A trip to Al Mahatta Museum is great for kids learning about transport or the science of flight or anyone who wants to know more about the history of Sharjah.
The museum is in the building of the original airport which was the first in the Trucial States. It was initially just a basic airstrip in the 1920s but become a major airfield in the 1930s when a deal was struck between the Ruler of Sharjah and the British Government allowing it to be used by the Imperial Airways, primarily as a stopover on the route to India and later, Australia. Prior to the existence of the airport, the area was just salt flats.
The runway was extended in the 1940s by the British Royal Air Force in the 40s and it was used up until the 70s.
In the aircraft hanger several old aircraft can be seen including a Comet (1953) and VC10 (1962) as well as a section of an old Imperial Airways aircraft with the original seating, cockpit, etc .
The next building was a rest house for passengers, offering two different classes. It now houses a gallery of old photos of the airport, passengers, etc and various exhibits including engines, pilots’ log books, air tickets, etc,
The third section is used for temporary exhibitions by the municipality, for example, on city planning.
The next section is a large section all about the development of flight, from insects right through to the most modern rockets.
Finally, there is a theatre showing old news footage of Al Mahatta Airport.
Don’t miss out on this window into the historical development of Sharjah and fabulously laid-out exhibition on The Development of Flight.
Entrance fee: Adults 10 dhs, children (2-12) 5 dh, under two free
Opening hours: Sat – Thurs 8am – 8pm, Fri 4-8pm
Location: Al Estiqlal St, al Qasimya. 25.3460° N, 55.3960° E or click here and see the purple icon.
Free parking available inside.
Why I Love Sharjah! 
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