Sharjah, the cultural capital of the UAE, offers a unique blend of heritage and modernity for frequent travelers. As the third-most populous city in the Emirates, it serves as a key hub within the Dubai-Sharjah-Ajman metropolitan area. Known for its rich history under the Al Qasimi dynasty and its status as a WHO Healthy City, Sharjah provides a quieter, culturally immersive alternative to its busier neighbors. With a significant contribution to the national GDP and a growing reputation in education and arts, it is an ideal base for business and leisure. The city's adoption of a four-day working week in 2022 further enhances its appeal for professional travelers seeking a balanced work-life environment.
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Stay in the Old Town or Corniche areas for easy access to cultural landmarks like museums and mosques. Proximity to the Dubai border is ideal for business travelers needing to commute between the two cities while enjoying Sharjah's serene atmosphere.
Key attractions are concentrated, making walking or short taxi rides convenient. As part of the greater metropolitan area, road connections to Dubai International Airport allow for seamless transit for international travelers.
Winter offers pleasant weather for outdoor exploration and cultural visits. Summer heat suggests utilizing hotel amenities for rest. Spring and autumn provide the most comfortable conditions for sightseeing.
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Mosque in Sharjah
soccer stadium in Dubai
Football Stadium Of Dubai
church building in Sharjah Emirate, United Arab Emirates
famous mosque in Sharjah
church building in Sharjah Emirate, United Arab Emirates
skyscraper in Dubai, United Arab Emirates
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art museum in United Arab Emirates
museum in United Arab Emirates
Internationally renowned chef Anne-Sophie Pic made her culinary debut in Dubai with this restaurant on the 25th floor of the One&Only One Za’abeel hotel. Located in the cantilever known as The Link, the large space comes with soft tones and features a bar topped with a white marble counter at the front and an open kitchen at the back. The restaurant offers set menu options along with an a la carte menu, with dishes such as Les Berlingots ASP© with 20 months aged Comté, mushroom and coffee consommé, Wagyu beef with seaweed eggplant, and roasted pear, honey ginger with slivers of Buddha’s hand –
WebsiteA charming restaurant serving authentic Persian fare and run by the third generation of the same family. It’s set on the second floor of the Radisson Blu Hotel and boasts views over the Creek and Old Dubai. Menus offer traditional Persian dishes, such as Kash E Bademjan (their signature eggplant dish) along with a range of marinated meats, all served in generous portions.
WebsitePart-restaurant, part-museum; dine under a tree in an air-conditioned covered courtyard served by welcoming staff dressed in traditional robes. Bread is freshly cooked within view and live music adds to the ambience. Rustic Emirati dishes are carefully prepared, well-presented and full of flavour. Start off with one of their salads and breads and be sure to try their lamb machboos that is great for sharing. For dessert, luqaimat and sticky date pudding is a great way to end a meal.
WebsiteHome-grown – and largely self-taught– Solemann Haddad tells the story and the inspiration behind each of the cleverly conceived and carefully constructed dishes on his highly original ‘surprise’ menu. He was one of the first to bring alive the top quality Middle Eastern ingredients and flavours through the clever use of Japanese notes and techniques. Perched on the roof of a smart residential building, there are two sittings for dinner at the 15-seater counter; do try to arrive on time as everyone is served together.
WebsiteSpacious, light and airy, this restaurant at the tip of the Jameel Arts Centre boasts beautiful views through its floor-to-ceiling windows. Their mantra, “sustainability, seasonality, simplicity, and locality," is evident both in their décor and their modern dishes. Menus showcase seasonal, local – and occasionally fermented – ingredients in great value dishes. Be sure to try their plant-based goods from their bakery.
WebsiteThree Syrian brothers own and run this deservedly popular restaurant: a light and airy space dominated by a striking, two-storey open kitchen. Original, playful small plates are Mediterranean at their core but display global influences. The cooking seamlessly delivers bold, complex and balanced flavours, as well as lovely contrasts of texture. The tasting menu includes classics from their previous menus such as the ‘ooh la la foie gras’ and their ‘corn bomb’, as well as new dishes such as their sea bream and ‘maftoul’ (Palestinian couscous). For the full experience, go for the non-alcoholic pa
WebsiteOn the 6th floor of the chic, beachside Mandarin Oriental Jumeira, is this bustling yet relaxed spot set around an open kitchen, with an infinity pool on its terrace and sea and city views. The attentive service team ensure your dining experience is well-paced and eminently enjoyable. The chef and his team understand the importance of great quality produce and showcase a passion for Portuguese culinary traditions. The resulting vibrant dishes offer Portuguese flavours with a modern edge. The menu offers something for everyone, with plenty of dishes to share; leave room for dessert to taste the
WebsiteIndustrial styling, intimate lighting and a laid-back feel are the hallmarks of this striking modern villa conversion in the residential suburb of Jumeirah – along with the huge open kitchen and grill which gives the restaurant its name. The variety and excellent quality of global ingredients are grilled to perfection over oak, hickory or hay, each of which impart their own distinctive flavour. The talented kitchen has the know-how to keep things simple, enhancing the skilfully cooked dishes subtly with well-judged seasoning.
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