Very few people know that the UAE’s first airport was the Sharjah International Airport opened in 1977. Sharjah is also home to the country’s oldest mosque. These are just few of the discoveries that awaits a first time visitor to this emirate which is a treasure trove of culture and heritage By Steena Joy
The word Sharjah is sometimes linked to Sharqah, which means to the Sharq, or east as the emirate is located east of Dubai and Abu Dhabi. UAE’s third largest member emirate, Sharjah has an ancient history dating back to more than 5,000 years. It was historically one of the wealthiest towns in the Arabian Gulf region, because of its geographic position as one of the most important ports. Along with fishing and trading, pearling was an important occupation. The discovery of oil or black gold in 1972 changed not just the fortunes of this emirate but also its skyline.
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Today this contemporary emirate is a vibrant blend of the old and the new, rich in history and an Arabian heritage preserved for future generations of Emiratis. Named the ‘Cultural Capital of the Arab World’ by UNESCO in 1998, Sharjah has kept the spirit of its history alive in its museums (the emirate has no less than 17 museums!) and heritage districts like The Heart of Sharjah where you can find the UAE’s oldest souq or market place – Souq Al Arsah. It was the meeting place for the Bedouins and their camels in the old days. Even today, the souq is home to numerous quaint stores selling local, new and antique handicrafts, wooden articles, Arabic bridal and pearl chests, copper coffee pots, ethnic and handmade jewellery, perfume bottles and incense, hand-made woven garments, palm-leaf baskets, medicinal herbs, carpets, shawls and novelties.
Blue icon
An iconic landmark is the Blue Souq or the Central Souq, the image of which can be seen on the UAE’s five dirham currency note. This beautiful blue mosaic two-building market is designed in an appealing Arabic style. Located next to the picturesque Khalid Lagoon (with the Sharjah Fountain right in the middle of it) on the Al Buhaira Corniche, the spectacular buildings, embellished in blue tiling, house more than 600 shops selling jewellery, carpets, watches and artifacts. The Al Buhaira Corniche has numerous upscale hotels. The Sharjah Commerce Tourism Development Authority is also located along the corniche.
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A must see on any Sharjah itinerary is the cream coloured Al Noor Mosque, standing majestically beside the Khalid Lagoon, built by order of Her Highness Sheikha Jawaher bint Mohammed al Qassimi, the wife of the ruler of Sharjah, and completed in 2005. It is the first mosque in Sharjah which can be visited by non-Muslim visitors who are given a guided tour that informs about Islam and cultural aspects of the life in the UAE. During the Sharjah Light Festival, the mosque is one of the landmarks that is lit in neon colours giving it a surreal look.
A popular evening destination is the Al Majaz Waterfront, lined with many restaurants and cafés. Every day after sunset until 11 pm or 12 pm, visitors can enjoy laser shows of cybernetic fountains throwing up jets of water.
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Another major cultural hub and leisure destination providing all kinds of recreation and entertainment attractions is Al Qasba with shopping areas and restaurants. A part of the Light Festival is held here with light shows projected on the surrounding buildings. The water canal is used for boating and in the background is the gigantic ‘Eye of the Emirates’. The observatory wheel stands 60-metres high with 42 air-conditioned gondolas offering panoramic views of Sharjah and Dubai.
The sea connection
Located in Al Layyeh, the Sharjah Aquarium has over 250 species of marine life native to the region. Nearby the Sharjah Maritime Museum is a great place to explore the Emirate’s rich marine heritage – the sea played a key role in the development of Sharjah. The museum has on display the traditional wooden seafaring dhows used for fishing, trading and pearling, each designed according to their use. The Arabian Wildlife Center is the only zoo in Arabia and has different species of animals found in the Arabian Peninsula. Opened in 1999, it is home to more than 100 species of animals.
Sharjah is also home to Air Arabia, the first low cost airline in the Middle East. The headquarters is in the Sharjah Freight Center on the property of Sharjah International Airport. The Sharjah Airport Free Zone, popularly known as SAIF Zone, is one of the prominent free zones in the UAE and more than 6,000 companies operate from here. The cost of setting up business in Sharjah is less than in any other emirate of the UAE.
On route to the East Coast, visitors will see Al Bidya Mosque, the oldest mosque in the UAE. The Fujairah Archeology and Heritage Department states that the mosque is believed to be built in 1446 AD, along with the two watch towers overlooking the mosque and the village. Today this UNESCO World Heritage Site is a popular tourist attraction.
Located on the east coast of the UAE, Khor Fakkan is a beach town set on the splendid bay of Khor Fakkan, which means ‘Creek of Two Jaws’. Overlooking the long stretch of sandy beach is the Oceanic Khor Fakkan Resort & Spa with rooms offering beach views as well as villas. The all day dining restaurant Al Murjan not surprisingly, also serves Indian cuisine.
On the way back a stop at the Souq Al Jubail is a must for the variety of dates available there. The UAE has some 140 varieties of dates. The souq also has a meat and fish section.
Authentic desert experience
For those with a yearning for experiential tourism, make a trip to the Al Rabia Oasis. The oasis offers an authentic desert experience – a combination of date plantation, horse stables, camel rides, fish ponds and fauna like peacocks, deer, goats and sheep. The oasis is a true haven for migratory birds as well and many an orinthologist have been here. This land was once home to the traditional nomadic Bedouin tribes. The farm has pathways set alongside age-old desert irrigation systems called, ‘falaj’ and manmade water bodies add allure to the landscape. Tours are arranged by SNTTA Emir Tours, a leading destination management company (DMC) based in Dubai.