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At
the crossroads between East and West, at the very center of the
trade route between Asia and Europe is Sharjah, one of the seven
Emirates of the United Arab Emirates (U.A.E). Come explore a land
that is acclaimed as the Cultural Capital of the Arab World by UNESCO.
Sharjah isn't just about Sharjah City. The authentic Sharjah can
be found beyond the gleaming skyline of the city. In Khorfakkan
with its resort-town ambience. Kalba, a preserve for endangered
fishing birds and turtles. Dhaid Oasi, with its innumerable farms
(even exporting strawberries to Europe) and Dibba Al Hisn soaked
in Islamic History.
The
best of Sharjah's rich past can be found in the carefully restored
Heritage Area. Explore here the 175-year-old Al Hisn (Sharjah) Fort
& Museum with its priceless collection of ancient currencies,
pearl trade tools, old jewelry, rare photographs and maps.
The Islamic Museum with rare Islamic manuscripts from 1254 AD, works
of art from across the Arab world including the world's first map
by
Sharif Al Idris. The Heritage Museum (Bait Al Naboodah) portrays
home life as it was 150 years ago. Also to be explored are the Al
Midfa Majlis with its distinctive round wind-tower and the Al Naboodah
Majlis.
Arts
in Sharjah is not to be missed either. Explore the Arts Area comprising
five 18th century heritage buildings...with its distinctive architecture,
housing art galleries, arts studios and the Arabian Gulf's largest
arts museum.
Brimming
with the finest merchandise from around the world, Sharjah's souks
(traditional market) entice with fine gold, jewelry, gems antiques,
silk carpets, rugs, oriental perfumes, designer-wear as well as
textiles, garments, electronics....
A
visit to the ancient Souk Al Asrah, the Souk Al Markazzi (the Blue
Souk), the Souk Al Majarrah and innumerable others is a must for
great bargains and for a great time.
Desert
& Dunes
The variety of scenery in Sharjah is a major attraction for tourist
groups from all over the world. The beautiful desert of Sharjah
attracts visitors, who are impressed by the vastness and charm
of the desert.
Desert
& Dunes
The variety of scenery in Sharjah is a major attraction
for tourist
groups from all over the world. The beautiful desert of Sharjah
attracts visitors, who are impressed by the vastness and charm of
the desert.
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Desert
driving is an art in its
own right. There is plenty of
sand within 10 minutes of the
city to practice on , but please
keep to the tracks. One of the
most popular sand driving
areas is around and over Fossil
Rock, turn right at the first
round about in Al Dhaid and
onto the Madam road.
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If
you should get struck, let air out of the tyres (down to 15 psi
if necessary ), clear wheels of sand, make the area firm with a
mat or dead branches, low ratio, low revs, foot off the clutch and
everyone should push.
Always carry a tow rope and shovel and travel in a convoy of at
least 2 cars. Don't forget to refill your tyres at the first opportunity.
Desert driving courses are run by the tour operators.
Wadi bashing is aptly named as it involves bouncing over rocks and
boulders in difficult terrain, traversing streams and often comin
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unstuck,
or is it stuck!
An experience not to be missed
and often one that is talked
about for days after. There
is nothing better than to take
a picnic, find some water and
relax
for the afternoon.A wadi
is technically a dry river bed.
In times of heavy rainfall, a
wadi is not the place to be
as Flash Floods do occur.
Water builds up in the
mountains and is released in
a wall of water, which gushes
down the valley taking
boulders, palm trees and
even vehicles with it
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Parks
Under instructions by HH Dr. Sheikh Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qassimi,
the Municipality of Sharjah allocates a substantial proportion of
its budget and directs the efforts of its engineers and personnel,
to transform Sharjah into a beautiful park, not only through allocating
plots of land, but also by planning
extra wide streets allowing ample space for islets of lush greenery
and trees, in order to provide a relaxing environment to residents
and users of the streets.
Sharjah
National Park
Sharjah's largest park of 630,000 sq. mt., is beautifully maintained
with well established trees and spacious lawns providing a perfect
setting for a walk or picnic.
arbecue
facilities and benches are provided. Special areas for cycling and
rollerblading, play areas, a duck pond and giant slide, combined
with the miniature city of Sharjah, make this a major attraction
for
all the family. Plane spotters can have a ball as the airport is
close
by. Ice creams, drinks and snacks are available from the park shop.
