Arabic Architecture in Sharjah

Arabic Architecture in Sharjah

The beautiful and exquisite Arabic architecture in Sharjah is not something to be missed. All government buildings across the emirate are designed using principles of Arabic and Islamic architecture.

As you may know, this means not only lots of arches, domes and geometric designs, but also no representations of living beings. You can see mosques in Ottoman style, traditional architecture and also in more modern architectural styles.

To enjoy this stunning architecture, there are a few places which are good to drive around. Of course, it’s even better if you get up close to see the more intricate workmanship.

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Arabic Architecture in Sharjah – Qur’an Roundabout

Let’s start with Quran Roundabout, also known as Book Roundabout and Cultural Square, where you can see the Cultural Palace (a theatre), the main library, the Ruler’s Office and a mosque. In the middle of the roundabout is a sculpture of an open Quran.

Arabic Architecture in Sharjah – University City

Next, let’s go from Quran roundabout onto Al Dhaid/Airport Road and turn into University City.

At the turn off, you’ll see two monuments, one which marked Sharjah being named the Cultural Capital of the Arab  World by UNESCO in 1998 and the other when Sharjah was named Islamic Culture Capital by the Organisation of Islamic Countries in 2014.

In the same area is the new Islamic World Garden and just further up, the Scroll Monument marking Sharjah being named World Book Capital in 2019. It stands next to the House of Wisdom.

By now, you’ll no doubt start to realise why Sharjah is considered the cultural capital of the UAE.

Turning into the University City, you’ll first pass through the ornate entrance, drive through the city to the other side passing the various buildings of the University of Sharjah, American University of Sharjah, Sharjah Police Academy and several other colleges and research centres.

You can’t enter the AUS gate and can only admire it from afar, so below are a couple of shots from inside.

When you come out the other end, you’ll find University City Hall, Dr Sultan Al Qasimi Centre and the Martyrs’ Monument and Martyrs’ Halls. (Below: University City Hall and Martyrs’ Hall)

After passing these, continue on the S116 past Sharjah Centre for Astronomy, Space Sciences and Technology, Sharjah Performing Arts Academy, Al Qasimia University and the Holy Quran Academy. In good weather, you can easily walk between these buildings. See Sharjah Holy Quran Museum.

My booklet Exploring the Emirate of Sharjah – walking and cycling tours and itineraries in the city and Central and Eastern Regions includes an Architecture Tour. You can buy the booklet here.

You can also download a free copy of my Cycling/Walking/Driving Tour of University City below.

➡️ Get your free University City walking/cycling tour itinerary from Exploring the Emirate of Sharjah Walking/cycling tours and itineraries.

Arabic Architecture in Sharjah – Government Buildings

The other main area to head to now is Al Khan Government Building area. Here are just a few.

From here, you can also visit Souq Al Jubail, Central Souq, Al Noor Mosque, Al Qasba.

Sharjah Architecture  -Sharjah Corniche

A drive along Sharjah Corniche brings more traditional architecture still using Islamic principles in Sharjah Art Area and the Heart of Sharjah. A walk around both is a must and both have great cafes to stop off at.

Further down the corniche is Sharjah Museum of Islamic Civilisation, Al Maghfirah Mosque and the Supreme Council for Family Affairs and Sharjah Business Women’s Council.

Two other must-see buildings are Sharjah Chamber of Commerce and Sharjah Municipality Building.

If you’re driving along the E611, stop off to visit Sharjah Grand Mosque built in Ottoman style and set in tranquil Islamic gardens. Personally, I like it best at night, but if you can, visit it both in the daytime and night time.

It doesn’t end there because there’s more to see both in the city and across the emirate! Here are just a few. (Arab Academy for Science, Technology, and Maritime Transport, Khorfakkan; Government Buildings, Dibba al Hisn; Africa Building, Sharjah)

The ultimate viewing experience of Sharjah’s stunning buildings is during Sharjah Light Festival. Sadly, it didn’t take place in 2021, but let’s hope it’s back in full swing in 2022. You can see some photos from previous festivals here. (Ammar bin Yasir Mosque, Al Dhaid; Sharjah Municipality Building; Al Noor Mosque, Sharjah; Sharjah Grand Mosque)

To add to this, Sharjah Architecture Triennial is a major platform for the Middle East, North and East Africa and South Asia.

Buy Exploring the Emirate of Sharjah – walking, cycling tours and itineraries

Other places to visit around the city of Sharjah

• Sharjah Art Area
• Rain Room
• Heart of Sharjah
• Sharjah Natural History and Botanical Museum
• Sharjah Museum of Islamic Civilisation
• Al Qasba
• Al Noor Island and the Butterfly House
• Old Souqs in Sharjah

Other places to visit near University City

• Classic Car Museum
• Sharjah Mosque
• Al Jada – community with parks, coffee shops, etc

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