Sharjah’s Efforts in Becoming a Premier Family-Friendly
Destination Sharjah has firmly established itself as the third-largest and most family-friendly city i the UAE. The emirate has earned international recognition for its pioneering initiatives promoting children’s rights, being named a Child Friendly City (CFC) by UNICEF. Sharja was the first city in the Middle East to receive this prestigious designation and the firs globally to meet UNICEF’s updated criteria in 2018. In addition, Sharjah was honored with the UNICEF Child Friendly Cities Initiative (CFCI) Inspire Award twice, in 2019 and 2021, further solidifying its commitment to creating a welcoming environment for families.
The city offers a vast array of family-oriented attractions, seamlessly combining fun, entertainment, and educational opportunities. Visitors can explore a rich selection of museums, including the Sharjah Science Museum, Sharjah Art Museum, and Sharjah Museum of Islamic Civilization, where children and adults alike can engage in both learning and enjoyment. Sharjah also boasts a wide variety of parks and recreational spaces like Al Montazah Parks and Al Majaz Waterfront, perfect for family outings.
Th emirate’s beaches, such as Al Heera and Khorfakkan, provide ideal settings for familie to relax and enjoy the natural surroundings. In addition, Sharjah is home to over 66 green parks and safe play areas, creating an environment that is conducive to outdoor family activities.
For families with a sense of adventure, Sharjah offers one-of-a-kind experiences such Sharjah Safari, the largest safari park outside Africa, and Arabia’s Wildlife Centre, while showcases a range of rare and endangered species from the Arabian Peninsula. The emirate also hosts several family-focused events, including the Sharjah Children’s Reading Festival and the Sharjah International Book Fair (SIBF), which are not only fu but educational as well.
Sharjah’s ongoing development of family-friendly policies continues to prioritize the being of residents and visitors. The city’s efforts to create destinations that cater to families, combining fun, adventure, and education, enhance its position as a leading family tourism destination in the region. These initiatives ensure that Sharjah remains top choice for families seeking both enjoyment and meaningful experiences.
Sharjah’s Strategy to Become a Leading Creative Hub
As global interest in cultural tourism continues to rise, Sharjah is embracing its role as cultural and creative hub.
The art tourism market is projected to grow significantly, with an expected valuation of $52.42 billion by 2032, bringing both economic and cultural benefits to the region. Sharjah has taken a proactive approach to this cultural renaissance, establishing itself as a leading destination for art, history, and heritage. The city is home to renowned institutions such as the Emirates Fine Arts Society, which has supported the local arts scene since 1980, and the Sharjah Art Museum, which hosts the country’s longest-running annual art exhibition.
Sharjah also attracts international attention through major events like the Sharjah Light Festival and the Sharjah Biennial. These global art events bring together international artists to present large-scale public installations, performances, and exhibitions, offering unique opportunities for creative minds showcase their work on a global stage.
Venues like the Sharjah Art Foundation and the Flying Saucer, which houses the first public art library in the city, play a significant role in supporting the arts community by providing space and resources for artists to thrive. These initiatives help position Sharjah as a dynamic and engaging creative hub, attracting both regional and international talent.
Changing Perceptions of Leisure, Entertainment, and Nightlife in the GCC
While the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries have often been seen as lacking the traditional nightlife and clubbing experiences found in Western destinations, this perception is undergoing a transformation. Modern travellers are increasingly prioritising unique, cultural, and immersive experiences, as highlighted by Hilton’s 2024 Trends Report. Tourists are now seeking out authentic activities, such as exploring local heritage, tasting regional cuisine, and engaging with traditional customs and practices, rather than focusing solely on nightlife.
This shift in tourist preferences presents a unique opportunity for destinations like Sharjah to showcase what sets it apart. Sharjah’s rich cultural heritage and emphasis on heritage preservation make it an appealing destination for tourists in search of authentic experiences.
Attractions such as the UNESCO-nominated Mleiha World Heritage Site and the Heart of Sharjah district, which combines historic preservation with modern amenities, exemplify the emirate’s commitment to offering both cultural depth and contemporary comforts.
As the GCC region continues to evolve as a dynamic tourism hub, Sharjah’s ability to offer immersive cultural experiences while blending modern infrastructure challenges traditional notions of tourism in the region. Sharjah’s appeal to younger generations, who are increasingly drawn to meaningful and enriching travel experiences, marks a new era for the emirate.
The region’s continued investment in diverse tourism offerings and the development of new attractions ensures that Sharjah remains at the forefront of this shift. By catering to the growing demand for cultural, heritage-based, and family-friendly experiences, Sharjah is carving out its own unique space within the GCC’s vibrant tourism landscape, vating a new wave of global visitors.
