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Sharjah Emirate is one of the seven emirates that make up the United Arab Emirates, in Asia. It is the third-largest of them, and it is known across the country as the cultural capital of the UAE.

What a visit offers

Sharjah is a destination for those who want to spend time with art, history and local life. The emirate has numerous museums and art galleries, so a visit can be built around looking, reading and taking your time between rooms. Many visitors come to explore this side of the emirate first, then move on to the wider country.

Good to know before you go

• Sharjah is the only emirate in the UAE that completely prohibits alcohol, which shapes the feel of its streets, cafés and evenings.
• Its cultural focus makes it a natural match for travellers who enjoy museums and galleries more than nightlife.
• As an emirate, it is a region rather than a single site, so plan around the places that interest you most.

Whether Sharjah suits you depends on what you came for. If you want the cultural side of the UAE, with museums and galleries at its centre, it is a worthwhile place to set aside time.