Pearl Merchants and Palm Trees: A Self-Guided Tour of Sharjah

Sharjah prides itself on being the steady-as-she-goes emirate, but don’t let that dissuade you. It's confident, worldly, multi-dimensional, interesting, and definitely less noisy than its cousin down the road. Join me on a wander down the shaded laneways and in and out of old houses and new spaces. Together we'll explore what remains of the old part of town. There are houses and mosques, museums and galleries, palm trees and pearl merchants, all waiting for you. You'll enjoy • peeking inside traditional houses • contemporary design inspired by Sharjah's craft heritage • souqs for shopping • hidden little alleyways. And you'll hear fun stories about • what you can do with your leftover goat hooves • who has a PhD in piracy studies • coral farming • how to order the perfect lime and mint juice drink The exact route can be seen upon downloading the tour or previewed in the app, and it works offline. It's a self-guided audio tour that can be listened to anytime.

1. 1

   Heart of Sharjah

   Pass by

   There are houses and mosques, museums and galleries, palm trees and pearl merchants, all waiting for you in the old Sharjah town. Join me on a tour and I will tell you all about it.

2. 2

   Art Area of Sharjah

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   In among the heritage buildings, you will discover exciting contemporary art from the MENASA region in unusual places. Some of these are hidden away, so you will need to keep a look-out for them.

3. 3

   Stop 3

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   A good opportunity to enter traditional houses, and enjoy some refreshments in a courtyard under a shady terrace.

4. 4

   Sharjah Heritage Museum

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   Inside the museum, you will find both everyday and precious objects that illustrate community practices and traditions that are ages old. Many of these have been passed down through the generations from times long ago, and still, resonate in contemporary Sharjah.

5. 5

   Sharjah Calligraphy Museum

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   Discover why calligraphy is one of the most prized art forms in the Arab world. Even if you don’t read Arabic, the swirls and curls will still grab you.

6. 6

   Bait-al-Naboodah Museum

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   The former home of an internationally successful pearl trader who brought wealth and grand ideas to Sharjah. We share some stories of his international life at the dawn of the 20th century.

7. 7

   Heart of Sarjah discovery centre

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   Learn all about the vibrant history of Sharjah and this old neighbourhood in the Majlis Al Naboodah. The old photos are great windows into a time not all that long ago.

8. 8

   Souk Al Arsah

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   As you walk around the stalls today it is not hard to imagine a time in the past when it was filled with pearl traders and buyers, cargo and camels, all jostling for space, attention and a good deal.

9. 9

   Stop 9

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   A gorgeous new development which seamlessly merges all the modern luxuries of a five-star resort with that of a conservation project. Stay the night or just pop in for some refreshments. I recommend a lime and mint juice for quenching your thirst.

10. 10

    Souq Al Shanasiyah

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    A modern outdoor souq built on the foundations of an older one that served Sharjah for generations. Come and explore the predecessor of the modern-day mall with me.

• Wheelchair accessible
• Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
• Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
• Suitable for all physical fitness levels

All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.