Beyond Dubai
Sharjah: the back story
The back story
About Sharjah: the back story
Sharjah, next door to Dubai, is known for its art foundation and heritage quarter. In 2025 UNESCO inscribed the Faya Palaeolandscape, in Sharjah’s interior, on the World Heritage List.
Art
Sharjah Art Foundation runs exhibitions in the old town (sharjahart.org).
UNESCO
The Faya Palaeolandscape records human life in the desert over many thousands of years (UNESCO, 2025).
Sharjah is an alcohol-free emirate; dress modestly.
Our advice: go on a weekday morning and check exhibition dates first.
Why it's on our list
- Art
- Heritage
- UNESCO
Opening hours, prices and seasonal openings change, so please check with Sharjah: the back story before you go.
What’s nearby
Distances from Sharjah: the back story are approximate, measured in a straight line (as the crow flies). Times are approximate too: walking at about 80 metres a minute, cycling at about 15 km/h and driving at typical city-traffic speeds. Traffic and routes vary.
Nearest stations
- StadiumGreen Line9.4 km
- Al QiyadahGreen Line9.7 km
- Al NahdaGreen Line9.7 km
Key sights
- Dubai International (DXB)13 kmCar or taxi 31 min
- Al Fahidi (Old Dubai)14 kmCar or taxi 32 min
- Abra across the Creek14 kmCar or taxi 33 min
- The Dubai Mall21 kmCar or taxi 47 min
- The Dubai Fountain21 kmCar or taxi 47 min
- Burj Khalifa21 kmCar or taxi 47 min
- Kite Beach28 kmCar or taxi 61 min
- Madinat Jumeirah32 kmCar or taxi 69 min
- Atlantis The Palm37 kmCar or taxi 78 min
- Dubai Marina Walk39 kmCar or taxi 82 min
Main railway stations
- Etihad Rail: Dubai Station44 kmCar or taxi 93 min