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| A comprehensive
guide
to current and future events and exhibitions in
the UAE |
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Valuable concise reference source on the UAE,
covering political system, economy, business, history and
heritage,
education, women, healthcare, tourism and environment. |
|
|
Natural history of the UAE,
covering all animals and plants recorded in the
Emirates. |
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Report by National US Arab Chamber of Commerce on the
UAE. Vol XV, No 3, June 2007. Includes analysis of UAE economy. |
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UNITED ARAB EMIRATES
WHAT TO SEE
General information
Abu Dhabi
Al Ain
Dubai
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Umm al-Qaiwain
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Sharjah
Al Mahatah Museum (06 5733073)
The Emirate of Sharjah, just north of Dubai, occupies an area equivalent to 3.3 per cent of the country’s total landmass. Sharjah has the distinction of being the only emirate to have land on both coasts since, although the main city is situated on the Arabian Gulf coast between, enclaves belonging to Sharjah (Kalba, Khor Fakkan and Dibba al-Husn) are located across the Hajar Mountains on the Batinah (East Coast), bordering the Gulf of Oman.
Sharjah City, a bustling administrative and commercial centre with its own distinctive ambience, has some fine restored traditional buildings, together with a wide range of impressive museums. In 1998 the city was designated by UNESCO as the cultural capital of the Arab world for its commitment to art, culture and preserving its heritage.
Khor Khalid tidal creek runs inland from the port. The first narrow section harbours an active dhow fleet, with trading goods piled high on the quays along the Corniche. Inland the Creek widens to a large lake, with a 100-metre-high fountain and is circled by the impressive Buhaira Corniche.
Archaeological Museum (06 5665466 archeo@emirates.net.ae, www.archaeology.gov.ae)
Located in the heart of Sharjah near the Cultural (or Quran) roundabout, this is a modern lively interactive archaeological museum tracing the history of Sharjah from ancient times. A gold halter, found with a ritually slaughtered horse in a grave near Mleiha is particularly beautiful.
The museum’s library houses a range of archaeological and historical books, magazines, periodicals and specialized reports.
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Sharjah Arts Area
Just off the Corniche and on the north side of Burj Avenue (Bank Road), the arts area comprises five architecturally acclaimed heritage buildings and a mosque dating back to the end of the eighteenth century. Here you will find Sharjah Art Museum, Sharjah Art Centre, Sharjah Art Galleries, Emirates Fine Arts Society and the Very Special Art Centre. There is also a café. Parking is available alongside the Creek (3 minutes walk) or in the basement below the Sharjah Art Museum.
The Sharjah Art Centre is housed in the beautifully renovated three-storey Bait Al Sarkal that used to be the house of the British Commissioner for the coast of Oman and was later turned into the missionary hospital, where many prominent Sharjah residents were born. The Art Centre offers classes for all ages and abilities, conducted by qualified art teachers.
Next door is the Art Cafe, which serves local meals, snacks and beverages. At the far end of the area, Art Studios are housed in the Obaid Al Shamsi house, where many artists have a place to work. Close by the house of Abdulla Al Sari has been transformed into an area where disabled persons can practice their art.
On the opposite side of the square is the Sharjah Art Museum (06 5688222), which was opened in 1997 and is the largest art museum in the Gulf. It has a total of 32 exhibition halls, of which eight are dedicated to the private collection of the Ruler who has donated them to the museum. This collection consists of eighteenth and nineteenth century oil paintings, watercolours and lithographs as well as modern paintings of local scenes. The museum has a very active programme of rotating exhibitions, covering every field of art, both local and international.
The architecture of the new museum building blends very well with the old buildings in the square, and the whole area with its narrow alleyways and special lighting has a very special atmosphere.
Sharjah Heritage Area
On the opposite side of Burj Avenue is the Heritage area, devoted to local markets, meeting places and small museums. This beautifully renovated district is a shining example of Sharjah’s commitment to heritage and culture that was instrumental in earning it the UNESCO title of cultural capital of the Arab World in 1998.
