What to do in Sharjah

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...

A major road closure has been announced in Sharjah. The temporary inconvenience for drivers is tied to the Etihad Rail development, which aims to build a nationwide railway network that will eventually link all seven emirates and extend to neighbouring GCC countries. The Sharjah Roads and Transport Authority confirmed that streets connecting Mleiha Road and Sharjah Ring Road, near University Bridge, will be closed for two months, from Tuesday, July 1 until Saturday, August 30. Check the official map below.     View this post on Instagram   A post shared by @rta_shj While traffic diversions are expected to impact...

Sharjah’s well-known Safeer Mall is getting a new name and a major upgrade. Now under the temporary name "Mark & Save Mall," the shopping center is expected to reopen in 2026 after a complete makeover. Western International Group (WIG), which recently took over the property from the Safeer Group, announced that the renovation will take about 18 months. During this time, the building will be brought up to modern standards, both inside and out, and all work will follow the latest safety and government guidelines. The mall, originally opened in 2005, will not be torn down completely, but much of...

Starting January 2026, Friday prayers in the UAE will begin earlier. The General Authority for Islamic Affairs, Awqaf, and Zakat has announced that the sermon will now start at 12:45 PM. If you're someone who regularly attends Friday prayers, be sure to adjust your schedule so you can be there on time. The year's first sermon on January 2 will begin 30 minutes earlier instead of the usual 1:15 PM. This new schedule is part of the adjustments made after the country shifted to a Saturday-Sunday weekend back in 2022. If you’re planning to attend Friday prayers, make sure to...

Looks like the Fresh Prince is swapping the big screen for the big stage, and Sharjah Book Fair visitors are getting front-row seats. Will Smith is heading to the SIBF 2025 for a live talk that promises a memorable evening of stories, humour, and insight. He’ll take the stage on Friday, November 14, at 8 PM at the Main Stage, Expo Centre Sharjah, where fans can catch him in person sharing stories about creativity, success, and finding purpose beyond fame. View this post on Instagram A post shared by @sharjahbookauthority While the big audience knows him for his roles in...

The holy month of Ramadan concludes with Eid Al Fitr, one of the most important holidays for Muslims. If you’ve been waiting for clarity on upcoming days off, the Eid Al Fitr holiday dates 2026 have now been officially confirmed for both the public and private sector in the UAE. The UAE Federal Authority for Government Human Resources (FAHR) and the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE) have announced the official schedule. For federal government employees in the UAE, the Eid Al Fitr holiday dates 2026 are: The break will last from Thursday, March 19 to Sunday, March 22...

If your child uses AI tools for homework, projects, or even just to look up ideas, this update from the UAE Ministry of Education is worth your attention. The UAE bans use of generative AI in schools under a new 2026 guide. It outlines 25 rules for how these tools can – and can’t – be used in classrooms. Students under 13 are not allowed to use generative AI tools at all. The same applies to children in grades below Grade 7. Academic Honesty: No AI-written Homework without Approval When it comes to homework and projects, students cannot submit AI-generated...

Jae’s Bunsik is now open in Al Jada, Sharjah, offering a taste of South Korea with a menu that blends popular street food and creative coffee drinks. Currently in its soft opening phase, the café operates from Tuesday to Sunday, between 3 PM and 11 PM. The term "bunsik" in Korean typically refers to flour-based meals and fast, casual food that's simple and satisfying. Jae’s Bunsik carries this spirit into its Sharjah outlet, serving a compact menu of comfort dishes and drinks.     View this post on Instagram   A post shared by JAE’S BUNSIK ㅣ 재스분식 (@jaesbunsik) The...

If you’re the kind of person who saves podcast episodes about founders and follows business leaders on LinkedIn, this one’s for you. Sharjah Entrepreneurship Festival 2026 is back this weekend, promising to become a proper meeting point for ambition, creativity, and sharp thinking. Over two days, more than 300 speakers will take the stage, with Khabib Nurmagomedov among the headline names. Now in its ninth edition, the festival brings together founders, investors, and decision-makers from across the region and beyond. It will take place at Sharjah Research Technology and Innovation Park (SPARK) on January 31 and February 1, 2026. One...

If your bookshelves are looking a little empty or your reading list is feeling stale, you’re in luck — the Big Bad Wolf Book Sale has returned to the UAE, this time landing in Sharjah. Running until May 4, 2025, the sale is being held at Expo Centre Sharjah (Hall 4) and is part of the Sharjah Children’s Reading Festival’s 16th edition. Here’s the best part: books start from just AED 2. Yes, that’s about the same price as a karak, but way better for your brain.     View this post on Instagram   A post shared by Big...