Sharjah

OVERVIEW

Sharjah

Sharjah is the cultural conscience of the UAE. Awarded the title of Cultural Capital of the Arab World by UNESCO, the emirate has invested deeply in preserving and celebrating Arab and Islamic heritage. Its Heart of Sharjah restoration project is transforming the old city centre into a living museum of traditional architecture, while institutions like the Sharjah Art Foundation and the Museum of Islamic Civilization attract visitors from around the world. Sharjah is also a dry emirate, offering a more traditional and family-oriented atmosphere.

Sharjah provides the most authentic cultural experience in the UAE. Its museums rival those of much larger cities, its restored heritage areas offer a window into pre-oil Gulf life, and its annual Sharjah Biennial is one of the most important contemporary art events in the Middle East.