Sharjah Museum of Islamic Civilization
Sharjah · United Arab Emirates · Founded 2008
Quick answer
Sharjah Museum of Islamic Civilization in Sharjah, United Arab Emirates — the Sharjah Museum of Islamic Civilization occupies the former Souq al-Majarrah building in the Heritage Area — a converted market hall with a distinctive golden dome visible across the city. Open Saturday to Thursday: 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM; Friday: 4:00 PM – 8:00 PM. Admission: AED 10 standard admission. Allow 1.5–2 hours.
Visitor information last reviewed 30 June 2026. Check the official museum site for current details.
Sharjah Museum of Islamic Civilization at a glance: hours, tickets and time needed
| Opening hours | Saturday to Thursday: 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM; Friday: 4:00 PM – 8:00 PM |
|---|---|
| Admission | AED 10 standard admission |
| Booking | Tickets usually available on the day |
| Time needed | 1.5–2 hours |
| Best time to visit | Morning visits Saturday to Thursday. |
| Getting there | Taxi: Taxi from Sharjah corniche — 10 minutes to Heritage Area |
| Address | Corniche St, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates |
| Official website | sharjahmuseums.ae |
Checked 2026-06-30 against the official website. Prices and hours change — confirm before you travel.
What is Sharjah Museum of Islamic Civilization known for?
The Sharjah Museum of Islamic Civilization occupies the former Souq al-Majarrah building in the Heritage Area — a converted market hall with a distinctive golden dome visible across the city.
Opened in 2008, the museum presents Islamic achievements in science, art, and culture across five galleries spanning the seventh century to the present day.
The Abu Bakr Gallery of Islamic Faith displays rare Qur'ans, hajj artefacts, and scientific instruments. The Ibn al-Haytham Gallery covers Islamic contributions to astronomy, medicine, and mathematics.
Free admission and air-conditioned galleries make it a popular destination, especially during the hot summer months.
Best for: History Enthusiasts · First-timers · Rainy-day visits
How long do you need at Sharjah Museum of Islamic Civilization?
Allow 1.5–2 hours. A focused route through 4 must-see highlights at Sharjah Museum of Islamic Civilization without museum fatigue. Follow the stops in order:
- 1
Mosque Model of the Dome of the Rock
📍 Abu Bakr Gallery of Islamic Faith
A detailed scale model of Jerusalem's Dome of the Rock — one of Islam's holiest sites — providing architectural context for the development of Islamic sacred architecture.
- 2
Astrolabe Collection
📍 Ibn al-Haytham Gallery of Science
Precision brass astrolabes used for astronomical measurement and prayer time calculation — masterpieces of Islamic scientific instrument-making.
- 3
Illuminated Qur'an Manuscripts
📍 Abu Bakr Gallery
Rare Qur'an manuscripts from across the Islamic world — Kufic, Naskh, and Muhaqqaq scripts with gold illumination from Baghdad, Cairo, and Istanbul.
- 4
Ceramic and Metalwork
📍 Gallery of Islamic Art
Lustreware ceramics, inlaid brass vessels, and glass from the golden age of Islamic material culture — Samarra, Kashan, and Mamluk workshops.
What are the must-see works at Sharjah Museum of Islamic Civilization?
4 highlights that define the collection: Mosque Model of the Dome of the Rock, Astrolabe Collection, Illuminated Qur'an Manuscripts and more.
Mosque Model of the Dome of the Rock
Craftsmen · 20th century model
📍 Abu Bakr Gallery of Islamic Faith
A detailed scale model of Jerusalem's Dome of the Rock — one of Islam's holiest sites — providing architectural context for the development of Islamic sacred architecture.
Astrolabe Collection
Islamic scientists · 9th–16th century
📍 Ibn al-Haytham Gallery of Science
Precision brass astrolabes used for astronomical measurement and prayer time calculation — masterpieces of Islamic scientific instrument-making.
