The holiday season is an exciting time to plan a memorable family vacation. Sharjah is a beautiful gem in the United Arab Emirates that is ideally located if you are looking for a quick, affordable and hassle-free getaway from India. For a perfect holiday for you and your family, we have put together the best fun-filled three-day itinerary that encompasses the city, beach and desert.
Day 1 – Sharjah City
Enjoy a leisurely lunch at Al Majaz Waterfront district, a lakeside hub for food, cruises and city view. Situated besides Khalid Lagoon, you will find plenty of great restaurants to choose from here. As the ultimate destination for family attractions in Sharjah, this waterside destination features mini golf, a splash park, a mini-train and several attractions made for children. In addition to being one of the popular places to go with the family, there are activities here for all types of travelers.
If you’re looking for something special to take home, head to the modern Sahara Center, which is home to 350 stores stocking local and international brands. For a more authentic Arabian experience, delve into the maze of stores at the landmark Central Souk. There are more than 600 stalls to choose from, selling everything from carpets and handicrafts to gold and jewelry.
Wander over to the Heart of Sharjah heritage district and pop into the acclaimed Sharjah Art Museum. Renowned for its collection of contemporary Arab art, there are more than 500 works on display. Take time out to enjoy a coffee in the stylish café before you decide to end the day.
Day 2 – Khorfakkan
The east coast is calling! Jump in the car and drive to Khorfakkan, located an hour from Sharjah along the Gulf of Oman. Relax at the hotel and after lunch, wander out to Khorfakkan’s palm-lined Corniche for a scenic ambiance overlooking the beautiful bay. Soak up the sea breeze, stop for an ice-cream and snap a selfie.
Time to lose the shoes and walk barefoot along Khorfakkan Beach. The 3km-long stretch of sand is dotted with palm trees, football goals and swings. Explore the water with a relaxing swim or with boat and jet ski rentals, available in the huts near the center of the corniche. Deeper into the water, there are several fishing spots to make a big catch. You can also choose from sailing, scuba diving, or snorkeling near Shark Island, which is just a short boat ride from the beach.
Day 3 – Mleiha
For a complete change of scenery, check-out of the hotel and drive inland to Mleiha Archeological Center, located in the heart of Sharjah’s central desert region. The area is renowned for its beautiful desert scenery and fascinating archeological sites.
Before heading out into the desert, stop for lunch at the archeological centre’s cafe. The menu features sandwiches, burgers, salads and more filling mains like pasta and steak, along with tempting desserts and excellent coffee.
The center offers a range of great activities, but for the ultimate desert experience, opt for the Mleiha Adventure Package and get set for an exciting six-hour off-road experience through the sand dunes to discover the most spectacular landscapes and vistas, and ancient sites of Mleiha.
After a full day of fun, it’s time to return to the city. Among the most popular places to visit in Sharjah at night, Al Qasba is the complete experience for anyone looking to tour on foot. There are pedestrian bridges and a canal-side complex that is packed with cafés, restaurants, shops and galleries. What better way to end the trip, right?
Now you know why Sharjah is the perfect holiday spot for your Christmas or New Year’s getaway!
ABOUT SHARJAH:
The emirate of Sharjah is well-known for its rich, cultural heritage – an identity that has been recognized a number of times as shown by the winning of the Cultural Capital of the Arab World 1998 and Islamic Culture Capital 2014 awards. It is a vibrant city with an exciting food and arts scene, a heritage area that is the largest restoration project in the region along with various commercial centers and over 22 museums.
