The Sharjah Museum of Islamic Civilization is a museum on Corniche Street in the Al Majarrah area of Sharjah that displays more than 5,000 objects covering over 1,400 years of Islamic faith, science and art across seven galleries, all inside a restored souq building crowned by a golden dome. It opens Saturday to Thursday from 8am to 8pm and Friday from 4pm to 8pm, tickets cost AED 10 for adults and AED 5 for children aged 2 to 12, and most visitors spend about two hours inside. White Sky Travel and Tourism can arrange your transfer from Dubai, your hotel and a Sharjah city tour, with payments split through Tabby, Tamara or UAE credit cards for up to 12 months.
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What the Sharjah Museum of Islamic Civilization holds
The building started life as Souq Al Majarrah, a covered waterfront market from the early twentieth century. The museum first opened in the Heritage Area in 1996 and moved into this restored souq on 6 June 2008. Today it is run by the Sharjah Museums Authority and is one of the most visited cultural sites in the emirate.
Inside, the collection follows a clear story that moves from faith to science and then to art. You will see early Quran manuscripts, a section of the Kiswah that once covered the Kaaba, astrolabes, surgical tools, ceramics, textiles, metalwork and a separate display of Islamic coins.
The seven galleries at a glance
| Gallery | What you will see |
|---|---|
| Abu Bakr Gallery of Islamic Faith | The Five Pillars of Islam, calligraphy, Quran manuscripts and pieces from Makkah, including a section of the Kiswah |
| Ibn Al Haytham Gallery of Science and Technology | Astrolabes, celestial globes, navigation tools, medical instruments and maps showing Muslim contributions to science |
| Islamic Art Galleries 1 to 4 | Ceramics, glass, textiles, woodwork, jewellery, arms and armour from different Islamic dynasties |
| Al Majarrah Temporary Exhibition Gallery | Changing exhibitions, often with pieces loaned from other museums around the world |
Before you leave, look up inside the central dome. Its handcrafted mosaic shows the night sky and the signs of the zodiac, and it is one of the most photographed spots in Sharjah.
Ticket prices and opening hours
| Visitor | Ticket price |
|---|---|
| Adults aged 13 and above | AED 10 |
| Children aged 2 to 12 | AED 5 |
| Children under 2 | Free |
| School trips | Free with advance arrangement |
- Saturday to Thursday: 8am to 8pm
- Friday: 4pm to 8pm
- Suggested visit time: about two hours, or three if you read every panel
Prices and timings may change and are set by the museum, so please treat them as a guide. T&C apply. Tickets are sold only at the museum front desk on arrival. For flights, hotels and transfers to Sharjah, contact White Sky on WhatsApp at +971 4 220 2133.
Where it is and how to get there
The museum sits on Corniche Street in Al Majarrah, Sharjah, close to the Heart of Sharjah heritage district. It is about a ten minute drive from most parts of Sharjah city and around 30 minutes from Downtown Dubai outside rush hour, using Sheikh Zayed Road and then Al Ittihad Road into Sharjah.
- Private transfer: the easiest choice from Dubai, especially for families and small groups. White Sky can arrange this for you.
- Taxi: Sharjah taxis drop you right at the entrance on Corniche Street.
- Public transport: intercity buses run from Dubai to Al Jubail bus station in Sharjah, a short taxi ride from the museum.
- Driving: parking is available near the museum along the Corniche.
Tips for a smooth visit
- Go on a weekday morning for quiet galleries, or on a Friday evening after 4pm.
- Dress modestly, with shoulders and knees covered.
- Photography is allowed in most areas, but keep the flash off to protect old manuscripts.
- The galleries are air conditioned and cool, so a light layer helps.
- There is a cafe and a gift shop with books, souvenirs and children’s games.
- Children enjoy the interactive science displays on the upper floor.
Tourist places to visit nearby
The museum is a great starting point for a full day in old Sharjah. Many of these spots are within a short walk or drive:
- Souq Al Arsah: one of the oldest markets in the UAE, full of antiques, spices and traditional crafts.
- Bait Al Naboodah: a restored pearl merchant’s house in the Heart of Sharjah.
- Sharjah Art Museum and Sharjah Heritage Museum: two more museums in the same heritage area.
- Al Hisn Sharjah: the historic fort that was once home to the ruling family.
