Sharjah day trip from Dubai 2026: museums, souks and the culture capital

The short version

Sharjah is the third emirate, half an hour from Dubai, named the cultural capital of the Arab world by UNESCO. It has museums, old quarters, souks and canals. One key point: Sharjah is dry, alcohol is sold nowhere, and the is stricter than in Dubai. It is a great day trip, especially for anyone interested in history and culture.

How to get there

• Sharjah borders Dubai, about 30–40 minutes by car or taxi, but the Dubai–Sharjah road jams at rush hour, so travel off-peak.
• By an organised tour, we with and a guide.

What to see

• The Museum of Islamic Civilization, under a golden dome, one of the region's best collections.
• Heart of Sharjah, the historic quarter with the Al Hisn fort and Souq Al Arsah.
• The Blue Souk (Central Souq), carpets, gold, , haggle.
• Al Qasba, a canal and the Eye of the Emirates wheel.
• The Al Noor Mosque on the canal, with a tour for non-Muslims.
• Al Majaz Waterfront, a promenade with a fountain and cafes.

If you love art, Sharjah is strong on galleries, a good complement to the .

What to note

• There is no alcohol anywhere, it is a dry emirate.
• The dress code is more modest: cover shoulders and knees, especially at mosques and museums.
• Many museums are closed on Friday morning.

Prices, a guide

• Museums: 5–20 AED entry
• A day tour from Dubai: from 200–350 AED per person
• A taxi from Dubai one way: 60–100 AED

Tip: pair Sharjah with an early start, the road fills up by midday. Sharjah's east coast (Khorfakkan) is a separate full-day trip and will not fit with the city in one day.

Other trips around the emirates are in the . Send your dates and we will arrange a Sharjah trip with a guide for your plan.