Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
( 06-568 8222;
www.sharjahmuseums.ae
; Arts Area, off Corniche; 8am-8pm Sat-Thu, 4-8pm Fri)
Just east of the Heritage Area, the Arts Area is anchored by one of the region's largest and
most impressive art museums and the organiser of the Sharjah Biennal. Its galleries are a
great place to keep tabs on Arab contemporary art, including works by Biennial winners
and such established artists as UAE painter Abdul Qader Al Raes. Watercolours of histor-
ic Sharjah by Ali Darwish also get a lot of wall space, as do paintings by 18th- and 19th-
century European Orientalists. A highlight here are the dozen lithographs by Scottish
artist David Robert. Curators keep things dynamic by mounting monthly changing exhib-
its, and there's a nice cafe to boot.
Many of the surrounding historic buildings contain galleries, workshops and studios, in-
cluding one for disabled artists.
Sharjah Calligraphy Museum
MUSEUM
( 06-569 4561;
www.sharjahmuseums.ae
; Heritage Area, off Corniche; adult/child Dh5/free)
Even if you
don't understand the meaning of the beautiful calligraphy on display in this handsome gal-
lery, you'll probably still admire its high aesthetic value and the variety of styles, forms of
expression and materials used (canvas, ceramics, wood and paper).
Sharjah Museum of Islamic Civilisation
MUSEUM
( 06-565 5455;
www.islamicmuseum.ae
;
cnr Corniche & Arabian Gulf St; adult/child Dh5/free; 8am-8pm Sat-
Thu, 4-8pm Fri)
Pretty much everything you always wanted to know about Islam is addressed
in this well-curated museum in a converted souq right on the waterfront. The ground-floor
galleries zero in on different aspects of the Islamic faith, such as the Five Pillars of Islam,
including the ritual and importance of hajj. Other rooms trace Arab scientific accomplish-
ments, especially in mathematics and astronomy, while the upper floor navigates through
1400 years of Islamic art and artefacts with manuscripts, ceramics, armour, woodwork,
textiles and jewellery. Wrap up with tea beneath the central dome with its striking deep-
blue zodiac mosaic.
Al Qasba
NEIGHBOURHOOD
( 06-556 0777;
www.alqasba.ae
; Al Qasba Canal)
Lining both banks of a canal linked by a twink-
ling bridge, this development presents a lively mix of restaurants, cafes and family-
friendly fun. The strip offers car-free and carefree strolling and is especially busy on Fri-
