Sharjah in a Day: From Architectural Marvels to Outdoor Cinema and Karak Chai

Sharjah is an emirate defined by its visionary spirit, a place where contemporary architecture harmonizes with historic heritage sites, vacant lots transform into vibrant exhibition spaces, and the Sharjah Art Foundation has dedicated decades to cultivating one of the Arab world's most ambitious cultural ecosystems. With the ninth edition of the Sharjah Film Platform (SFP9) currently underway across the emirate until November 7, there's no better time to immerse yourself in its offerings for a day. Here’s a guide to maximizing your 24 hours.

8am: Arabian Tea House, Heart of Sharjah

Begin your day in the Heart of Sharjah. The Arabian Tea House, nestled among the district's Unesco-recognised heritage buildings, serves traditional karak and an authentic Emirati breakfast, featuring dishes like eggs, balaleet, and foul, in an atmosphere that encourages a sense of timelessness. Experience Sharjah before the day's bustle, a moment worth savoring.

10am: SFP9 Workshop at Sharjah Art Institute, Arts Square

Head to Arts Square to engage with the Sharjah Film Platform's workshops, screenings, and conversations. The morning sessions at the Sharjah Art Institute are a focal point of SFP9, offering opportunities for dialogue with filmmakers, curators, and practitioners exploring the art of the moving image. Whether you participate in a masterclass or a practical workshop, the insights gained are often lasting. Consult the SFP9 program for precise timings.

1pm: Fen Cafe, Al Mureijah Square

Al Mureijah Square serves as a central hub for the city's creative community. This area features a collection of low-rise white buildings surrounding a courtyard, acting as a meeting point for creatives. Fen Cafe, located on the square, offers an international menu with light, seasonal options such as figs and labneh on toast, alongside more substantial dishes like katsu sando, beef rendang, and miso sea bass.

2pm: Souq Saqr, Heart of Sharjah

Return to the Heart of Sharjah for an hour at Souq Saqr. This market, situated along the Corniche in an air-conditioned space, offers a variety of spices, textiles, and fragrances. It provides a tranquil counterpoint to the meticulously preserved heritage sites nearby.

3:15pm: Vantage Point Sharjah 13, Photography Gallery, Al Manakh

The Sharjah Art Foundation's Photography Gallery in Al Manakh hosts Vantage Point Sharjah 13. This significant exhibition showcases works from the extensive photographic collection of Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Ruler of Sharjah. The collection, amassed over decades, includes portraiture, landscape, and documentary photography from across the Arab world and beyond, reflecting the rigorous curation characteristic of the foundation's broader initiatives.

4:15pm: Rain Room, Al Majarrah Park

Al Majarrah Park, located on the Corniche, is home to the Rain Room, one of the Sharjah Art Foundation's most acclaimed permanent installations. Created by Random International, this immersive artwork features a field of falling rain that parts around visitors, allowing them to remain dry within the downpour via a sensor system. The experience of being within rain without getting wet is both elemental and captivating. Afterward, enjoy a walk through the park as the late-afternoon light descends.

5:30pm: The Flying Saucer

A short drive leads to the Flying Saucer, a notable architectural landmark in Sharjah. This mid-century circular structure blends space-age and Brutalist design elements. It functions as a venue for cultural events, including films, workshops, and performances, and also houses a cafe and a curated library. Its unique Gulf modernist architecture makes it a worthwhile visit.

6:15pm: Explore Al Mureijah Square and the SAF Shop

As evening approaches, Al Mureijah Square becomes particularly vibrant. The Sharjah Art Foundation's SAF Shop, recognized as one of the premier art and design bookstores in the Gulf, is an excellent stop before dinner. It features publications, prints, and objects related to the foundation's programs and the broader regional art scene. Dinner can be enjoyed nearby at Bait Elowal, a cultural hub founded by Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi, centered around a courtyard. This location offers shops with artisanal goods from Asia and a restaurant inspired by Silk Road and Emirati culinary traditions, with dishes like pumpkin aseeda croissant and yuzu ganache with Sidr honey.

8pm: SFP9 Screening, Mirage City Cinema

Sharjah Film Platform 9 provides a fitting conclusion to the day with its evening screenings at Mirage City Cinema. The program includes new commissions, regional premieres, and international films, featuring works by emerging and established filmmakers from various countries. The festival presents 26 titles, such as Josef Khallof’s 'Letters' (2025) and Azeem Rajulawalla’s 'More Punk than Punk' (2025). Larissa Sansour’s 'An Incomplete Drowning' (2026) concludes the festival. The Sharjah Art Foundation's expertise in curating impactful film programs makes these screenings highly recommended. Check the SFP9 schedule for the specific evening's selection.

9:30pm: The Chedi Al Bait, Heart of Sharjah

Conclude your day at The Chedi Al Bait, a luxury heritage hotel located in the Heart of Sharjah. Housed within traditional courtyard buildings from the 1920s to the 1950s, it offers an authentic Arabian experience, complete with carved wooden doors and the historic wind tower (barjeel) of Ibrahim Al Midfa. Its intricate alleyways encourage a sense of calm. Guests can relax by the pool, enjoy a spa treatment, or explore the well-curated library and museum. This feature was produced by The National in collaboration with the Sharjah Art Foundation.