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Dubai to Sharjah Day Trip Guide | Getting There, Things to Do, Restaurants & More

Often regarded as the cultural capital of the Arab World, Sharjah is the capital of the emirate of the same name. Located northeast of Dubai, Sharjah is just under a 40-minute drive from Dubai. Sharjah is the third largest emirate in the UAE, known for its family-friendly destinations and exquisite coastline. A day trip to Sharjah is ideal for visiting old markets known as Souks, or modern-day shopping malls, experiencing some of the majestic mosques in the region or taking a stroll through the heritage sites and museums.

Why take a Day Trip from Dubai to Sharjah

Dubai to Sharjah- Why take a Day Trip from Dubai to Sharjah
  • Sharjah is aptly known as the cultural capital of the Arab world as it has over 20 museums and art galleries showcasing modern art, Arabian artifacts, and paintings.
  • Sharjah has a lot of adventure activities to offer from trekking, camping, and motorsports in the desert.
  • Sharjah has stunning nightlife. Waterfronts and lagoons are aesthetically developed to attract tourists from all around the world.
  • Sharjah has a UNESCO world heritage site named Mleiha, an important find in Arab history.
  • Sharjah is easily accessible from Dubai. It takes lesser than an hour to reach Sharjah from Dubai.

Dubai to Sharjah Day Trip: At a Glance

Dubai to Sharjah- Sharjah at a glance

Distance from Dubai: 28 KM or 17 miles

Travel Time: 31 minutes

Best Time to visit: October to February

Modes of transportation: Car, bus, and ferry

Approx Budget: AED 200 - 300

Things to do: Beaches, shopping, museums, art galleries, desert adventure.

Getting There

By Car

Travel time: 31 minutes

Taxi Fare: AED 60

Travel on E11 Highway.

By Bus

Travel time: 45 minutes

Bus Stations: Sharjah Cement Factory Stop (E88)

Timings: Service is available every 1.5 hours. Last stop at Union Square Bus Station in Dubai.

Price: 2 AED (single journey)

By Ferry

Travel Time: 35 minutes

Timings: Saturday to Thursday, 7:00 AM - 7:30 PM; Friday 2:00 PM to 8:45 PM.

You can buy tickets at the stations.

Price: 15 AED for silver class, 25 AED for Gold class, and children under the age of five travel for free. All ticket prices are one-way.

Top Things to Do on A Dubai to Sharjah Day Trip

1. Visit Al Majaz Waterfront at Night

Leisure | Sightseeing

Al Majaz Waterfront is at the heart of Sharjah's tourism circuit. The sprawling waterfront destination is where visitors and residents come together for leisure. Al Majaz Waterfront is a family-friendly location with a mini-golf course, splash, and mini-train for children. You can also find beautiful restaurants, activities like cycling, and the Sharjah fountain. Also, catch a glimpse of the traditional Arab Dhow cruise.

Nearby: Al Noor Island, Al Mamzar Beach Park

Entry: Free

2. Al Montazah Amusement Park

Waterpark | Kids-Friendly

Located on Flag Island in Khalid Lagoon, Al Montazah is a top attraction in Sharjah. The water-theme park blended with amusement rides is perfect for a family outing. Al Montazah has several restaurants suiting all budgets. You can go-kart for some adrenaline, have a picnic on the lawns, or just paddle away on the lake.

Nearby: Sharjah Art Museum, Sharjah Aquarium

Entry: AED 120

3. Watch Butterflies at Al Noor Island

Island | Sight-Seeing

Al Noor is a tropical biosphere butterfly park. Visitors can explore the beautiful landscape, click pictures in the garden, and spend time in the quiet literature Pavilion. Al Noor is family-friendly and suitable for visitors who want to indulge in a soul-filling Sharjah experience. The Island also features some beautiful art installations, and don't miss out on the world-famous OVO structure.

Nearby: Al Majaz Waterfront

Entry fee: AED 35

4. An Evening in Al Qasba

Leisure | Sight-Seeing

Al Qasba is one of the top tourist spots in Sharjah. This fun zone is a canal-side space best explored on foot. Visit during the evenings to lose yourself in a magical cultural experience. Al Qasba is home to Sharjah's popular art centers such as the Maraya Art Centre, and the Masrah Al Qasba Theatre. Take a Dhow cruise or eat at a restaurant to complete your experience.

Nearby: Maraya Art Center

Entry: Free

5. Rejoice History at Old Sharjah

Leisure | Sight-Seeing

A potential UNESCO heritage list candidate, Old Sharjah is a time machine to the glorious past of the emirate. Explore museums and the art district to understand the beauty of Old Sharjah. You will be amazed to see the spectacular Barjeel (wind-tower) buildings from the past. Stroll through narrow alleys and buy precious souvenirs from local souks.

