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

Itinerary Duration:
In a half day Heritage tour, leaving the Hotel at 9am, reaching Sharjah about 9:30 because the Museum closes at 1pm, we will reach Archaeology Museum, then we will visit Science Museum, then we will leave to go 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 Arsa Souk/market where you can pick beautiful souvenirs. You will have Lunch break during this full day tour, we expect to be back at your Hotel by 3 or 3:30 pm.

Sharjah Half Day Tour Sale Prices Per Vechicle:

Note: Rates are subject to change.

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