Cima Azzam on Sharjah

Sharjah is recognised as the Cultural Capital of the United Arab Emirates and is known for its efforts to preserve and promote the country’s heritage. It is nurturing the community through the many arts and culture initiatives offered, for example, by the Sharjah Art Foundation, the Sharjah Museums Authority and, of course, Maraya Art Centre and 1971 Design Space, to name a few. There’s something for everyone, souqs, heritage and archaeological sites. It’s a vibrant city that is continuously growing.

At Maraya, we support UAE-based artists and provide a platform for art practitioners to grow, experiment and showcase their work in an institutional environment as well as in public spaces. We aim to spread knowledge and help artists experiment, collaborate, and connect with the community. Our exhibitions focus on a multitude of globally relevant topics and invite viewers to engage with these in our public programming, including tours, talks, screenings and workshops. Likewise, it is essential to bring art practitioners together and help them communicate through visual language with a community of their peers, both locally and abroad.

Personally, I have lived in the UAE for 18 years, and Sharjah has always been a hidden gem of some sort. I often discover new places, whether a coffee shop in the desert, a souq or a new picnic site. There’s always something going on in the city, art exhibitions, workshops, book fairs, light shows. It’s a place for everyone.

It’s a privilege to be involved in such a rich cultural hub, where art and culture take centre stage. Being in such a rich environment motivates me to continue contributing to society by helping the arts being presented here as well as offering opportunities for collaboration among artists.

There is so much to do and see in Sharjah, and it’s not easy to narrow it down, but some of my personal favourites when it comes to hidden gems are the Mleiha Archaeological Centre just 45 min drive from the city’s centre, The Emirates Fine Arts Society and the Souq Al Shanasiyah in the Heart of Sharjah.

I would recommend visiting:

• Al Qasba: It is home to Maraya Art Centre and restaurants and cafes; whether you are with family or friends, it’s a vibrant place to visit, sit by the canal, and have a meal or a hot beverage.
• Sharjah Art Foundation is situated in the arts and heritage area in Sharjah, surrounded by souqs. The Rain Room at Al Majarrah is one of their permanent site-specific installations; it’s a beautiful, immersive experience that is not to be missed.
• Sharjah Art Museum is home to an extensive collection of art from the region, including the Barjeel Art Foundation’s Collection.
• Sharjah was awarded the UNESCO World Book Capital from 2019 – 2010. The House of Wisdom is an ode to that, an iconic library and cultural centre, with exhibitions, working stations, a fab lab and meeting rooms for anyone who wants to immerse themselves in an extensive library, among a beautiful architecture with stunning views on landscaped gardens.

There is so much to do in Sharjah, to name just a few:

• For the nature enthusiasts, I would recommend heading over to Kalba: the landscape is breath-taking, it also shows the efforts undertaken by conservation initiatives in the city.
• Al Noor Island. It has site-specific installations, lush landscapes and a butterfly house!
• Fen Cafe and Restaurant is a personal favourite.
• A quick breakfast spot is Falafel Hussam, possibly one of the best falafels I have had here.
• Shababeek is another one of my favourites, have a meal or a coffee by the Al Qasba Canal.
• Al Badayer Retreat is a beautiful haven to relax and unwind in the desert and clear skies.