A spectacular blend of unique attractions and luxurious hotels and resorts (that too without burning a hole in your pocket!) makes Sharjah a great getaway for a family or a group of friends. Once you start exploring the varied experiences on offer in Sharjah, you’ll surely begin to wonder why you haven’t visited this Emirate yet.
If you’re someone for whom a holiday itinerary must have a range of experiences, Sharjah is the place for you. Whether you're on a ride in a 4x4 vehicle over the Emirate’s majestic sand dunes or passing by a turtle as you snorkel in the sea, this ‘shot of life’ is addictive and all the more exciting when experienced in a new destination.
A location for family and friend groups alike, this destination is perfect for the rejuvenation you crave for on holiday! Kayaking, jet skiing and a range of desert sports you’ve probably never even heard of – your adventurer's quest awaits you in Sharjah!
Sharjah is the only Emirate in the UAE that’s flanked by the Gulf of Oman and the Arabian Gulf Coast – a geographical virtue that highlights it from the other Emirates. It is also why Sharjah draws globetrotters with a flair for water sports and desert adventures alike.
An ancient route used by Persian traders, Sharjah is filled with pre-Islamic history making it an ideal getaway for thrill seekers who also have an appetite for culture. Not mentioned in conversations as its contemporaries, Sharjah is slowly stealing the limelight from its more popular neighbours for its heady mix of luxury, lifestyle and intrigue-inducing locations. And here’s why you need to book a trip right away!
Adventure comes in many forms in Sharjah
If your desire for new experiences is what propels you to new destinations that are also the best in adventure, then Sharjah’s the place for you! One of the most stimulating experiences that you can have in Sharjah is exploring its desert activities. The rocky and sandy terrain of the Emirate features some of the best sand dunes that you can visit in all of the UAE. On a trip to Sharjah, don’t forget to visit Fossil Rock and the Big Red - a mammoth sand dune that you can explore while manoeuvring 4x4 vehicles across the sandy terrain, an activity even kids can enjoy! It may not seem like it, but riding a quad bike or a dune buggy on this seemingly endless spread of desert is the most calming experience you can treat yourself to. For those not used to these high-paced action sequences, sand-skiing down a red dune or paragliding over the desert is ideal.
For an experience that is different from the ones described above, you can take off your shoes and jump right into the tranquil waters of Sharjah. Set off in your kayak and go exploring the many mangroves that dot Al Qurm Nature Reserve, a tropical haven where serenity prevails year-round. As you meander along in your kayak or stand-up paddle, the rush of adrenaline you sought in the dunes will be replaced by the soothing vibes of Al Qurm – a well-deserved reward for your physical efforts through the day!
Complement your holiday with an enriching evening with Bedouins
Soak in the local culture at a camel race that draws spectators every Thursday and Friday to experience the Bedouin life special to the Emirate. The changing landscape of the desert introduces you to a new side of Sharjah every few strides, and the people of the desert are a significant part of its identity. To be among them for a short while will complete your experience in Sharjah.
Camp under the stars in Mleiha
Take a break from the adventure activities by visiting this UNESCO World Heritage Site that’s steeped in history. Home to fossils, pre-Islamic forts and Bronze Age tombs, Mleiha offers an eclectic mix of experiences for those curious about cultures. The desert landscape of Mleiha bridges you to Sharjah’s rich past through lessons in ancient history and culture. Visit the Mleiha Archeological Museum by day and unwind under the stars by night. Check in to a campsite that will offer you a (luxurious) glimpse of the life of the Bedouin people. Stargaze into the universe as you connect the sparkling dots in the sky before you wake up refreshed to trek to Camel Rock. Here you’ll realise that Sharjah only gets more beautiful with every ascent.
Sharjah is packed with so many surprises for travellers with a taste for adventure, and these paragraphs are mere appetisers of what’s in store for you. In fact, this article hasn’t even touched upon Sharjah’s food and its culinary attractions – exotic and comforting, just like the rest of your visit to the Emirate. A blend of flavourful spices that your palette will take an immediate fancy for, Sharjah’s cuisine is more than just a plate of food – it is art served on a platter. Boasting Mediterranean delights, world-renowned Arabic food and barbeques you’ve surely never tried before, the entire cuisine of Sharjah is a treat to the senses. Once you try the food Sharjah has on offer, you’ll find yourself wanting to relive the mealtime experience back home, and will come to the conclusion that the only way you can do so is by booking a flight back to Sharjah!
In association with Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority.
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