03Cities and regions

The north

Sharjah

Sharjah is Dubai's northern neighbour, but slower in pace and more openly devoted to culture. About 1.87 million people live here, and the city was named Islamic Culture Capital in 2014 and World Book Capital for 2019. In its old centre, the Heart of Sharjah project restored houses and markets with coral-stone walls into an open-air museum of small museums, galleries and cafés. In the Al Nabba area, the Sharjah Museum of Islamic Civilization has galleries of art, manuscripts, jewellery, weapons and textiles. On the water, the Al Majaz waterfront and Khalid Lagoon offer towers and gardens, and nearby Al Noor Island opened in December 2015 as a cultural and leisure destination. Sharjah works well as a half-day or full-day trip from Dubai. Start in the Heart of Sharjah in the morning before the heat builds, move on to the air-conditioned museums, and end the day on the waterfront. Dress respectfully in the old markets, and ask before photographing people.

About 1.87 million

Population

2019

World Book Capital