Sharjah Vision: Culture, Heritage and Nature

Sharjah has long chosen a distinct path among the emirates, putting culture, education and heritage at the center. It was named UNESCO's Cultural Capital of the Arab World in 1998 and World Book Capital in 2019. We could not confirm a single published plan formally titled Sharjah Vision 2030; the emirate's direction is set through government and sector strategies, so this page describes those.

In 2025 the Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority launched its tourism strategy under the Visit Sharjah identity. It has four pillars: raising Sharjah's profile at home and abroad, developing the industry with hospitality partners, setting quality standards and star ratings, and promoting community-based and responsible tourism. It sits within the national plan on our We the UAE 2031 page; see the national visions of the Middle East for the wider region.

Sharjah rewards curious travelers: Islamic art and archaeology museums, the restored heritage quarter, the Sharjah Biennial, and nature on both coasts. On the east coast, Sharjah's exclaves of Khor Fakkan and Kalba offer mountain-backed beaches, mangroves and a quieter pace, linked to the city by a dramatic mountain highway. The Sharjah Light Festival, the Sharjah International Book Fair and the Islamic Arts Festival bring the emirate's cultural calendar to life through the cooler months. Note that Sharjah is an alcohol-free emirate with modest dress expected in public. See our Sharjah travel guide and museums of the Middle East.