sharjah.

Syed Al Biryani - House of Great taste. One of the best Halal restaurants in Sharjah.

eHalal Group Launches Halal Guide to Sharjah

Sharjah - eHalal Travel Group, a leading provider of innovative Halal travel solutions for Muslim travelers to Sharjah, is thrilled to announce the official launch of its comprehensive Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide for Sharjah. This groundbreaking initiative aims to cater to the diverse needs of Muslim travelers, offering them a seamless and enriching travel experience in Sharjah and its surrounding regions.

With the steady growth of Muslim tourism worldwide, eHalal Travel Group recognizes the importance of providing Muslim travelers with accessible, accurate, and up-to-date information to support their travel aspirations to Sharjah. The Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide is designed to be a one-stop resource, offering an array of invaluable information on various travel aspects, all carefully curated to align with Islamic principles and values.

The Travel Guide encompasses a wide range of features that will undoubtedly enhance the travel experience for Muslim visitors to Sharjah. Key components include:

Halal-Friendly Accommodations inSharjah: A carefully selected list of hotels, lodges, and vacation rentals that cater to halal requirements, ensuring a comfortable and welcoming stay for Muslim travelers in Sharjah.

Halal Food, Restaurants and Dining in Sharjah: A comprehensive directory of restaurants, eateries, and food outlets offering halal-certified or halal-friendly options in Sharjah, allowing Muslim travelers to savor local cuisines without compromising their dietary preferences in Sharjah.

Prayer Facilities: Information on masjids, prayer rooms, and suitable locations for daily prayers in Sharjah, ensuring ease and convenience for Muslim visitors in fulfilling their religious obligations.

Local Attractions: An engaging compilation of Muslim-friendly attractions, cultural sites such as Museums, and points of interest in Sharjah, enabling travelers to explore the city's rich heritage while adhering to their values.

Transport and Logistics: Practical guidance on transportation options that accommodate Muslim travel needs, ensuring seamless movement within Sharjah and beyond.

Speaking about the launch, Irwan Shah, Chief Technology Officer of eHalal Travel Group in Sharjah, stated, "We are thrilled to introduce our Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide in Sharjah, a Muslim friendly destination known for its cultural richness and historical significance. Our goal is to empower Muslim travelers with accurate information and resources, enabling them to experience the wonders of Sharjah without any concerns about their faith-based requirements. This initiative reaffirms our commitment to creating inclusive and memorable travel experiences for all our clients."

The eHalal Travel Group's Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide for Sharjah is now accessible on this page. The guide will be regularly updated to ensure that Muslim travelers have access to the latest information, thus reinforcing its status as a reliable companion for Muslim travelers exploring Sharjah.

About eHalal Travel Group:

eHalal Travel Group Sharjah is a prominent name in the global Muslim travel industry, dedicated to providing innovative and all-inclusive travel solutions tailored to the needs of Muslim travelers worldwide. With a commitment to excellence and inclusivity, eHalal Travel Group aims to foster a seamless travel experience for its clients while respecting their religious and cultural values.

For Halal business inquiries in Sharjah, please contact:

eHalal Travel Group Sharjah Media: info@ehalal.io

Muslim Friendly hotels in Sharjah

eHalal maintains a full list at of all hotels in Sharjah and the United Arab Emirates.

Stay safe as a Muslim in Sharjah

Generally speaking, Sharjah is a safe place.

Medical services

Al Zahra Private Hospital, Al-Zahra Sq., Al Ghuair, phone 5619999,5613311
Bristol Medical Centre, Juma Al Majid Building, Al Nahda, ☎ +971-65266615
Zulekha Hospital, Al Zahra Street, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates. Ph: 600 524442

News & References Sharjah

Explore more Halal friendly Destinations from Sharjah

The smallest emirate, Ajman, is Sharjah's northern neighbor