Craig C. Leslie A holiday in Sharjah offers the opportunity to experience the cultural world of the Emirates, to be active and to sunbathe by the sea. Sharjah’s beaches are well developed, teeming with entertainment, soft white sand and scenic coastline. All of Sharjah’s beaches are accessible to tourists – many are free, but all are clean and well maintained.
Features of a holiday in Sharjah
For a holiday in the UAE to be comfortable, there are certain rules to follow. The resort of Sharjah is a place that truly feels like an Arabian country. It’s not so much the prohibition on dry laws or discos, as the local customs that are respected and protected.
Sharjah – the cultural capital of the Middle East
Sharjah is the ancient cultural capital of the Middle East and the cradle of national oriental culture. It is the third largest Emirate located along the Arabian Gulf. It is a mixture of culture, history, art, and entertainment. It is an amazing fusion of the new and the old, which makes Sharjah a fascinating place to visit. Sharjah has all the facilities for family entertainment.
There are quite strict rules of behaviour: you won’t find any alcohol, you won’t smoke a hookah, and you have to be careful about the choice of clothing. There are no bars even in the hotels. Entertainment is provided by the traditional oriental bazaars, which are rich in various goods, and by the amusement parks. Sharjah is the most austere emirate. Discreet clothing is well catered for: shoulders covered, shorts and dresses that cover the knees. Explicit cleavage and miniskirts should be avoided, however. Regarding the beaches and swimming pools – you can wear swimming costumes, but again, not too revealing. Toplessness is out of the question.
In terms of behaviour, local norms and rules do not usually apply to tourists, but you should not be cheeky and defiant either. You should be especially discreet during Ramadan. All noisy entertainment, hookah and alcohol consumption are prohibited during Ramadan. Visitors should visit the restaurants reserved for foreigners or eat at the hotel. Photography in Sharjah is also restricted: no photographs should be taken of the Sheikhs’ palaces or military and government installations. No photos of the locals on Sharjah’s beaches are allowed, particularly of ladies. Men may not take photos unless they don’t mind.
Sharjah’s pristine beaches are equally beautiful. Fine sand, smooth entry into the water, friendly and safe waves are what awaits the tourist at any of them. You can pick and choose what you like. There are high-service and varied entertainment options, which are often crowded, as well as quieter, less crowded seaside ‘islands’ where you can relax and forget the hustle and bustle of the city for a while.
How to behave on the beach
You have to show respect for the local religion and behave according to the UAE’s rules of etiquette. Firstly, no alcohol, secondly, no physical displays of affection, and thirdly, appropriate swimwear. These are simple rules to follow. The UAE has a strict system of fines.
Sharjah’s best beaches
There’s a wide choice of beaches – all well-developed, clean and tidy, with flat bottoms and yellow (local) and white (imported) sand. Apart from the city beaches, there are also the hotels’ own beaches, which are only for hotel guests and are subject to a fee.
Lou’Lou’a Beach Resort
A first-class private beach belongs to the hotel. Offers a calm and relaxed atmosphere. Smooth access to the water, white sand and small waves make for the most comfortable seaside holiday. The beach is almost never crowded. Entry fee is 50 dirhams. Umbrellas and sun loungers are included in the price, but drinks and food have to be bought at the hotel. So don’t forget to bring water and something to eat. The beach is a relatively small area but there is plenty of room for everyone.
There’s a free beach on the right-hand side of the hotel, which is mostly inhabited by locals. It’s a different experience, with no infrastructure, but it’s clean and tidy.
Al Cornish
Located near the centre of Sharjah, the city beach is almost always crowded. Palm trees along the sand line separate the recreational area from the bustling city. Here you can spend a beautiful day with your children in the shade of the lush palm trees. The long beach stretches from the Women’s Club to Coral Beach. The soft clean sand, emerald water and gentle entry make it a popular beach. Occasionally there are undercurrents near the shore, but tourists are reminded of these by warning signs. This is probably the only downside to Al Corniche beach.
There is a well-developed infrastructure. You can rent a sun lounger, there are shops and cafes, showers and toilets, and parking is available right by the beach. But you probably won’t be able to sunbathe in an open swimming costume. The free beaches are mostly populated by locals. So, you have to follow the rules of etiquette. Given the characteristics of the country, it is advisable to choose hotels with their own beaches for your holiday in Sharjah.
Al Corniche Beach can be reached by car or taxi. Certain hotels provide free shuttle buses for their guests.
Al Khan
The beach is spread out near the Maritime Museum and Aquarium, between the emirates of Sharjah and Dubai. Parts of the area are free, while the fenced-off areas are the hotels’ own beaches. The entrance fee is Dhs 5. This is a relatively small amount of money. Children under the age of six are allowed in without a ticket.
This place will appeal to fans of active water recreation. It’s quite crowded, so you should arrive early. It’s a great option for those who want to enjoy the warmth of the sun and sea, ideal for playing beach tennis, volleyball and water sports. There are changing cabins, toilets and showers. The beach is equipped with a free playground.
Best hotels in Sharjah with private beaches
Sharjah’s 4-star hotels with their own beach are in high demand by tourists. The resort of Sharjah is very close to Dubai and accommodation is considerably cheaper. The appeal of hotels in Sharjah is their reasonable price, proximity to the sea and royal service.
Sheraton Sharjah Beach Resort and Spa
The hotel welcomes its guests to apartments with excellent facilities and top-class service. It is a wonderful place for a family holiday. By the way, the staff speaks Russian. Close to the hotel complex, there are shops, Sharjah attractions, hotels with their own 1st line beach – all guarantee visitors a comfortable holiday in terms of a sense of freedom. This doesn’t mean you can forget the UAE’s rules and regulations, but you won’t have to worry about revealing your swimming costume. You can sunbathe and swim freely on the hotel-owned beach.
The beach is 100 metres long. The hotel provides holidaymakers with everything they need on its own beach. Umbrellas, sun loungers and towels are available. There are swimming pools for children and adults, a terrace and free private parking on site. Guests have access to spa facilities, table tennis and billiards.
If you are not staying at this hotel but would like to bask in the comfort of the beach, the entrance fee will be AED 100 (or $24).
Copthorne Hotel Sharjah
In the heart of Sharjah by the Khalid Lagoon sits the beautiful Copthorne Hotel Sharjah. Magnificent views of the lagoon are available from most rooms. A stroll along the promenade just outside the hotel provides a magical experience and pictures of the city and beach will remind you of your days spent in the Middle East.
The hotel has 255 spacious and beautiful rooms. There are 2 restaurants, free parking and a small rooftop swimming pool. The hotel’s own private beach is a 15-minute walk, a taxi ride or a free shuttle service from the hotel.
The Act Hotel
The hotel is situated in the city centre. Clean rooms, a swimming pool, fitness centre, hot tub, excellent service and a free shuttle service to the hotel’s own beach or the city beach are all on offer. The rooms have a wonderful view of the Khalid Lagoon area.
Sahara Beach Resort & Spa
A luxurious hotel with its own private beach, situated on the shore of the bay. It offers large comfortable rooms, a spa bath and a fitness room. Attentive and helpful staff ensure that the rooms are always tidy. The beach is equipped with an outdoor pool, small slides for children. There are plenty of umbrellas, under which holidaymakers can hide from the scorching sun. Sun loungers are provided for everyone who wants to use them.
Conclusion
Before you travel to Sharjah, it’s a good idea to do some research on the Emirate, pick a good time to visit, know which beaches Sharjah has to offer and preferably find a hotel with its own beach. That way, you’ll have a comfortable holiday without any surprises.