Illuminated Qur'an Manuscripts
Islamic calligraphers · 8th–19th century
📍 Abu Bakr Gallery
Rare Qur'an manuscripts from across the Islamic world — Kufic, Naskh, and Muhaqqaq scripts with gold illumination from Baghdad, Cairo, and Istanbul.
Ceramic and Metalwork
Islamic craftsmen · 9th–15th century
📍 Gallery of Islamic Art
Lustreware ceramics, inlaid brass vessels, and glass from the golden age of Islamic material culture — Samarra, Kashan, and Mamluk workshops.
Collections and highlights
- • Abu Bakr Gallery of Islamic Faith
- • Ibn al-Haytham Gallery of Science and Technology
- • Islamic art — ceramics, metalwork, textiles
- • Rare Qur'an manuscripts and calligraphy
- • Hajj and pilgrimage artefacts
- • Islamic architecture models
Tips for visiting Sharjah Museum of Islamic Civilization
- 1.
Best time to visit
Morning visits Saturday to Thursday. Friday afternoons after 4 PM.
- 2.
Crowds & busy periods
Moderate — popular with school groups and tour buses. Less crowded than Dubai attractions.
- 3.
Tickets & booking
Free admission. No booking required.
- 4.
Food & cafés nearby
Heritage Area cafés; Al Qasba and Al Majaz waterfront dining nearby.
- 5.
Accessibility
Fully accessible. Ground floor galleries are step-free.
How do you get to Sharjah Museum of Islamic Civilization?
- taxi Taxi from Sharjah corniche — 10 minutes to Heritage Area
- walk 5 minutes from Sharjah Art Museum in the same Heritage Area
- car Free parking at the Heritage Area; 15 minutes from Dubai
Address: Corniche St, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
Sharjah Museum of Islamic Civilization: frequently asked questions
Is the dome ceiling worth seeing?
Yes — the gilded zodiac and constellation ceiling is a highlight in itself.
How does Sharjah connect to Dubai?
Buses link the two emirates regularly; the drive is around 30 minutes outside rush hour.
How long should I spend at Sharjah Museum of Islamic Civilization?
Plan 1.5–2 hours for the highlights of Sharjah Museum of Islamic Civilization. Our 4-stop route — Mosque Model of the Dome of the Rock, Astrolabe Collection, Illuminated Qur'an Manuscripts and more — is designed to fit that time. Add extra time for temporary exhibitions, the shop and the café.
What is Sharjah Museum of Islamic Civilization best known for?
Housed in the former Souq Al Majarrah on Sharjah's Corniche, the Museum of Islamic Civilization opened in its current form in 2008. Key highlights include Astronomy and scientific instruments gallery, Manuscripts of the Qur'an, Decorated zodiac dome.
How do I get tickets for Sharjah Museum of Islamic Civilization?
Admission: AED 10 standard admission. Tickets are usually available on the day, but booking online saves queue time in peak season. Official site: https://sharjahmuseums.ae/en-US/Our-Museums/Sharjah-Museum-of-Islamic-Civilization
Is this different from the Sharjah Art Museum?
Yes — the Islamic Civilization Museum focuses on Islamic history, science, and faith. The Art Museum next door holds modern and contemporary Arab art. Both are free.
Is it suitable for non-Muslim visitors?
Absolutely — the museum is designed for all visitors to understand Islamic contributions to world civilisation. Explanatory panels are in Arabic and English.
How long to visit both Sharjah museums?
Allow 3–4 hours for the Art Museum and Islamic Civilization Museum together, plus walking time in the Heritage Area.
What are Sharjah Museum of Islamic Civilization's opening hours?
Sharjah Museum of Islamic Civilization is open Saturday to Thursday: 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM; Friday: 4:00 PM – 8:00 PM. Hours can change for holidays and events, so check the official website before you go.
Is Sharjah Museum of Islamic Civilization free to visit?
No — standard admission is AED 10 standard admission.
