Trip to Sharjah, UAE

Our trip to Sharjah, one of the seven Emirates of the UAE.

  The emirate of Sharjah comprises the city of Sharjah

and other towns called Kalba, Dibba Al, Hisn and Khor Fakkan. 

Sharjah is the third largest emirate in the United Arab Emirates,

and is the only one to have land on both the Persian Gulf  and  the Gulf of Oman.

Sharjah is ruled by Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi.  

The Sharjah Palace Hotel - a jewel of the city. Just outside the
City Centre....was a incredible place to stay.  The hotel is
 conveniently located on Al Taawun Street. The hotel boasts deluxe
rooms and suites only.  Our room was great!  On the roof is a pool and
hot tub and an activity room with billiards tables.  Turn the corner and
you're at the spa.  Bonus....with our room was complimentary buffet breakfast.

The lobby....stunning area!

The marble medallion in the lobby. This picture does not do
justice to the colors and intricate design. 

We knew of the monument and found it on our way to Dhaid and
had lunch here.  The monument was constructed when Sharjah was elected
to join the Arab capital in 1998.  The monument is an image of a huge arrow
pointing to the sky .  We were there during the day, but we were told that at night it
is quite impressive.   The view is amazing - its like when you're in Iowa and
you look out on the horizon and see corn on one side and corn on the other.
Here its SAND....dune, after dune, after dune.  LOTS of SAND! 

The Cityscape of Sharjah.

Another angle....you notice the contemporary buildings.  It is difficult to see the historic traditional
buildings of Arabian Architecture.

The Cultural Palace of Sharjah is located in the Al Falaj area of
Sharjah, built in 1986...now 35 years old....it looks brand new.

 Arabia's Wildlife Center. Not only does the Wildlife Centre house the world's largest collection of Arabian wildlife but it is also the only zoological park in the Middle East to be completely indoors. Making it perfect for a day out, regardless of the weather.

 Awesome exhibits including this mechanical camel. Interactive and just when you think it's over....there was more. Next to it is a water jug display...8 jugs - this is how much water a camel can hold and go without a drink for many days. 

 

Arabia's Wildlife Center.
Not only does the Wildlife Centre house the world's largest collection of Arabian wildlife but it is also the only zoological park in the Middle East to be completely indoors. Making it perfect for a day out, regardless of the weather.

 

Awesome exhibits including this mechanical camel. Interactive
and just when you think it's over....there was more. Next to it
is a water jug display...8 jugs - this is how much water a camel
can hold and go without a drink for many days.



 

Arabia's Wildlife Center.
Not only does the Wildlife Centre house the world's largest collection of Arabian wildlife but it is also the only zoological park in the Middle East to be completely indoors. Making it perfect for a day out, regardless of the weather.

 

Awesome exhibits including this mechanical camel. Interactive
and just when you think it's over....there was more. Next to it
is a water jug display...8 jugs - this is how much water a camel
can hold and go without a drink for many days.



The Heritage Cultural Area was preparing for their Sharjah's Heritage Days.  The area was
being set up for opening ceremonies that night. This is a view of  the Souk (market).  Like most markets, they are closed between 1pm & 3pm only to reopenfor business and stay open to as late as 11 pm.

The mission of Sharjah Hisn is to use the historic fort to explain
to residents and visitors the history of the Emirate of Sharjah,
 the Al Qasimi ruling family and Sharjah society and governance.
When we arrived it was closed for renovation.

The fort on the rim of the City Center is the former residence of the Al Qasimi
Ruling family and appreciate traditional architecture and artifacts. Built in 1820,
 we are told this large, majestic, double story fort houses priceless objects,
 fascinating old photographs, classic weapons and trading tools tracing 200 years
 of Sharjah history.

Located close to Khaled Lagoon is  the Central Market (also known as the Blue Souk).  It is
a phenomenal example of Islamic design.  The Central Market is the main shopping
 hub in Sharjah.  The yellow lighting does not show the blue roofs of the building.  The market has more than
  600  shops from where one can buy anything from gold jewelry to woven carpets and prepared foods.

With blue tile on the outside walls, the design is unique and beautiful.
Traditional handcrafts and GOLD, GOLD and more GOLD!   So much is
here including diamonds, persian rugs, silver, antiques and clothes.

This is for my friend Deb Barbier.....lots of GOLD!

It's like Midas came in and touched EVERYTHING!

Docked on the Sharjah Corniche....it is an authentic dhow where
you can dine inside.  Great views!

We stopped for lunch. 

A great day....just taking in all the sights. 

Three Words:  Arab's Cultural Capital