What to do in Sharjah

What happens when artificial intelligence creates an entire district? Sharjah is about to find out. Al Marwan Developments has just revealed District 11, an innovation hub that’s being shaped entirely by AI. It’s the UAE’s first smart complex designed by artificial intelligence, and it’s rethinking what a modern business district can be. Instead of the usual glass-and-steel setup, District 11 has been planned through data-driven design: every tower, pathway, and courtyard optimized for light, energy, and how people actually move through a space. The result is an AI-crafted ecosystem that merges offices, retail, and wellness spaces across 11 modular towers...

Travel just got easier for Emirati passport holders. The UAE and Moldova have signed a Memorandum of Understanding on mutual visa exemption, allowing UAE citizens to enter Moldova without a visa. The agreement was signed during an official meeting in Abu Dhabi between Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, and Mihai Popșoi, Moldova’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister. Sheikh Abdullah reaffirmed the UAE’s commitment to expanding international collaboration and building strong, productive relations with Moldova in areas that support both countries’ development goals. This is the latest addition to a growing...

Tanweer Festival is set to return to the dunes of Mleiha in Sharjah this November, bringing back its distinctive mix of music, art, spiritual reflection, and sustainability. After a well-received debut edition, the three-day event from November 21 to 23 is preparing for an even more immersive second chapter. Held in the tranquil desert landscape, the festival will once again transform the area into a gathering space for creativity, cultural exchange, and mindful living. The initiative is led by Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi, who envisions the festival as a platform for deepening connection — both with others and...

Sharjah is reaffirming its cultural significance with "Bridging Generations" exhibition at the Sharjah Calligraphy Museum. Sheikh Salem bin Abdulrahman Al Qasimi, Chairman of the Ruler’s Office, officially opened the event, which highlights the work of six prominent Emirati calligraphers. Running until October 22, the exhibition brings together traditional Arabic calligraphy with contemporary artistic approaches, offering a fresh perspective on a centuries-old art form. "Bridging Generations" features a variety of calligraphy styles, including classical Arabic, Kufic, Naskh, and Thuluth, as well as more experimental pieces combining painting and script. These works show how the artists have pushed the boundaries of Arabic...

If you enjoy long lunches or leisurely breakfasts with a stylish twist, there’s good news — tashas, the South African café known for its refined comfort food and relaxed vibe, is opening new branches in Al Ain, Ras Al Khaimah and Sharjah. This expansion is part of a larger growth strategy announced by Natasha Sideris, founder and CEO of Tashas Group. Over the next 18 months, 16 new venues are expected to open across the Middle East and South Africa, with plans for 75 additional sites in the pipeline.     View this post on Instagram   A post shared...

Sharjah has taken a big step forward in its sustainability journey with the launch of SANA, the emirate’s first-ever solar power plant. Officially inaugurated by Sheikh Sultan bin Ahmed Al Qasimi, Deputy Ruler of Sharjah and Chairman of the Sharjah Petroleum Department and SNOC, the plant brings a significant boost to local clean energy efforts. SANA is located next to the Sajaa Gas Plant and covers a vast 850,000 square metres. The solar facility has a generation capacity of 60 megawatts, enough to meet the annual electricity needs of around 13,800 homes. The plant features over 98,000 solar panels, mounted...

Looking for a break from the fast-paced city life? Mleiha glamping offers the perfect desert escape, just an hour from Dubai. You’ll stay in traditional-style tents, sip on Arabic coffee or karak tea, and enjoy a night sky so clear that planets like Saturn and Jupiter become visible. The experience at Mleiha goes beyond your typical hotel stay. With no access to charging points inside your tent, you'll make an intentional break from the digital world. But don’t worry, there are power outlets in the communal area where you can hang out with others, play board games, and have a...

UNESCO has added four cultural traditions from the UAE to its Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. It's a way of ensuring these unique aspects of UAE heritage are kept alive for future generations. It's similar to how other countries, like France with its baguette-making or Japan with Noh theater, have had their own cultural practices acknowledged globally. The newly added traditions are: Al-Ayyala Al Bisht Kohl Al Sadu Let’s take a closer look at what each of them means and why they’re so important. Al-Ayyala One of the UAE’s traditional performing arts, passed down through generations....

If you’re in Sharjah and craving Indian comfort food, Riksha is now open in two locations — Muwaileh and Souyoh Mall. The restaurant takes its name from the iconic Indian auto rickshaw and aims to bring the same energy, familiarity, and everyday warmth to the dining experience. The interiors are simple and inviting, with wooden furniture, shelves filled with spices, and subtle nods to India’s roadside eateries. The design sets the tone for a meal that blends classic flavours with casual charm.     View this post on Instagram   A post shared by Riksha (@riksha.ae) The menu covers a...

Aljada megaproject in Sharjah is getting an incredible new addition: a massive sports complex! Arada, the developer behind this fast-growing community, is creating a landscape park packed with top-tier facilities. Construction is already underway, and when it’s finished, it will be the place to be for anyone who loves staying active. The new sports hub at Aljada will feature: Full-size football pitch for professional games Smaller 5-a-side pitches for casual play Basketball, padel, tennis, volleyball, squash, and badminton courts Cycling and jogging tracks Adventure play zone for kids Water play area for families In addition to the sporting facilities, there...