What to do in Sharjah

If you’re already counting down to book fair season, there’s something special waiting this year. Oman has officially been named Guest of Honour at the Sharjah International Book Fair (SIBF) 2026. Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi, Chairperson of the Sharjah Book Authority, said the decision honours Oman’s literary contribution and reflects the strong cultural ties between the two countries. Arabic literature carries centuries of poetry, thought, and storytelling that continue to shape culture today. If you’d like to explore its richness, here's good news: in January 2026, Amazon launched a Digital Arabic Library with 38,000 titles now available online....

Planning a summer trip to Italy? There’s a new direct option from the UAE that makes Rome a lot easier to reach. Air Arabia has announced a new route from Sharjah to Rome, adding a daily non-stop flight between Sharjah International Airport (SHJ) and Rome Fiumicino Airport (FCO). The service starts on July 1, just in time for summer travel. The new Air Arabia flight to Italy will be operated by an Airbus A320neo, with two different departure schedules depending on the day you travel. On Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays: flight departs Sharjah (SHJ) at 7:55 AM and arrives in...

Sharjah is about to get a new destination for shopping and leisure. Madar Mall will open its doors in December 2028. This brand-new destination promises to be a hub for shopping, dining, and entertainment that will be unlike anything the city has seen before. The mall is the latest venture from Arada, developed with the design expertise of Zaha Hadid Architects. Madar Mall will feature over 400 stores and 80 restaurants spread across three levels, bringing a whole new world of retail and culinary experiences to Sharjah residents and visitors. Madar Mall is being built to cater to families and...

If you were planning a day in nature in Sharjah, here's some news that may make you adjust your plans. Two popular parks will be temporarily closed for a short period: Al Nouf 1 Park: closed until February 2 Al Seyouh Family Park: closed from January 27 to January 30 Once reopened, both places will welcome you with family-friendly events and activities. While you wait for the parks to open, there's still plenty to explore in the city. Visit Al Estiqlal Square, which has recently been upgraded and got a new look. Or join Sharjah Ladies Run on January 24...

Al Dhaid Wildlife Museum is the perfect spot for anyone interested in exploring the natural world of the Arabian desert. Recently opened by His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, this museum in Sharjah offers a chance to learn about desert wildlife, plants, and sustainability. It offers a great educational experience for families, students, and nature lovers. The museum features several halls, each with interactive exhibits and educational platforms: Desert Hall where you can learn how people and animals adapt to the harsh desert environment, with traditional tools and a model of a Bedouin tent. Plant Hall where...

Sharjah is preparing to host the 12th edition of Sharjah International Film Festival for Children & Youth this autumn, reaffirming its place as one of the UAE’s cultural highlights. The festival will take place from October 6 to 11 at VOX Cinemas, City Centre Al Zahia, presenting a carefully curated programme designed to appeal to young audiences as well as seasoned film enthusiasts. This year’s edition brings together 76 productions representing 26 nations, offering a wide range of voices and styles. View this post on Instagram A post shared by مهرجان الشارقة السينمائي الدولي للأطفال والشباب (@sharjahiff) Several premieres are...

In a powerful moment of national unity, the UAE National Orchestra has released a special musical tribute, Men, by God, Truly Men. This performance honors those who dedicate themselves to protecting the nation. The composition features the poem Rijal Wallah Rijal by President HH Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, reflecting the courage, dedication, and service of those who defend the UAE and its people. Through this musical tribute, the UAE National Orchestra (UAENO) expresses the nation’s gratitude and reminds us of the powerful role culture plays in reflecting our shared values and national spirit. Watch the performance video to...

Air Arabia has added a new stop to its European network, with direct flights now connecting Sharjah to Warsaw Modlin Airport (WMI). This brings the airline’s total weekly flights to Poland to 24, including daily services to Warsaw Chopin and multiple weekly connections to Krakow. The flight from Sharjah takes about 6.5 hours, and depending on the day, travelers will arrive in Poland either in the morning or evening. When planning to visit Warsaw for the first time, don’t miss UNESCO-listed Old Town, Royal Castle, and Warsaw Uprising Museum. If you’re up for a day trip, visit the Wilanów Palace...

Great news for gaming fans in the UAE! Play971 is now live, and it’s a game-changer. This new platform is the first of its kind to be fully licensed by the UAE’s General Commercial Gaming Regulatory Authority (GCGRA), making it the official place for online gaming and sports betting in the country. Operated by Coin Technology Projects LLC, Play971 offers a wide variety of options, from classic casino games like slots, blackjack, and roulette to sports betting on popular events such as football, cricket, and tennis. If you’re into eSports or fantasy games, this platform’s got you covered too. It’s...

Remember rushing home to catch 'Friends' or 'The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air' before anyone spoiled it, recording episodes on VHS, and then waiting a whole week for the next one like it was a life event? Yes, the 90s were wild, and if you’re ready to plunge into that atmosphere once again, here’s the nostalgia event in Sharjah you can’t miss. The 90s by RBO is back on February 12, turning part of the city into a time capsule filled with music, movies, fashion, and pop culture from the decade that shaped an entire generation. You walk in and it...