Sharjah Heritage Area

The Sharjah Heritage Area is a small, restored neighborhood in downtown Sharjah, stretching from the waterfront to Sharjah's fort. Inside the district, a number of traditional Emirati houses have been preserved and now are home to museums.

Three of the museums are well worth a visit for insights into Emirati heritage. Sharjah Heritage Museum hosts exhibits covering all facets of traditional Emirati life.

The Calligraphy Museum explores this Arab art form, with galleries hung with work from the Arab world's finest calligraphy artists. And Bait Al Naboodah is a finely restored traditional family villa, once home to the Al-Shamsi family.

A number of traditional souk areas have also been revived in the neighborhood - Souk Al Arsah is the best one to visit. This large covered courtyard souk is thought to be the oldest surviving bazaar in the country. It has been fully restored in its traditional style and now includes a number of different shops featuring silver and wooden handicrafts, jewelry, traditional garments, and beauty products.