Top Cultural Attractions in the Emirates
Millions of people flock to the Emirates, including Sharjah, each year. They come to enjoy the beaches, vast shopping malls selling everything from diamonds to gold and to soak up the culture of the region. But, whilst sun and shopping are two of the region’s biggest attractions, it is important to remember that the Middle East is of vast significance from a historical perspective.
Even if you don’t have an online MAH degree from Norwich University, you can’t fail to realize that this part of the world has been home to a number of powerful civilizations over the centuries. Some of the world’s oldest human settlements began in the Middle East, so there are many important historical attractions to explore.
The Nile Delta and the Tigris-Euphrates created a region of great prosperity, and in this lush Cradle of Civilizations, humankind thrived. In more recent times, the Ottoman Empire ruled over this part of the world for 50 years. When it fell, it created much of the Arab nations we see today.
Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque
Today, the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque is one of the most impressive structures in Abu Dhabi. The mosque marks the final resting place of Sheikh Zayed and is large enough to accommodate more than 50,000 worshippers. Non-Muslims are welcome to visit the mosque, so add it to your itinerary.
Al Fahidi Historic District
The Al Fahidi Historic District, also known as the Bastakia Quarter, is a wonderfully restored heritage area in Dubai. There is a labyrinth of narrow streets, houses topped with wind towers, museums, cafes, shops and cultural exhibits. You can escape the roar of heavy traffic and imagine what life might have once been like for Persian traders.
Sharjah Arts Museum
The Sharjah Arts Museum contains an important collection of work by Arab artists, as well as works by European artists who have specialized in Arab subjects. If you have a passion for art and history, visit the art museum.
Al-Bidyah Mosque
The Al-Bidyah Mosque is a very important historical site and one of the oldest mosques in the UAE. Compared to the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, the Al-Bidyah Mosque is very modest in size and proportions. However, it is beautifully designed and true to the original design, with patterns on the walls and ventilation shafts still visible. The whole area surrounding the mosque is an important heritage site, so your online masters in history will be a useful starting point when you begin to explore the history of the region.
Sharjah Museum of Islamic Civilization
The Sharjah Museum of Islamic Civilization is the place to come if you are interested in learning more about Islam. The museum is vast and has many interesting exhibits related to Islamic culture and history. Visitors can see rare manuscripts, religious documents, and learn more about Islamic history via informative displays.
Other attractions worth visiting include the Heritage Village in Dubai, the Al Bithnah Fort in Fujairah, and the Sheikh Saeed Al Maktoum House in Dubai.
New