The Emirate of Sharjah, bounded by the Sea of Oman on the east and the Arabian Gulf on the west, has been able to assert its distinctive identity due to an ingenious association between economic progress and a longing to maintain its genuine culture.
Given its major contributions to the Arab world’s cultural environment, the city was named the Cultural Capital of the UAE by UNESCO in 1998. Since that time, the emirate has often shown how committed it is to preserving its historical legacy and accepting modern innovations.
Sharjah promotes and offers real Arabian life and strives hard to incorporate it into its contemporary setting, whether it is through ancient archaeological sites dating back thousands of years or progressive contemporary art exhibitions. This emirate is a history enthusiast’s dream come true with its museums, heritage sites and buildings, art galleries, and conserved customs and traditions.
If you are a real history buff, you should not miss an opportunity to visit Sharjah, for you can find the lowest airfares offered by Kuwait Airways on major travel websites. Booking a flight ticket to Sharjah will allow you to enjoy Kuwait Airways baggage services like free baggage and free carry-on baggage.
Some of the awe-inspiring monuments, museums and historical sites in Sharjah, making it the cultural hub of the UAE, are:
- Sharjah Museum of Islamic Civilization
Among the notable cultural and tourism destinations, the Sharjah Museum of Islamic Civilization is the most prominent one. It is distinctive, for it is situated at the side of the Al-Majarrah Waterfront in the centre of Sharjah city and is one of a kind in the United Arab Emirates. You can find as many as seven capacious galleries and several display areas extended over two levels in the museum.
The glorious Islamic Civilization, which flourished between the first and fourteenth century AH (7 and 14 AD), is highlighted by the museum’s thousands of distinctive artefacts. More than 5,000 unique artefacts of Islamic art and culture amassed from diverse regions of the Islamic world are exhibited in six separate galleries in chronological order.
The collections span a wide range of topics related to Islam faith and science and technology, which include rare Quran manuscripts and inspiring inventions and discoveries of Muslim scholars. An extensive collection of Islamic arts and crafts, including textiles, pottery, jewellery, woodcarving, traditional weapons, and more, are also displayed chronologically on the upper floor.
- Sharjah Mosque
The Sharjah Mosque, an everlasting representation of belief, is impressive enough to merit a visit to see and adore its magnificence. The domes, columns, and minarets, with gardens and water fountains surrounding them, have been created to reflect a distinctive Islamic architectural style.
The mosque, being the largest in Sharjah, took five years to build before opening to the public in 2019. The 185,806-square-metre structure has room for more than 25,000 worshippers. The main prayer hall contains walls covered in Quranic texts, red carpeting, a big chandelier, and arched windows. The layout includes a café, gift shop, open spaces, and areas for non-Muslims.
The collection hall is an exclusive treasure trove of manuscripts and artefacts from various Islamic periods. Situated in the Tay neighbourhood, the mosque welcomes non-Muslim visitors as well, providing designated areas and walkways for them.
- Sharjah Heritage Museum
The museum provides you with a great opportunity to learn about Sharjah’s rich cultural heritage, focusing on the Emirati culture and lifestyles of people over the years. You will wonder how Emiratis were deeply ingrained in traditions and practices. The museum offers a kid-friendly environment with a variety of folktales, proverbs, and puzzles.
You may discover the various habitats where Emirati people lived in the early days and they include mountains, coastal areas and agricultural environments. Their way of life, customs, and crafts naturally mirrored this diversity.
- Al Noor Island
Sharjah inspires you with a brand-new landscaped park called Al Noor Island Park, blending advanced technology with the local culture and environment. Both locals and visitors find the island to be a charming and fascinating site. You can reach it on foot by crossing the Khalid Lagoon on a twisting pedestrian bridge.
You will come across an awe-inspiring lighting display of contemporary sculptures by world-famous artists, and magnificent butterflies floating in the Butterfly House, making the island an epitome of Sharjah’s innovative and modern approach to culture. You will also find the tranquil Literature Pavilion, offering seating for 40 people in the open space that evokes Bedouin tents. It has a movie screen, bookcase, and cushions to sit on.
You can plan your trip to Sharjah by booking your flight tickets ahead with Kuwait Airways, which offers seat selection in advance and a great onboard experience. For baggage rules, including free baggage and excess baggage rates, you can check Kuwait Airways baggage services for more details.
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