Travel Plan
Heart of Sharjah

Home UAE Sharjah Heart of Sharjah

ATTRACTION GUIDE · SHARJAH

Heart of Sharjah

Restored coral-stone houses, old souks and the Al Hisn fort in Sharjah's historic quarter.

Tickets & tours Open in Google Maps
Time needed
2 hours
Entry
Free (museums small fee)
Best time
Late afternoon · Oct–Apr
Area
Old town

Restored heritage houses, museums and old souks.

Where it is & how to get there

Address: Heart of Sharjah, Al Shuwaiheen, Sharjah

  • Taxi: Ask for Al Hisn Fort or Souq Al Arsah in the old town.
  • From Dubai: About 30–60 minutes by taxi, depending on traffic.
  • On foot: The heritage area is compact and pedestrian.

The story of the Heart of Sharjah

The Heart of Sharjah is a long-term project to restore the emirate's historic centre, near the creek, to how it looked in the mid-20th century. Coral-stone houses with wind towers, old courtyards and lanes have been rebuilt using traditional methods.

Highlights include Souq Al Arsah, one of the oldest markets in the UAE, Bait Al Naboodah, a pearl merchant's house, and Al Hisn Fort, the 19th-century home of the ruling Al Qasimi family.

Best time to visit

Best season

October to April.

Best time of day

Late afternoon into evening, when it is cooler.

Opening times

Museums usually close on Friday mornings.

Tips before you go

  • Visit in the cooler evening.
  • Buy a Sharjah Museums pass if you plan to visit several museums.
  • Try Arabic coffee and dates in the souk cafés.

Best hotels near the Heart of Sharjah

Well-known hotels within easy reach. Check prices and availability for your dates.

Al Bait Sharjah

Heritage hotel made of restored family homes in the Heart of Sharjah.

See prices

Hilton Sharjah

Hotel on Khalid Lagoon facing Al Noor Island.

See prices

Sheraton Sharjah Beach Resort & Spa

Beach resort on the Sharjah coast.

See prices
All hotels near the Heart of Sharjah

What's around the Heart of Sharjah

  • Al Hisn FortRestored fort and museum of Sharjah's history.
  • Souq Al ArsahTraditional market of antiques and spices.
  • Sharjah Art MuseumLarge art museum in the heritage area.
  • Sharjah CreekDhows and the waterfront.

Questions travellers ask

What is the Heart of Sharjah?

The restored historic quarter of Sharjah, with souks, forts and museums.

Is it free?

Walking around is free; some museums have small entry fees.

How long should I spend?

Two to three hours.

More in Sharjah

Al Noor Mosque

Al Noor Mosque

Read the guide
Sharjah Mosque

Sharjah Mosque

Read the guide
Al Noor Island

Al Noor Island

Read the guide
Al Majaz Waterfront

Al Majaz Waterfront

Read the guide
Central Souq (Blue Souk)

Central Souq (Blue Souk)

Read the guide
Back to the Sharjah guide
Travel Plan · Heart of Sharjah Travel times, prices and opening hours change. Check official sites before you go. Photos: Unsplash. Privacy & disclosure