Nearby: Sharjah Calligraphy Museum

Entry: Free

6. Take a Dhow cruise

Cruise | Leisure

You will find Dhow cruises in every lagoon, lake, or coastline in Sharjah. Dhow is a traditional sailing vessel used by Arab seafarers. Today, the Dhow cruise is an integral part of the Sharjah experience. You can book a Dhow cruise from popular tourist destinations like l Qasba and Al Majaz waterfront.

Nearby: Al Qasba, Al Majaz

Price: 200 AED with lunch

Things to See Near Sharjah

Al Dhaid

Desert Region

Al Dhaid is a desert region at the heart of the Sharjah emirate, known for the splendid oasis where farmers grow strawberries. You can also watch camel races in winter.

Al Badayer

Adventure

Al Badayer oasis is for adventure lovers. Visitors can try their hand at dune-driving, quad-biking, or even renting a buggy.

Distance: 65 KM or 41 minutes.

Mleiha

Heritage site

Mleiha is a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Sharjah's central region. It predates Islamic history and is a major archaeological site.

Distance: 64 KM or 43 minutes

Khorfakkan

Beach destination

Khorfakkan is Sharjah's most visited tourist place. It's known for its beaches, adventure tourism, and beautiful climate.

Distance: 100 KM or 1 hour.

Best Places to Eat in Sharjah

Al Arsaha Public Coffee Shop

Middle Eastern

One of the oldest establishments in the UAE. Located in the traditional Souq Al Arsah. Best known for Halwa (sweet) shops and coffee.

Price for two: economical

Address: Al Sharq Street, Opp Old Souk, Shuwaihean - Al Mareija

​Find it on a map.

Marasea

Asian

Part of the Sheraton Sharjah Beach Resort & Spa, Marasea is the best place in Sharjah to try seafood. The menu is a fusion of local, Mediterranean, and Asian cuisine.

Price for two: 100 AED (Average)

Address: Sheraton Sharjah Beach Resort & Spa, Al Muntazah Street

​Find it on a map

Shabab Al Khan Cafeteria

International

This is a great spot for lip-smacking international dishes at an affordable price. Coffee, burgers, and faloodas come highly recommended from this lively restaurant.

Price for two: 50-60 AED

Address: 89M7+6JC - Al Khaledia Suburb - Sharjah

​Find it on a map

Paper Fig

Cafe

A cafe in the heart of Sharjah known for its pancakes, bread, and jam. Try the pink pasta and lavender tea cake.

Price for two: 250 AED

Address: Industrial Area - Muwailih Commercial

​Find it on a map

Best Places to Stay in Sharjah

Budget Hotels

​Sharjah International Airport Hotel: Located next to Sharjah International Airport, Sharjah International Airport Hotel is family-friendly, has a 24-hour front desk, and was renovated just recently.

Price for two/night: 180 AED

Mid-range Hotels

​Al Seef hotel: Located in the Sharjah center, this hotel is themed in traditional Arabian aesthetics. It has a beautiful pool in the middle courtyard.

Price for two/night: 240 AED

Luxury Hotels

​Sheraton Sharjah Beach Resort & Spa: Have exclusive access to a private beach, take a swim in the outdoor pools, try the spa, and dine in four different world-class restaurants.

Price for two/night: 800 AED

More Things to do in on a Day Trip From Dubai to Sharjah

  • Pay a visit to Emirates Handcraft Centre, learn the traditional craftsmanship and adore the architecture.
  • Visit the art museums in Sharjah in Old Sharjah, Al Qasba. Try your hand at Arabic calligraphy.
  • See the Rome-inspired Khorfakkan Amphitheater and Waterfall.
  • Go scuba diving and snorkeling on the Khorfakkan coast. Enjoy the fusion of the Gulf of Oman and the Arabian Gulf.
  • Visit the splendid modern-day shopping malls to indulge in luxury or go back in time by visiting the old souks.

Travel Tips

  • Traditional Arab greeting comes with a cup of Arabic coffee. It's rude not to accept it. Shake the cup gently from side to side to convey you have had enough.
  • Always respect the traditional dressing style: men wearing a white ankle-length robe, and women wearing black gown known as abaya and scarf to cover their head.
  • Dress properly in public places, and avoid revealing dresses.
  • You can't drink in Sharjah.
  • If you're a non-Muslim, please check online before visiting mosques.
  • Please ask people's permission before clicking their pictures
  • Public display of affection is not recommended.

Frequently Asked Questions About Your Dubai to Sharjah Day Trip

The roads from Dubai to Sharjah are very easy to travel. You can get to Sharjah in a car, bus or ferry.