UAE City Tours

Souk/Market Markazi/Central

The Emirate of Sharjah (In Arabic: ash-shaariqah), which means the Eastern State, because of its location in regard to other Emirates, it extends along approximately 16 kilometers of the United Arab Emirate's Persian Gulf coastline and for more than 80 kilometers into the interior. The emirate covers 1,003 square miles (2,600 km²). Sharjah is the third largest emirate in the United Arab Emirates, and is the only one to have land on both the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman. Sharjah is ruled by His Highness Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Muhammad Al-Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council of the UAE and Sheikh of Sharjah, and Sharjah is.3.3 per cent of the country's total area, excluding the islands, with a population of 519,000 (2003 census estimate). It contains the main administrative and commercial centers together with an especially impressive array of cultural and traditional projects, including several museums. Distinctive landmarks are the two major covered souqs, reflecting Islamic design; a number of recreational areas and public parks such as Al Jazeirah Fun Park and Al Buheirah Corniche. The Emirate of Sharjah is also known to be the Cultural Capital of the UAE. The Expo Center of Sharjah is well known for the annual book fair that is famous all over the region. The Amir/prince personally takes keen interest in this event which brings together hundreds of publishers from all over the world and thousands of titles. Links with the outside world are provided by Sharjah International Airport and Port Khalid. Sharjah also encompasses some important oasis areas, the most famous of which is Dhaid where a wide range of vegetables and fruits is cultivated on its rich and fertile soil. Khor Fakkan provides Sharjah with a major east coast port. An offshore island of Sir Abu Nuáir belongs to Sharjah. Sharjah also claims the island of Abu Musa which Iran also claims. Sharjah has one Omani enclave, the Madha territory, wherein lies an UAE exclave, called Nahwa.

Sharjah is a sister city to Dubai and Ajman (two fellow emirates) on both its borders. The three urban areas have now merged into one. Sharjah is about 170 kilometres away from the capital city Abu Dhabi. Historically, Sharjah was one of the wealthiest towns in this region with a settlement in existence for over 5000 years, till Oil was discovered at Dubai and abu Dhabi, which led Sharjah moves to third place among the seven Emirates. In the early 18th century the Qawasim clan (Huwayla tribe) established itself in Sharjah, c.1727 declaring Sharjah independent. On 8 January 1820 Sheikh Sultan the first signed the General Maritime Treaty with Britain, accepting a protectorate to keep the Ottoman Turks out. Like four of its neighbours, Ajman, Dubai, Ras al-Khaimah and Umm al-Qaiwain, its position on the route to India made it important enough to be recognized as a salute state (be it of the lowest class: 3 guns). On 2 December 1971 Sheikh Khalid III joined the United Arab Emirates. A Stamp from Sharjah Like the other former Trucial States, Sharjah's name is known by many stamp collectors because of the large numbers of "stamps" that were "issued" in its name shortly before the formation of the United Arab Emirates. Many of these items feature subjects unrelated to the emirates whose names they bear, and therefore many popular catalogues do not list them For example, the 2003 edition of the Scott catalogue, dominant in the United States, lists no stamps of Sharjah after 1965.

Sharjah is foremost in applying the best modern architectural ideas in the designs of the new Souqs/markets. The older Souqs/markets have been renovated in the traditional style to enhance their attraction for residents and tourists - a great experience ! This shopping Center has one thousand shops, in a fascinating set up for the shoppers to enjoy their shopping experience there. Souk Al Markazi.

Enjoy looking at the wonderful buildings on the way during your Sharjah Tour, you will be passing those beautiful building on your way.

The Sharjah Heritage Museum is a combination of several museums and includes:

• Souq Al Arsah: An old souq/market, that has been restored with great charm and traditional style. It is located just behind the waterfront in Old Sharjah. Al Arsa Souk/market, where wonderful oriental shaped items are available for your shopping list, and the take home souvenirs found in a long line of different shops.
• Bait Al Naboodah: The Al Naboodah family house, has been converted into the heritage museum. Each room has a different theme, and displays jewelry, costumes and artifacts of the period. Bait/house Al Naboodah Museum showing how the wealthy family used to live.
• Al Midfaa House: The Al Midfaa family house is a charming restored building in a quiet area behind the souq.
• Al Hisn Sharjah: The Al Hisn fort was the traditional residence of the ruling family of Sharjah. Sheikh Sultan bin Saqr Al Qassimi "The First" built the fort nearly 200 years ago and it was the center of all developmental activities in the Emirates of Sharjah. It displays contents that cover the history of Sharjah.
• Hisn Kalba: This fort is one of the defensive forts, built near the UAE coast the year 1820. It was used for control, reconnaissance and defence. www.sharjahtourism.ae from 8am-8pm, Friday from 5pm-8pm
• Islamic Museum: Islamic Museum with a look at part of Muslim’s history including currency and instruments used in old days.
• Eslah School: Eslah School (Education Museum) showing the early stages of School system, where the elite from the ruling families and the wealthy used to study at.
• Maritime Museum: Maritime Museum explaining the build up of ships industry in wonderful details, also showing
  Fishermen tools of old times. When you visit this heritage Area, you will see four of those Museums.

