There are limitless things to do in Sharjah, the third largest emirate of the United Arab Emirates. Experience the best the destination has to offer with three fun-filled days that encompasses city, beach and desert.

Day 1 – Sharjah City

Enjoy a leisurely lunch at Al Majaz Waterfront district beside Khalid Lagoon, a popular leisure destination in the city which is home to cosy cafes and several restaurants. It also boasts of a lush park and is a great spot for family outings and evening strolls.

If you’re looking for something special to take home, head to the modern Sahara Centre, which is home to 350 stores stocking local and international brands. For a more authentic Arabian experience, delve into the maze of stores at the landmark Central Souk. There are more than 600 stalls to choose from, selling everything from carpets and handicrafts to gold and jewellery.

Wander over to the Heart of Sharjah heritage district and pop into the acclaimed Sharjah Art Museum which is renowned for its collection of contemporary Arab art. Take time out to enjoy a coffee in the stylish café before you hit the shops again.

If you are after some bling and sparkle, head to Rolla Gold Market. Take a 10-minute stroll at this downtown district where you’ll find one of the largest clusters of jewellery stores in Sharjah.

For a stylish dinner overlooking the famous Sharjah Fountain, head again to Al Majaz Waterfront, the perfect place for dinner with a host of restaurants to choose from and dhow cruise boats sailing by.

Day 2 – Khorfakkan

Time to head out to the east! Located less than two hours from Sharjah along the Gulf of Oman, Khorfakkan is the largest of Sharjah’s east coast towns and is popular among divers, snorkellers and fishermen, as well as trekkers looking to hit the trails.

Have a hearty lunch at the hotel before wandering out to Khorfakkan’s palm-lined Corniche for a scenic amble overlooking the beautiful bay. Along its corniche, there is a parade of shops, cafes, play areas and a long crescent beach set against the backdrop of the Hajar Mountains. Soak up the sea breeze, stop for an ice-cream and snap a selfie.

Time to lose the shoes and walk barefoot along Khorfakkan Beach. The 3km-long stretch of sand is dotted with palm trees, football goals and swings. Lined with palm trees and facing glittering waters, the sand makes a great playground for adults and children with swing sets and football goalposts.

Day 3 – Mleiha

Wake up fresh and feast on an extensive buffet in your hotel to get all charged up for the day. For a complete change of scenery, check-out of the hotel and drive inland to Mleiha Archaeological Centre, located in the heart of Sharjah’s central desert region. It is home to many of the adventure sites and historical places to visit in Sharjah and also offers guided tours of important archaeological sites.

Before heading out into the desert, stop for lunch at the archaeological centre. To explore, there are several opportunities for adventure in the area with trekking, hiking, dune bashing, quad bike riding or even paragliding from the highest peaks in Mleiha.

After a full day of fun, it’s time to return to the city. For a buzzy night out, swing by Al Qasba that stretches along either side of the kilometre long canal, which connects Khalid and Al Khan lagoons. Al Qasba is packed with popular cafes, restaurants and interesting attractions and a perfect destination to end your Sharjah trip!