If Dubai is the dazzling diamond of the Arab world, then Sharjah is a quietly refined cultural pearl. As the third-largest emirate in the UAE, Sharjah may not be as renowned as its neighbor Dubai, but as the cultural capital of the Arab world, it holds a unique and irreplaceable position.
You might not believe it, but before this trip to Sharjah, I knew nothing about it. However, upon arriving in Sharjah, known as the “Cultural Capital of the UAE,” I was dazzled and overwhelmed. This once barren and mysterious land, now wealthy from oil trade and benefiting the world, has spread Arab culture globally through its commercial prosperity. With its scorching sun, red sand dunes, warm sea, ancient beaches, and enchanting Arab traditions, Sharjah continues to be a site where Eastern and Western cultures clash and produce complex, alluring sparks. Yet, as a visitor, we can still easily experience the unique cultural charm rooted in this land—the allure of Sharjah.
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I’m glad I chose to explore Sharjah. Perhaps, this grand Arab cultural feast is too vast to fully grasp within a limited visit, so I end up packing all the images and memories home. Now, I’m enjoying the process of organizing this long-overdue travel journal and delving into the historical stories behind the photos. The more I explore, the more I uncover the charm of this ancient civilization.
On one side of Sharjah’s Cultural Square is the Sharjah Library, which I’ve found to be unlike any other national library I’ve ever visited. It doesn’t require an ID, security check, or registration, and no one questions you. Everyone, from staff to other visitors, is polite and welcoming, saying, “Welcome, come in!” It’s no wonder Sharjah was named the “World Book Capital 2019” by UNESCO.
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The Museum of Islamic Civilization, which was formerly an ancient bazaar, stretches out with its long buildings, offering an endless visual and imaginative expanse. Walking through it feels like a time-traveling illusion, as the wondrous and profound Islamic civilization unfolds before me like a magnificent tapestry.
Sharjah is not only known as the “Cultural Capital” of the Arab world and the UAE but also holds a fascinating aviation history, showcased in the Al Mahatta Museum. For those eager to admire vintage aircraft, this museum is a treasure trove of well-preserved planes and flying machines.
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In 1932, Al Mahatta Airport was established, becoming the first airport in the Gulf region. During the 1930s, commercial flights between the UK and India would stop over in Sharjah, making the city a key hub for international travel. The Al Mahatta Museum was built on the site of the former airport, preserving its rich history, and has now become a must-visit destination for aviation enthusiasts.
Every aspect of the airport’s operations—from aircraft arrivals to departures—has been carefully preserved at the original site. The museum offers a glimpse into the early days of aviation, illustrating the evolution of the aviation industry in the UAE and Sharjah. Its unique collection showcases significant milestones, from humanity’s earliest flight attempts to the first moon landing.
Walking through the museum’s halls feels like stepping back in time to an era filled with dreams of flying. The museum displays many rare, real aircraft and models, with each plane telling the extraordinary story of the nation’s aviation history, captivating every visitor.
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The museum also houses an impressive collection of aviation memorabilia, including engines, aircraft equipment, documents, and photographs, coming together to tell the story of humanity’s conquest of the skies.
Visitors interested in diving deeper into history can watch an engaging film inside the museum, offering a glimpse into daily life at the Sharjah airport and the city in the 1930s. The film provides a firsthand look at the airport’s daily operations, immersing viewers in this fascinating chapter of Sharjah’s past.
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Must-See Exhibit
- Model of the First Aircraft at Al Mahatta AirportThe most eye-catching exhibit in the museum is the model of the airplane nicknamed Hanno. It was the first aircraft to land at Al Mahatta Airport in 1932 and was used for passenger transport at the time. A scaled-down model of this historic plane is now on display in the Gallery Hall.
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2.Turboprop Engine
The turboprop engine on display is part of the CFM56-5 series, produced by CFM International, one of the world’s top three aircraft engine manufacturers. It was specially designed for short- and medium-haul twin-engine Airbus aircraft. This engine is exhibited in the Aviation Miracles Hall.
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3.Scale Model of the First Cinema in the Arabian Gulf
Opened in 1943, Sharjah Cinema was the first cinema in the Gulf region. It originally served the troops stationed at the Royal Air Force (RAF) camp, as well as local residents. At the time, moviegoers often sat on steel barrels—emptied of kerosene and filled halfway with sand—while watching documentaries and comedies.
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On October 5, 1932, the first airplane carrying four passengers landed in Sharjah, marking the beginning of the aviation era in the UAE. Since then, October 5 has been designated as “Emirati Civil Aviation Day.”
To celebrate this day and commemorate this historic flight, along with the UAE’s achievements in aviation, the Sharjah Museums Authority is hosting an exhibition at the Al Mahatta Museum titled “Sharjah Air Station: A Historical Glimpse of the First Landing.” The exhibition showcases a collection of old photographs, the agreement approving the airport’s construction, stories from the building phase, precious moments from the first landing, and flight routes, offering visitors an in-depth look at the story behind the creation of Sharjah Airport.
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