A less frenetic alternative to Dubai
Written: Sep 09 '07
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Product Rating:
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Pros: Less frenetic than nearby Dubai.
Cons: Not as cosmopolitan as Dubai and rather conservative.
The Bottom Line: Fast-changing Sharjah will be different from whatever I write here by the time you get there.
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| mistsy's Full Review: Sharjah |
You just can't talk about Sharjah without talking about Dubai as they are geographically too close to separate. That being said, Sharjah, although visibly similar to Dubai, is much different and intriguing.
Sharjah is much more conservative than Dubai. No revealing clothing is permitted and some aspects of Sharia (Muslim) law are rigidly enforced. That doesn't mean that Sharjah isn't any fun though.
Sharjah bills itself as the arts and culture Emirate and that it is. Theater, poetry, literature, thrive and the best universities in the country are here.
Downtown is booming and you'll find the "old" area to the east of the nice lagoon that divides the city. In the old area, Rolla Square is a center of activity. It is bustling, chaotic, and full of life, most notably in the evenings. (It is so hot in the Emirates that most people take long naps during the hot afternoon, meaning that a lot of things, if open, are deserted.)
In this square you'll find a hub of South Asian activity with scores of cheap and interesting shops owned by Sri Lankans, South Indians, and Bangladeshis. The eating scene is fantastic and the shopping is geared toward these people with saris galore, life's basic necessities all around, plus a few banks.
It can be very crowded and seem unsafe, but it's not. It's just busy and somewhat dirty with all the litter floating around.
Not far away is the Central Souk (blue souk), a modern recreation of a souk that is huge and full of interesting souvenirs, compelling "antiques", and expensive rugs. This is a great place to shop in two large buildings, one supposedly the textile souk and the other the gold souk. Basically it's just a collection of shops selling Arabian things like evil eye protectors, gold, clothing, souvenirs, carpets, brass, and just about anything a tourist might be looking for. Prices are bargainable.
Right downtown is yet another "souk" which is a recreation of an old souk. It has a palm-covered roof and looks quite nice. It is also atmospheric. It's not particularly well-priced, but it's fun to wander around for about 30 minutes. It's called Al Arsha but that doesn't really matter as it's right in the middle of what is called the Heritage Area (Heritage District).
The Heritage Area is kind of nice but always empty. There are museums, poetry readings and more but it's so hot and the place is paved in white so it you have to go from place to place hugging a hot building wall so as not to shrivel in the direct light. The Islamic Museum is the best of them but the others are a close second. Still, it's uncomfortable to be in this area with its intense heat and desolation. Unbelievably, this collection of wonderful institutions abuts busy Rolla Square.
Across the lagoon is Sharjah's new area which is full of impressive hotels and other buildings. Rather desolate but still an impressive skyline. Businesspeople stay here.
The port area downtown is an interesting look. It's similar to Dubai but less frenetic. It affords great views and picture opportunities. There's a picturesque mosque across the water and another further along the dock, backed by a giant hotel where you can cool off and rest.
A must is Sharjah's University City. It's not easily accessible without a car but not that far either. 15-20 minutes into the desert you come upon "Ivy meets Desert". Immaculate lawns, impossible ivy, misplaced architecture. The place is surreal. It looks like the big-name universities here and there but then again not. It's like someone dropped Oxford or Heidelberg into the desert and like 1000 years ago in Arabia in others.
Sharjah is an amazing city. Whatever I write here will change 6 months from now as Sharjah's story is still being written. Cranes dot the skyline. Sharia law is being reconsidered. Freewheeling Dubai looms just a few miles away and is fast making Sharjah just its suburb. This place is changing very fast.
Right now I think Sharjah is terrific but not everyone will agree with me. Sharjah keeps a lid on excess but doesn't prohibit it privately. You cannot buy alcohol here. Crime is low. Things are cheaper. If you are muslim (conservative or not), you will probably prefer it as there is still a sense of family and religion here. And if you just hate it, Dubai is just a few minutes down the road.
The shopping (which a lot of tourists are looking for!) in Sharjah is arguably better than Dubai because it is cheaper as the rents are less and you have the same megamalls, as incredibly boring as they are throughout the Emirates. If you like malls, Sharjah won't disappoint and you'll find most of your favorite international chains like Carrefour, Debenhams, etc., represented.
Beaches are a problem for non-muslims as the dress code will interfere with your bikini (and more). For a beach holiday, Dubai is better, though you'll be reduced to a cinder.
Sharjah is best for cultural tourists.
Recommended:
Yes
Best Suited For: Couples
Best Time to Travel Here: Dec - Feb
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Epinions.com ID:
mistsy
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Location: Austin, TX
Reviews written: 157
Trusted by: 40 members
About Me:
Old, cranky, but still, umm, trying to be hip (if it hasn't been replaced yet.)
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