A Weekend Getaway To Sharjah
Sharjah is a beautiful city with several historical monuments and natural beauty that can be enjoyed. No matter where you are in the city you can always find a masjid and also a halal restaurant. Sharjah is the third largest emirate in UAE and is the only emirate in UAE that has land on the Persian Gulf Coast as well as the Gulf of Oman.
Itinerary
Day 1
After Fajr: Early Morning to Mid- Day Destinations
1. King Faisal Mosque: A beautiful masjid with an Islamic library and prayer facilities for both men and women. Spend 2 hours here.
2. Al-Mahattah-Museum: Features a film on the daily life of locals and about the Al-Mahattah Airport. Spend 2 hours here.
Halal Restaurants:Sadaf Restaurant, McDonalds, Sharjah Dhow Restaurant, Gazebo Restaurant.
Afternoon: Afternoon to Evening Destinations.
1. Sharjah Art Museum: Features contemporary art work by local as well as foreign artists. Spend 1-2 hours here.
2. Sharjah Archaeology Museum: Takes visitors through the changing environments that the region has seen since Stone Ages.
Mosque: Corniche Mosque, Al Corniche Mosque, Burhani Masjid
Halal Restaurants: Pak Ghazi Restaurant, Nando’s, Sharjah Dhow Restaurant, Milas Restaurant.
Evening: Evening Destinations and Dining Options.
1. Souq Al Markazi or Central Souq or Blue Souq: Hosts everything from jewellery, clothing to carpets and souvenirs. Spend 3-4 hours here.
Mosque: King Faisal Mosque, Masjid Zehra, Al Noor Mosque
Halal Restaurants: Sadaf Restaurant, McDonalds, Sharjah Dhow Restaurant, Gazebo Restaurant.
Day 2
After Fajr: Early Morning to Mid- Day Destinations.
1. Al Hisn Fort: Restored recently andalso houses the Sharjah Fort Museum. Spend 2 hours here.
2. Bait al-Naboodah: House of a well-known pearl merchant. Spend an hour here.
Mosques: Al Manai Mosque, King Faisal Mosque, Masjid Zehra
Halal Restaurants: Sadaf Restaurant, Pak Ghazi Restaurant, ChicKing Fried Chicken
Afternoon: Afternoon to Evening Destinations.
1. Sharjah Museum of Islamic Civilization: Several artefacts from Makkah, handwritten Qur'ans and letters from Prophet Muhammad (SAWS). Spend 2-3 hours here.
2. Sharjah Calligraphy Museum: Beautiful calligraphy works. Spend an hour here.
Mosques: Al Manai Mosque, King Faisal Mosque, Masjid Zehra
Halal Restaurants: Sadaf Restaurant, Pak Ghazi Restaurant, ChicKing Fried Chicken
Evening: Evening Destinations and Dining Options.
1. Souq al-Arsah: Believed to be the oldest souq in the country and a must visit destination. Spend 2 hours here.
2. Al-Qasba and Eye of the Emirates: Exciting place to enjoy the best of Sharjah. It remains open till 11PM. Mosques: Al Qasbah Mosque, Al Huda Mosque, Al Majaz Mosque.
Halal Restaurants: Nando’s, Masala Craft Sharjah, Katis Restaurant, Dunkin Donuts, Al Farooj Restaurant, Pizza Hut
Miscellaneous:
• If you are there a day earlier, then visit the Sharjah Desert Park. It is about 28Km from the city and features several attractions.
• Restaurants: All the restaurants in Sharjah serve halal food. Some restaurants worth trying Salkara Restaurant, Rainbow Steak House, Bait Al Mandi Restaurant, etc.
• Souvenirs: carpets, clothing, jewellery and leather goods are some souvenirs to buy. For shopping visit, Souq al-Arsa, Sharjah Mega Mall and the Souq.
• Transportation: Public buses are the best means of getting around; you can also hire taxis and car rentals.