Sharjah Municipality has extended the park to include a cycle track,
horror tunnel, coffee shop and permanently installed barbecues.
It
has also built a miniature Sharjah City. The cycle track includes
a
horror tunnel combining caricatures and figurines lit up by flashing
lights. There is also an infrared beam to squirt water on unsuspecting
cyclists. The main aim of the cycle track is for the children's
enjoyment but at the same time exercise.
The
idea was envisaged by H. H. Dr. Sheikh Sultan Bin Mohammed Al Qassimi
as were the obstacles such as the log ladder, water jump and horror
tunnel. They are proving to be a great success, judging by the amount
of weekend visitors.
The cycles for hire vary in sizes and shapes to suit all ages. Overlooking
the cycle track alongside the 'Giant Slide', a coffee shop was constructed
in an original Arabic style. It incorporates seating for 30 people
and supplies coffee and soft drinks.
The area around the 'Giant Slide' adjacent to the grass mound has
been sprinkled with children's swings, spring rides, obstacle games
and incorporates permanently installed barbecues for the use of
visitors.
There
is a miniature version of Sharjah city, 'Miniature Sharjah', which
is made up of notable buildings of Sharjah on a smaller scale and
Khalid Lagoon. On the lagoon there are remote control boats, three
islands
and bridges. The lagoon is surrounded by a safety fence. Within
'Miniature City ' there are remote control cars for children as
well as
a 'Dry Ski Slope', which is 30 meters high and 60 meters long.
Al Majaz Park
Covers
over 300.00 sq.m. in a very important part of the city, located
between Jamal Abdul Nasser Street and the Corniche of the Khalid
Lagoon, a vital residential and commercial district.
The park is exquisitely landscaped and boasts several concrete monuments,
palm trees, a fountain, flower beds and all the vital
services needed by its visitors. The park has booths serving takeaway
on the lakeside entrance.
Al
Jazeira Park
A typical
resort and one of Sharjah's most important touristic and recreational
facilities, it covers 1,00,000 sq.m. inside Khalid lagoon.
The park features a fun city for children, a mini zoo, which shows
visitors a variety of bird species as well as monkeys and deers,
two
swimming
pools for adults and children an artificial waterfall, and a
train, which carries children and adults throughout the park.
The facility also features a restaurant/ snack bar, offering its
services
at moderate prices. The view from the park across the lagoon offers
breathtaking views of the Blue Souk, the Corniche and the Sharjah
fountain.
Sharjah is truly a garden city now with its many parks inside and
outside the city, including, just to name a few, Al Faiha'a, Al
Musalla,
Al Ettihad, Al Fisht and the desert and the National Parks Resorts.
| PARK
NAME |
TIMINGS |
FEE |
REMARKS |
| Al
Majaz Park |
4
pm to 11 pm Friday : 10 am to 12 midnight |
Free
|
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| Abu
Shagarah Park |
3
pm onwards |
Free |
|
| Al
Jazat Park |
3
pm onwards |
Free |
|
| Al
Hezam Al Akhadar Park (The Green Belt) |
3
pm onwards |
Free |
|
| Maysalon
Park |
3
pm onwards |
Free |
|
| Al
Telaa Park |
3
pm onwards |
Free |
|
| Al
Fishit Park |
3
pm onwards |
Free |
|
| Al
Fayhaa Park |
3
pm onwards |
Free |
|
| Al
Mansoura Park |
3
pm onwards |
Free |
|
| Al
Darari Park |
3
pm onwards |
Free |
|
| Families
Park |
3
pm onwards |
Free |
|
| Al
Sedrah Park |
3
pm onwards |
Free |
For
family and children. |
| Sharjah
National Park |
4
pm to 10 pmFriday: 10 am to 10 pm |
Free |
|
| Al
Ittihad Square |
3.30
pm to 10.30 pm |
Adults
5 Dh.Children 2 Dh |
Closed
on Saturday. Monday only for Ladies and Children |
| Lake
Khalid |
3
pm onwards |
Free |
|
| Khor
Fakkan Corniche |
3
pm onwards |
Free |
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