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Paved lane between restored historic buildings in Heart of Sharjah
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Sharjah Heritage Village area: a practical visitor guide

Sharjah Heritage Village sits within a historic district of restored buildings and cultural sites. Use this guide to plan around the museum’s galleries, nearby heritage houses and practical visit details.

Published 4 min read

By Elias Haddad

Sharjah Heritage Village is part of Heart of Sharjah, a historic district in the city centre where restored buildings sit alongside cultural facilities. The area makes it possible to combine a visit to Sharjah Heritage Museum with nearby heritage sites; check opening details before you set out.

  • Setting: Heart of Sharjah, just off the Corniche.
  • Nearby sites: Sharjah Heritage Museum is opposite Souk Al Arsah and next to Bait Al Naboodah.
  • Museum hours: Open daily
  • Individual admission: AED 10 for adults aged 13 and over; AED 5 for children aged 2–12; free for children under 2.
Understanding the Sharjah Heritage Village area

Understanding the Sharjah Heritage Village area

Heart of Sharjah is a heritage district and restoration project in Sharjah’s historic city centre, bringing together restored historic buildings and cultural facilities. The Sharjah tourism authority places it just off the Corniche and describes the district as a setting for annual events including Sharjah Heritage Days and the Sharjah Biennial.

Sharjah Heritage Museum presents Emirati heritage through galleries on landscapes, lifestyle, celebrations, livelihoods, traditional knowledge and oral traditions. The museum first opened in 2005 and reopened in 2012 after renovation in Bait Saeed Al Taweel Al Shamsi, within Heart of Sharjah.

Nearby, Bait Al Naboodah offers a glimpse of a historic merchant’s home. Built in 1845, it belonged to pearl merchant Obaid bin Eissa Al Shamsi, known as Al Naboodah. The museum is next to the Heritage Museum, making the two sites straightforward to pair in one visit.

Planning a route through the heritage district

Planning a route through the heritage district

Start with Sharjah Heritage Museum, then consider Bait Al Naboodah, which stands next door. The Heritage Museum is opposite Souk Al Arsah and beside the Theatrical Association, giving you clear landmarks to orient yourself as you move around the cluster.

The Sharjah Museums Authority suggests allowing 40 minutes for Sharjah Heritage Museum and 30 minutes for Bait Al Naboodah. Those suggested durations help you plan the two museum visits, though they do not include time for other stops in the district.

The authority’s museums include Sharjah Calligraphy Museum, Sharjah Fort (Al Hisn) and Al Qasimia School. Joint-ticket descriptions name either Al Qasimia School or Al Eslah School Museum among the included venues, so confirm the sites covered before planning around a multi-site ticket.

If you are arranging other stops in the city, the Sharjah city centre guide can help you plan the wider visit.

Museums, opening hours, and admission

Museums, opening hours, and admission

Individual admission is AED 10 for adults aged 13 and over, AED 5 for children aged 2–12, and free for children under 2.

Opening hours

  • Monday to Thursday, Saturday and Sunday: 8:00–20:00
  • Friday: 16:00–20:00

Last checked November 2026. Hours can change on holidays and for special events.

A joint ticket covers Sharjah Heritage Museum, Sharjah Calligraphy Museum, Sharjah Fort (Al Hisn), Bait Al Naboodah and either Al Qasimia School or Al Eslah School Museum. Prices are AED 20 for adults aged 13 and over, AED 10 for children aged 2–12, and free for children under 2. Confirm which venues the ticket covers when you buy.

Ordinary museum visits do not require advance booking. VIP groups, school visits, tourist groups and organization visits do require advance booking. You can add Bait Al Naboodah after the Heritage Museum if you want to visit both.

Free entry applies on Sharjah Heritage Days, International Museum Day on 18 May, and UAE National Day on 2 and 3 December.

The museum closes on 29 and 30 Ramadan, the first day of Eid Al-Fitr, 9 Dhul Hijjah, and the first day of Eid Al-Adha. Hours, prices and holiday arrangements can change, so check the official site before you go.

Getting there and visitor access

Getting there and visitor access

Heart of Sharjah is just off the Corniche, and Sharjah’s tourism authority gives the drive from Sharjah International Airport as 20 minutes. For local transport options and trip planning, see the guide to getting around Sharjah.

The Sharjah Museums Authority provides a parking map for museum visits in Heart of Sharjah. Wheelchair access support is available at Sharjah Heritage Museum for people with disabilities and one companion, with free entry for both.

If you are planning a Sharjah stay around this cultural visit, Crystal Plaza, a two-star hotel, is one accommodation option in the city. Confirm your journey to Heart of Sharjah with an official transport source when arranging the trip.

FAQs

What is Sharjah Heritage Village?

It is part of Heart of Sharjah, a heritage district and restoration project in the historic city centre, with restored buildings and cultural facilities.

How long should you allow for Sharjah Heritage Museum?

The suggested visit is 40 minutes for the Heritage Museum and 30 minutes for Bait Al Naboodah.

Do you need to book a regular museum visit?

No advance booking is needed for ordinary visits. VIP groups, school visits, tourist groups and organization visits need advance booking.

Is the Heritage Museum accessible to wheelchair users?

Access support is available for people with disabilities and one companion, with free entry for both.

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