- Al Noor Mosque and the Central Souq: an elegant mosque on Khalid Lagoon and the famous Blue Souk next door.
- Al Majaz Waterfront: a lakeside park with restaurants, fountains and evening walks.
- Al Noor Island: art installations and a butterfly house on Khalid Lagoon.
- Sharjah Aquarium: a fun family stop in Al Khan with marine life from local waters.
- Sharjah Classic Cars Museum: more than 100 vintage cars, motorbikes and trucks on Al Dhaid Road near Sharjah International Airport.
Hotels and resorts to stay near the museum
Staying overnight lets you see the museum by day and the Corniche lit up at night. Popular choices include The Chedi Al Bait in the Heart of Sharjah, Sheraton Sharjah Beach Resort and Spa, and Coral Beach Resort Sharjah for a beach stay. White Sky can book hotels with flexible payment plans and add a Dubai or Sharjah city tour to the same booking.
Plan your Sharjah trip with White Sky
White Sky Travel and Tourism is a travel agency with Tabby payment in Dubai. We arrange private transfers from Dubai, hotels, guided Sharjah city tours and flights for visiting family and friends. You can split the cost with Tabby, Tamara or UAE credit card installments for up to 12 months. Message us on WhatsApp at +971 4 220 2133 to plan your visit.
For background reading, The National recently featured the museum among the best in the UAE, and Wikipedia covers its history.
Related Articles
Explore more places to visit in Sharjah:
- Souq Al Arsah Sharjah: History, Timings and What to Buy
- Bait Al Naboodah Museum in Sharjah: History, Tickets and What to See
- Al Majaz Waterfront: Top Things to Do and See in Sharjah
- Al Noor Island: Sharjah’s Hidden Oasis of Art and Nature
- Sharjah Aquarium Review: Dive Into Marine Wonders Today
- Sharjah National Park: Top Attractions and Visitor Guide
- Mleiha Sharjah: UNESCO Heritage, Things to Do, Tickets and Where to Stay
Frequently asked questions
What is the Sharjah Museum of Islamic Civilization?
It is a museum in Sharjah, UAE, that displays more than 5,000 objects from over 1,400 years of Islamic history, including Quran manuscripts, scientific instruments, ceramics, textiles and coins, across seven galleries in a restored souq with a golden dome.
Where is the Sharjah Museum of Islamic Civilization located?
The museum is on Corniche Street, Al Majarrah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates, close to the Heart of Sharjah and Souq Al Arsah.
What are the Sharjah Museum of Islamic Civilization opening hours?
It opens Saturday to Thursday from 8am to 8pm and Friday from 4pm to 8pm. Timings may change, so treat them as a guide.
How much is the Sharjah Museum of Islamic Civilization ticket?
Tickets cost AED 10 for visitors aged 13 and above and AED 5 for children aged 2 to 12. Children under 2 enter free. Prices may change and T&C apply.
How long does a visit take?
Most visitors spend about two hours inside. Allow up to three hours if you want to read every panel and see the temporary exhibition.
Can I take photos inside the museum?
Yes, photography is allowed in most areas. Keep the flash off to protect old manuscripts and textiles.
Is the museum good for children?
Yes. The science gallery has interactive displays, and the zodiac dome and model mosques keep young visitors interested.
How do I get to the museum from Dubai?
The drive takes around 30 minutes outside rush hour. A private transfer is the easiest option, and White Sky can arrange it for you. Message us on WhatsApp at +971 4 220 2133.
What else can I visit near the Sharjah Museum of Islamic Civilization?
Nearby spots include Souq Al Arsah, Bait Al Naboodah, Sharjah Art Museum, Al Hisn Sharjah, Al Noor Mosque, the Central Souq and Al Majaz Waterfront.
Conclusion
The Sharjah Museum of Islamic Civilization is one of the best value cultural days out in the UAE. For a small ticket price you get seven galleries, rare manuscripts, scientific treasures and a stunning zodiac dome, all a short walk from Souq Al Arsah and the Heart of Sharjah. Pair it with a waterfront evening or an overnight stay to make the most of the trip. When you are ready, message White Sky on WhatsApp at +971 4 220 2133 for transfers, hotels and tours, and pay in easy installments with Tabby, Tamara or UAE credit cards.
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