The Islamic Museum (06 5683334) is housed in one of the renovated buildings, the former house of Saeed Al Shamsi and holds a collection of rare Islamic manuscripts as well as items of Arabic art, including ninth century Iranian bowls, twelfth century daggers from Morocco and jewellery from Afghanistan.
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The Sharjah Heritage Museum
This museum is in Bait Al Naboodah (06 5693999), opposite Souq al-Arsah. The architecturally interesting two-storey family house, built around a shaded courtyard, is dedicated to a reconstruction of family life long ago. The various rooms have displays of traditional furniture and household items as well as children’s games, jewellery and costumes.
The Majlis of Ibrahim Mohammed Al Midfa (06 5693999)
The Majlis is situated between the Souq al-Arsah and the Corniche in a beautiful building with some delightful architectural features. It contains many interesting pieces that originally belonged to the owner, who was secretary for four rulers of Sharjah before his death in 1983.
Bait Al Gharbi (06 5687711)
Bait Al Gharbi in Al Qasaba Square opposite the Islamic Museum is the restored house belonging to Sheikh Sultan bin Saqr Al Qasimi. Three different types of cooling windtowers make this house particularly unique.
Al Husn (Sharjah Fort) (06 5687711)
Built by Sheikh Sultan bin Saqr Al Qasimi in 1820, this carefully restored fort situated in the middle of Burj Avenue was the residence of the ruling family for 200 years. In 1969 it was torn down, but the present Ruler restored it with the help of old photographs and documents, his own notes and the assistance of elderly residents. It now houses a museum with exhibits on pearl fishing, education and trade, as well jewellery, weapons and old photographs.
Sharjah Science Museum (06 5668777)
Situated in Halwan, next to the Sharjah TV Station, the science museum has 50 excellent interactive exhibits covering physics, chemistry, biology and astronomy.
Discovery Centre (06 5586577)
Located along the Sharjah – Dhaid Highway, directly after interchange 4 and opposite the airport, this was the first interactive ‘hands-on’ children’s museum in the UAE. The exhibits are grouped into themes such as roads, shops, banks, etc. In these familiar environments imagination, play and fun are part of the learning process. The wonders of the human body are explained in the Body Zone. In Water World you can dam a stream, make a fountain, and sail a boat. ‘Sharjah Airport’ is the place where you can put on wings and fly away. In ‘Drive Town’ you can drive a car and test your road knowledge as well as learn about the mechanics of the car. Other areas teach about sports, shopping and handling money. A cafeteria and gift shop is on the premises.
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The Planetarium (06 5286227)
Located in Majaz near Sharjah bridge, the Planetarium specializes in astronomy and celestial navigation. Open for groups only by appointment.
Al Mahatah Museum (06 5733073)
Situated in Al Mahatah fort at the old airport in Sharjah, Al Mahatah houses British memorabilia relating to the 1930s, 1940s and 1950s, the main theme being travel and transport.
Sharjah Police Museum (06 5633333)
Located at the Police Headquarters in Maysaloun, this museum has a good collection of armaments, riot and combat gear, models of old walls and forts.
Khor Al Khan
Khor al Khan is a lagoon, separated from the sea by a narrow promontory on which Al Khan fishing village is situated. The old village, which has several watchtowers and some coral block houses, is home to a traditional fishing community.
Sharjah Desert Park (06 5311999)
Sharjah Desert Park is 25 km out of town at intersection no. 8 on the Sharjah – Dhaid Highway. The grounds contain the Natural History museum, the Children's Farm, the Arabian Wildlife Centre and an off-limits Breeding Centre for Endangered Arabian Animals.
The Natural History Museum opened in 1995 and was immediately very popular because of its state-of-the-art displays. Lively with light and sound effects as well as video games, the exhibits deal with local habitats, plant and animal life, geology and marine life.
Around Sharjah
Sharjah’s enclaves of Dibba, Khor Fakkan and Kalba on the East Coast are well worth a visit. As are important arrchaeological sites such as Tell Abraq (on the border with Umm al-Qaiwain), Al Madam, Al Thuqaibah, Mileiha, Jebel Buhays and Jebel Emalah in the interior of Sharjah south of Al Dhaid.
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