Nova Park

The conservative emirate: Modesty is key

by JessH

The emirate of Sharjah has both the advantage and disadvantage of being right next to big, shiny and famous Dubai: in comparison, it is a conservative city – for example there is no alcohol in Sharjah, and the dress-code is far more modest - but the low-cost airline Air Arabia is based here and property prices (to buy or rent) are slightly cheaper than Dubai's, making it a popular place for commuters. Therein lies the problem: on weekends, it takes you only 15-20 min to drive in between Sharjah to Dubai, but during rush-hour this short distance turns into a 3 hours-gridlock-nightmare.

Also, in recent years Sharjah has been focusing on improving their "piece of the pie" in the tourism business, investing millions of Dirhams into developing their infrastructure and cultures sights such as museums and art galleries (see my separate tip on museums).

Sharjah is a *dry emirate* - meaning you cannot buy alcohol anywhere, with two exceptions: the Sharjah Wanderers Club (expatriate’s club) and Sharjah International Airport. The airport sells alcohol at Duty Free and also in a business class lounge after passport control on departure (not on arrival). But none of the 5-star hotels or restaurants in Sharjah serve alcohol, and there are no liquor stores” either.
There have been suggestions that Sharjah's most publicised Islamic rules - the longstanding ban on alcohol and the law requiring modesty in female dress - are the result of pressure from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. There are rumours that Saudi once provided substantial financial support.

When visiting Sharjah, please remember that modesty is key here:
A: WOMEN'S DRESS CODE
Unacceptable are:
Clothing that exposes the stomach and back.
Tops that do not cover the arms to at least the elbows.
Shorts or skirts above the knee.
Tight and transparent clothing that describes the body.
T-shirts with rude language or swear words.

B: MEN'S DRESS CODE
Unacceptable are:
Very short pants in public or commercial places like malls and public offices.
Chest nudity.
T-shirts with rude language or swear words.

As a non-resident of the UAE, you have the option of either purchasing alcohol at one of the license-free "hole-in-the-walls" in Ajman or Umm Al Quwain, or visiting one of Dubai's 5-star hotels where alcohol is served.

However, it's good to be aware of the fact that the UAE enforces an absolute zero-tolerance on driving under the influence - especially Sharjah will use the full force of this law. So, either take a taxi, or visit the below website to stay safe and out of trouble!

Animal Farms

by Doctor38

I thought it will boring, but I was dead wrong. It was a big hit with the little ones who refuse to leave despite the heat. There are the usual stuff, cows, goats, camels, donkey, chickens, ducks and horses. Kids can feed the animals and they can take a camel or a horse ride. Make this the last thing you sea other wise kids won't wanna leave.

Theatrical Association and the National Theater

by Doctor38

Both facilities located within the heritage area, near the second gate and Bait Al-Naboodah. Nothing special to see but @ the National theater there is a nice place to sit if you happen to visit in the summer or the heat is unbearable for you.

Sharjah

by bookwoman

"Sharjah - cultural centre"

Sharjah is the capital city of the Emirate of Sharjah in the United Arab Emirates. It is about a 30 minute drive north of Dubai.
I spent a day wandering the streets of Sharjah (Friday is very quiet as it is the holy day for Muslims), concentrating on the heritage and art districts, as well as the Central (Blue) Souq (large shopping area of carpet, gold and souvenir sellers).

"Sharjah - Shopping"

The Blue Souq is two buildings joined together by a walkway. Locals and visitors from Dubai shop here as prices as generally cheaper than Dubai.

"Sharjah - monuments"

The King Faisal Mosque and Union Monument are situated between the Blue Souq and the Heritage & Arts areas of Sharjah.