Sharjah Sights

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Blue Souq, 2004

• Heritage Area - A good overview of Sharjah's heritage is available here including a few restoration of old houses. 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.
  • 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.
  • Islamic Museum 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 of the time and various artifacts from Mecca itself. There is also a comprehensive display of Arab handicrafts.
• Art Area - Includes Sharjah's Art Museum which covers regional and international art exhibits, with the oriental collection being its highlights.
• Other museums also covers marine, natural history, aviation, and other valuable aspects.
• Blue Souq (Souq Al Markazi or Central Souq) - An interesting, if slightly shambolic, 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.
• Souq al-Arsah - Another souq worth a visit. It is considered to be the oldest souq in the country.
• Eye of the Emirates