AL NABOODA

SHARJAH HERITAGE

HERITAGE AREA ENTRANCE

MARITIME MUSEUM

AL ARSA SOUK

AL HISN VIEW

The Museum welcomes its visitors during the following timings: Daily from 8 am to 8 pm Friday: from 5.00 pm to 8.30 pm Only.

Public Holidays: from 8 am to 8.00 pm

Here are some of the Heritage building at Sharjah

HERITAGE BUILDING

HERITAGE BUILDING

Our Second Stop is at

His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qassimi, Member of the Supreme Federal Council Ruler of Sharjah, has an overwhelming concern to science and culture and to establishing adequate edifice buildings for them. This is reflected by His Highness's guidance to set up a new building for the Sharjah Archeological Museum in order to be a place to preserve the rich in heritage of the forefathers, an educational venue for our children and an additional cultural tributary to Sharjah, the already rich " Arabs Capital of Culture". His Highness also gave directions that archaeological exhibits be displayed in a creative style, avoiding monotony and inactivity, and on a basis that combines the traditional way of displaying with modern science and technology. So far, the new Sharjah Archaeological Museum is unique and different from all other archaeological museums in the world.

Archaeological items are classified and displayed in the Museum halls following a chronological order, starting with the earliest findings in the Emirate of Sharjah, up to the period preceding the advent of Islam. Display halls are equipped with computer systems, easy to use by the visitors to enable them benefit more information about the items on display and to provide children with interesting games related to the Museum archaeological exhibits. Moreover, there are large cinematic screens on which the visitor can watch seven movies in Arabic and English about a series of events and human activities; all in a stunning and attractive way, instigating visitors to watch the museum displays.

THE LIVE PAST

THE ADVENT OF ISLAM

THE BRONZE AGE

THE STONE AGE

THE IRON AGE

The Museum welcomes its visitors during the following timings:

• Daily from 9am to 1pm and from 5pm to 8pm
• Friday: from 4pm to 8pm ONLY
• Wednesday: Ladies Only from 4pm to 8pm
• The Museum is closed on Sundays
• Admission to Sharjah Archaeological Museum is free of charge.

Third Stop is at

In 1996, the Sharjah Science Museum opened to become the only interactive hands-on museum in the United Arab Emirates. As well as providing exhibits and programs for the general public, the museum is committed to improving the science and technology learning opportunities for children in Sharjah, and the other Emirates. Inquire-based workshops are provided to groups of children from the Sharjah Children's Centers, local and private schools from across the UAE, and teacher groups from the UAE Educational Zones, the museum hosts over 50,000 visitors every year.

Inspiring the children of Sharjah, and the United Arab Emirates as a whole, to pursue science, technology or engineering as a career, is a key purpose of this museum. The Museum welcomes its visitors at Saturday to Tuesday 09-14, Wednesday to Friday 15:30-20:30

SCIENCE MUSEUM

SPACE SHOW

STATIC ELECTRICITY

THE MAGIC SHOW

Fourth Stop only in a full day tour

The Natural History Museum and Desert Park is a venue that provides people with a chance to learn about the flora and fauna of the Arabian desert, while at the same time having a relaxing and fun time. If people get to know the great variety of plants and animals and the amazing ways in which these have adapted to life in a dry, hot climate, they will start to respect and enjoy these gifts of nature. When at any of the Sharjah Museums, you expect to see just another Museum, then you leave with a unique impression, and the realization of the difference. A children's farm was opened in May 1997 to provide city children with a chance to have close contact with farm animals. A Breeding Centre for Endangered Arabian Animal started functioning in February 1998, but this is not open to the general public, because animals need peace and quiet to breed.

Natural History Museum, Towards the end of 1998 the Arabian Wildlife Center will be opened where people can observe and enjoy all the various species of animals that occur on the Arabian peninsula. This forth stop leads to a section of Sharjah that has three parts, the children Farm, the Natural history Museum, and the Arabian wild life.

• In accordance with the concept launched by His Highness, the Desert Park with its various departments will be a center for learning and enjoyment for people of all ages, as well as a place where original research can be carried out by the next generation of students.

The Museum welcomes its visitors during the following timings:

• Daily from 9am to 5pm
• Friday: from 10am to 8pm
• The Museum is closed on Tuesday
• Admission to Sharjah Natural History Museum & Desert Park is free of charge.

Arabia Wild life Center

Having recognized the need for a purpose built facility to address the conservation issues facing many of Arabia's unique species His Highness Dr. Sheikh Sultan bin Mohammed al Qassimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah officially opened the Breeding Centre for Endangered Arabian Wildlife on the 15th of May 1998.

