What to do in Sharjah

If you've been keeping an eye on the calendar to plan your next public holiday, the wait is over. The UAE has officially confirmed the start date of Eid Al Adha 2025, following the sighting of the crescent moon of Dhu Al Hijjah on the evening of Tuesday, May 27. The Presidential Court announced that Wednesday, May 28, 2025, will be the first day of Dhu Al Hijjah, the final month in the Islamic lunar calendar. This means that: Arafat Day, which falls on the 9th of Dhu Al Hijjah, will be observed on Thursday, June 5, 2025 Eid Al...

Sharjah is planning to bring a slice of island adventure to the city with Sir Bu Nair Festival. Normally open to the public just once a year, Sir Bu Nair island has hosted this festival since 2000, celebrating the emirate’s maritime heritage and natural beauty. In 2025, the festival marks its 25th edition with events across two locations. From October 16 to 25, Al Heera Beach in Sharjah City will host cultural performances, interactive workshops, the Shawahif boat race, food and beverage offerings, and marine-focused talks. For those seeking a true island experience, Sir Bu Nair Island will open its...

Ramadan began in the UAE on February 18, bringing changes to daily life across the country. In Sharjah, the Municipality has announced that public parking will be free on Fridays throughout the holy month. This does not apply to smart parking areas or zones marked with blue instruction signs. These spaces will continue to charge fees every day of the week, including Fridays and public holidays. Abu Dhabi and Dubai have also introduced revised parking and toll gate timings. If you’re planning to drive there during Ramadan, it’s a good idea to check the updated schedules in advance. If you’re...

Many businesses use apps to reach customers, but it’s not always easy to tell if a message is actually legitimate. One thing changes from April 30: banks in the UAE won’t reach out to you on messaging apps like WhatsApp anymore. The Central Bank of the UAE has ordered all licensed financial institutions to stop using such channels for any kind of customer communication. Banks can no longer: request or share your personal or banking details send verification codes or OTPs process transactions handle service requests Banks, insurers, exchange houses, and finance companies must follow the rule and confirm compliance...

Getting kids off screens after a full day of online learning isn’t always easy. If you’re looking for something simple and creative to fill that gap, Lush UAE is offering free after-school sessions. Until April 30, the brand's stores are hosting daily sessions for children and teens who want to do something hands-on. There’s no booking required. You can walk in at any time during the session hours, which makes it easy to fit around school schedules or last-minute plans. Session timings: Monday to Thursday: 3 PM to 6 PM Friday: 12 PM to 6 PM All sessions are free...

Everyone’s been waiting for clarity on the Eid Al Adha 2026 holiday, and now we're starting to have some updates. If you’re a parent in the UAE, the Ministry of Education has confirmed the Eid Al Adha school break dates for this May. Students will get 9 days off in total, with classes resuming on June 1. Here are all the details about the school schedule in the UAE: Eid Al Adha break for students and staff will be from May 25 to 29, and with the weekends before and after, that totals 9 days off Mock exams will be...

This week’s school routine will look slightly different for students and parents. The Ministry of Education confirmed that all studies will move to distance learning until Friday, May 8. The update applies to public and private school students, as well as university students across the country. Classes will continue as usual, just from home instead of classrooms. Students will log in to attend lessons online, and administrative staff will also work remotely during the same period. View this post on Instagram A post shared by وزارة التربية والتعليم Ministry of Education (@moeuaeofficial) The Ministry of Education will review the situation...

As Ramadan 2026 approaches, get ready for some changes to your regular work schedule! Whether you're in the public or private sector, the UAE government has announced working hours that will be in effect during the holy month. For those working in the public sector, the official working hours are: Monday to Thursday: employees will work from 9 AM to 2:30 PM on Fridays, the hours are shortened to 9 AM to 12 PM These changes offer more time for reflection, prayer, and spending time with family. Of course, certain roles may require different schedules based on their nature. In...

If you're planning to drive between Sharjah and Dubai, there’s a temporary change you need to know about. The exit from King Faisal Street to Al Wahda Street, heading towards Dubai, is closed until October 11, 2025 as part of ongoing road improvements. The closure began on October 3 and will impact one of the busiest routes, especially during rush hours, as it’s a main connection between Sharjah and Dubai. With the exit shut, you can expect extra traffic on surrounding roads, so it’s a good idea to plan ahead. View this post on Instagram A post shared by @rta_shj...

While there are many moments to celebrate, every country also has days marked by loss. January 17 is observed as the Day of Solidarity in UAE. It marks the anniversary of the 2022 attack that targeted civilian areas. Since then, the date has stood as a reminder of resilience, unity, and collective strength. This Saturday, helicopters and fighter jets will fly across the country. This aerial display reflects the idea of unity in a very literal way, connecting cities and emirates. The route begins in Abu Dhabi and continues through all seven emirates until Fujairah. If you’re planning to watch...