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Al Rafisah Dam

Al Rafisah is another of my favourite places to go. It has recently been developed as one of the many areas created for families to enjoy in the emirate of Sharjah.

It has been beautifully landscaped and is a real riot of colour. Bees, butterflies and other insects can be seen amongst the foliage along with many species of birds. Gazelles live on an island on the opposite side and ducks, herons and other aquatic birds live on the lake.

The water level of the lake fluctuates according to the rain and the ruins which can be seen in the summer months are partially or wholly under water in the winter months.

There are several types of boats such as kayaks and pedal boats which can be rented out at very reasonable prices.

There are many seating areas, picnic areas and four play areas, two for toddlers and two for older children. There is also a cafe and a small co-op selling snacks and drinks.

As it may get busy in the holidays and weekends, you can follow the signs to The Walk, a path along the foot of the mountains with many sheltered benches where you can rest and enjoy the view or sit and chat with friends or family.

Be sure to drop in to the tourist office too to discover the other gems the Emirate of Sharjah has to offer.

Location: Khor Fakkan Rd, Khor Fakkan. Emirate of Sharjah.

Sharjah Light Festival 2019 – A Journey of Lights

February 6 sees the start of the annual Light Festival. Art works can be seen on prominent buildings across the emirate of Sharjah for ten days. Just when you think the beautiful Arabic architecture of Sharjah’s government and university buildings can’t be any more beautiful, the elaborate light shows prove us wrong.

You can try and see as many as possible yourself but you will probably see more if you use the new route of the Sharjah Sightseeing Bus.

You could also grab a bite to eat at the Sharjah Light Festival food truck area opposite University City Hall.

Visit the website to see a full list of venues.

https://www.sharjahlightfestival.ae/en/

Churches in Sharjah

Russian Orthodox Church, Sharjah, UAE
St Martin’s Anglican Church, Sharjah, UAE
St Gregorios Orthodox Church, Sharjah, UAE
Armenian Church, Sharjah, UAE
The Coptic Orthodox Church (Egyptian), St Mary and Abu Sefien Church
Russian Orthodox Church, Sharjah, UAE
St Mary’s Jacobite Syrian Soonoro Church, Sharjah, UAE
Sharjah Worship Centre
Union Church, Sharjah, UAE

 

There is often a misconception that other religions cannot be practised in Muslim countries and that there are no churches or temples. However, the government of Sharjah allotted land to various churches in the Yarmook Area of the city and several different churches of different denominations can now be found there.

Related Articles

https://gulfnews.com/going-out/society/russian-orthodox-church-is-a-community-gateway-in-sharjah-1.1035956

https://www.google.co.uk/url?sa=i&source=web&cd=&ved=2ahUKEwi-7sfOxaLgAhVRJhoKHWqfBWwQzPwBegQIARAC&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.thenational.ae%2Fuae%2Fpractising-their-faith-in-peace-1.310792&psig=AOvVaw20w-MR0w5nvgBuCZyN_f9Z&ust=1549385689828305

Al Mahatta Museum

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.

Sharjah Centre for Astronomy and Space Sciences

SCASS (including the Planetarium) is located next to University City and close to the Dubai border and offers another great day out during the hot months.

There is a wide range of exhibits, for example, the solar system, history of tickets, lunar vehicles, etc. And it is packed with interactive ways to learn about the universe and science.

The Planetarium offers regular shows, in either Arabic or English. Check the schedule beforehand. If it’s quiet, they’ll give you the language of your choice. Headphones with translation are also available. You can check the schedule online before your visit.

Infants are not allowed in the Planetarium itself (where the shows are held) and the exhibition is not really suited to very young children.

The observatory is in a separate building but sometimes has an open house. You can find details of this on the SCASS website.

The Centre is set inside Cosmic Park, with the golden dome being the sun and the planets are set around in it in their individual orbits.

There is a cafeteria offering hot and cold drinks and limited snacks.

Entrance fee: Adults 22dhs, children 11dhs, children under four free.

Opening times: Sun-Weds 9am-3pm (2pm during holidays), Sat 4pm-8pm, Thurs/Fri closed.

Location: Maleha Rd, Sharjah. 25.285168,55.46089

Website: http://www.scass.ae

 

Wasit Nature Reserve

If you’re looking for an oasis of peace in the middle of the city, this is a perfect place to visit.

Wasit Nature Reserve, also known as Wasit Wetlands, is a protected area in Ramtha and is home to over 200 species of birds as well as a number of mammals, reptiles and rare insects. This is due to its diverse landscape – wooded area, salt flats sand dunes and a large lake.

Alongside nearby wetlands like Ajman Creek, it provides a stop off point for migratory birds in the spring and autumn.

From the indoor centre, you can observe a variety of birds in habitats similar to those they would normally live in and you can learn about the various species. There are a few interactive games for children. From the cafe, you can sit and watch flamingoes, herons, etc on the lake.

The centre also has an education room and a theatre where you can watch videos and a shop selling books and souvenirs.

Outdoors, you can take a free trip around the lake in a buggy (a disabled friendly buggy is available). There are eight hides with binoculars at different points around the lake. It’s a five kilometre walk around the lake, although you may have to argue your case to walk round by yourself! If you can, it’s a beautiful walk in the winter. In the hotter months, the buggy trip is doable with the breeze.

On your way round the lake, you’ll probably spot gazelles too.

This is a must-do for birdwatchers and fun for a family outing.

Opening times Sun-Thurs 9am – 5:30pm, closed Tuesday.

Friday 2-6pm

Saturday 11-6pm.

Entrance fees: Adults 15dhs. Children under 15 free.

Location: Al Ramtha, Sharjah (on border with Ajman) It is easy to access from all Emirates from the E311.

(Note: on recent visits, the cafe hasn’t had much other than snacks and cold drinks, but it does offer a great place to sit and enjoy the view)

The Rain Room, Sharjah Art Foundation

 

Are you tired of the heat already? Are you longing for some rain? Why not visit The Rain Room in Sharjah. And the best bit, you can enjoy the rain without even getting wet!

The Rain Room is a permanent art installation and is located in an underground chamber. Due to motion sensors, it doesn’t rain on you even then you’re surrounded by the ‘pouring rain’.

You do have to walk very slowly though so toddlers running around aren’t a good idea unless you don’t mind them getting soaked!

Don’t wear stilettos as they’re liable to get stuck in the metal grid that allows the water to flow through the ground.

Lastly, there’s a nice little coffee shop there too if you need to wait for a turn.

The Rain Room is open Sat – Thurs 9am-9pm, Friday 4pm-9pm

(Ramadan Sat-Thurs 10am-3pm, 9pm – 12am, Fri 9pm-12am)

Adults 25dhs Children 6-12 15dhs, under 5s go free.

Location, next to Al Majarrah Park

The session lasts ten minutes. Six people go in at a time. During holidays, you might want to call ahead and book a slot.

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