The Center’s aims and objectives are:

To maintain a facility of international standards.
To establish and maintain a genetically healthy and viable stock of endangered Arabian wildlife.
To generate an educational base for children and parents, both local and foreign as well as tourists.
To participate in conservation efforts both regionally and internationally.
To conduct surveys and field research in the Emirate of Sharjah and regionally to establish the required data for future nature reserves and protected areas.
To establish a firm scientific foundation for the region as well as internationally.
To create a future baseline for local students who are interested in their natural heritage.

Children Farm

Pony rides, the opportunity to feed friendly approachable domestic animals and to observe them at close quarters is all part of the Children's Farm experience. Popular on weekends as well as during the week, the Children's Farm provides a relaxed environment in which children and adults can observe domestic animals at close quarters and touch them if they wish. Through this interaction it is hoped that both children and adults will learn to respect the animals that share their environment.

Established in 1996 the farm is open to visitors Tuesday through Sunday and is closed on Mondays.
During summer, the popular pony rides for children take place on Thursday and Friday afternoons between 16h00 and 18h00. During winter pony rides are available every afternoon except Monday between 16h00 and 18h00.

A large bin of Hashish or dried hay is provided for visitors who wish to feed the animals. Hand feeding the goats and sheep, has proved to be very popular with our visitors especially the young children. Shrieks of laughter can be heard from the children as the goats stretch their necks over the wall, jostling with one another to take hashish from small hands. The animals at the farm are tame and react positively to gentle patting or touching. Unfortunately visitors mistreating the animals spoil the experience for themselves, the animals and future visitors.

Arabian Wild life Species

The Fifth Stop

Ajman Museum

This fascinating museum was opened in 1981 in a lovely old eighteenth century fort which served as the Ruler's palace and office until 1970, when it became the main police station. Located in the town centre, the museum houses an interesting collection of archaeological artifact, manuscripts, old weapons and reconstructions of traditional life. Displays depicting weird and wonderful medical and religious practices give a fantastic, if eerie, insight into life as it must have been led for centuries among the coastal Bedouin. It isn't a large collection, but it certainly delves deeper than most displays of so called heritage. There is also a working wind tower in one corner of the fort, where one can sit beneath to feel the breeze it creates. Ajman Museum - This local history and heritage museum is housed in an 18th century fortress, a symbol that reflects the region's rich heritage. On display are treasures of former rulers, and the social ways and traditional professions of the past.

This smallest of the seven emirates with an area of just 260 sq kms is centrally located on the western coast of the UAE. Ajman also includes Masfut and Manama, two small enclaves inland in the Hajar mountains, rich in agriculture and farming. Like the other emirates Ajman too has a pleasant blend of the old and the new, the simple and the sophisticated. You can enter Ajman city from Sharjah which brings you into the Corniche, with a fine sandy beach on one side and the city spread out on the other. While beach combers could splash away in any one of the beautiful beaches of Ajman, bargain hunters could do well with a visit to the Ajman souk renowned for its architectural splendour. The Ajman City Centre is another shoppers destination with about 50 international and local retail line shops to cater to a diverse range of tastes.

Lying on the coast of the Arabian Gulf, the city comprises the Ruler’s office, companies, banks and commercial markets. The port of Ajman is located along a natural creek which penetrates the town. History is evident through the Emirate as in the example of the of the fine old watchtower at the town's entrance, and the large fort in the town's centre. Mowaihat - The archaeological site of Mowaihat is located on the oustkirts of Ajman. At the time of its discovery, the Mowaihat tomb represented the first indication of Umm al-Nar period occupation in the Northern Emirates. Subsequent work has now identified major sites of this period on the Gulf coast at Al Sufouh, Tell Abraq and Shimal. The material from Mowaihat forms the bulk of the archaeological finds on display in the Ajman Museum. The Ajman Museum in an old fort on the central square. Built in the late 18th century, the fort served as the ruler's palace until 1970.

Timings: Open from 9 a.m. to1 p.m., 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. in winter and 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. in summer, Fridays 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. Closed on Saturdays. During Ramadan, opening times are Sunday to Wednesday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Ajman Dhow Yard

When you visit Ajman, you will be passing by the Dhow Yard, Ajman is the most active in boat building among the seven Emirates, you will have a glance at the old style, and the modern built boats that still play a role in moving goods between the States situated on the Gulf.

Itinerary Duration:
In a full day Heritage tour, leaving Hotel at 9am, reaching Ajman about 9:30 because the Museum closes at 1pm, then we will leave at 10:30 am to reach Archaeology Museum about 11 am, by 12 we will be at Science Museum, then we will leave to go to the Natural history, Children Farm, and Wild life tri Museum around 1:30. We will spend about 2 and half hours there visiting the three or at least two of them, then we will head back to the Heritage Area, where we will visit the Husun fort, the Maritime Museum, the Al Naboodah Museum, the Islamic Museum, and spend some time shopping at Al Area Souk/market where you can pick u beautiful souvenirs. You will have Lunch break during this full day tour.

Sharjah - Ajman Combined Full Day City Tour Sale Prices:

Note: Rates are subject to change.

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