Weekly Heritage Events & Art Exhibitions in Sharjah (Mid‑2025 Guide)
Sharjah remains the UAE’s cultural heartbeat where tradition meets cutting-edge art in a calendar packed with weekly heritage showcases, exhibitions, festivals, and community gatherings. If you’re looking for what’s on right now, here’s your curated guide to events that locals and visitors adore.
1. Sharjah Heritage Days (Annual Festival)
Location: Heart of Sharjah & Heritage Area (also in Khorfakkan, Kalba, Al Dhaid, Dibba Al Hisn, Al Hamriyah, Mleiha)
Dates: February 12–23, 2025
Why It’s Special:
- Theme: “Roots”—celebrates Emirati heritage through folk performances, crafts, exhibitions, storytelling
- Key attractions: Largest ever Al Ayyala band performance (300 artists), Palm Symphony operetta, camel & horse caravan parades
- Interactive zones: Scents Through the Ages, Roots exhibition, World Heritage Kitchen, Book Market featuring 12 libraries and global workshops
Who Should Go: Families, history buffs, cultural enthusiasts
Insider Tip: Book ahead for heritage workshops like Diwani calligraphy, paper cutting, perfume-making, and storytelling labs
2. Sharjah Biennial 16: To Carry
Locations: Across Sharjah City, Kalba, Al Dhaid, Khorfakkan, Al Hamriyah, Al Madam
Opening Programme: February 6–9, 2025; continues until June 15, 2025
Why It’s Special:
- Prominent global art platform featuring 190+ artists and 200+ commissions
- Multi-city installations in historic buildings, public spaces, and coastal venues
- Engaging performances, film screenings, and workshops during March Meeting (Feb 6–9), March Meeting talks (Mar 7–9), and April Acts (Apr 18–20)
Who Should Go: Contemporary art fans, creatives, curious travelers
Pro Tip: Attend early days of March Meeting events for live artist talks and communal gatherings
3. Sharjah Light Festival (Annual Spotlight)
Location: Iconic landmarks across Sharjah including Al Majaz Waterfront, University City Hall, Al Noor Mosque, Sharjah Mosque, fort buildings, and even Kalba and Dibba Al Hisn
Dates: Typically early February (Check for 2026 dates)
Why It’s Special:
- Evening projections and synchronized light shows bring city landmarks to life with art, music, and architecture
- Involved creative local and international installations via the Light Village and illuminated installations
- Free, family-friendly, walkable events with Instagram-ready visuals
Who Should Go: Families, creatives, photo lovers, night explorers
Insider Tip: Visit mid-week to avoid crowds, and explore edge locations like Kalba or Hamriyah for quieter evenings
4. Art Nights at Sharjah Art Museum
Location: Sharjah Art Museum (Al Majarrah, Sharjah City)
Dates: Annual anniversary around April 19–20, International Art Day
Why It’s Special:
Celebrates the artistic community with live performances, panels with emerging Emirati artists, interactive installations, and food trucks
Archive exhibits showcasing Sharjah Art Museum’s journey and impact since 1997
Who Should Go: Art lovers, families, creative professionals
Tip: Visit during opening to catch interactive games, kid-friendly workshops, and artist meet-and-greets
5. Exhibitions at Maraya Art Centre
Location: Al Qasimia area, Sharjah City (managed by Shurooq)
- Current Exhibitions: From early 2025 onward
What Awaits:
- Nadia Seikaly and Her Contemporaries” (Lebanese abstract works)
- “Between Sunrise and Sunset” (Emirati artist Mohammed Ahmed Ibrahim’s iconic installation of 128 elements)
- Rotating exhibitions that blend regional modernism with global art dialogue
Who Should Go: Art enthusiasts and architecture fans
Pro Tip: Combine with a visit to nearby Heart of Sharjah walking trails for a full creative day
6. Kalba Ice Factory Art Space (Eastern Sharjah)
Location: Kalba Ice Factory, Kalba (East Coast)
- Ongoing until May 2026 (Biennial Events & SAF Collection Display)
Why It Stands Out:
- Repurposed fish feed mill turned contemporary gallery, part of Sharjah Art Foundation’s revival projects
- Large-scale installations from SAF’s collection in an industrial, open-air setting
- Eco-conscious architecture meets avant-garde art
Who Should Go: Architecture lovers, design-minded visitors, beach-goers combining day trips from Dubai/Sharjah
Tip: Visit on weekends combine Kalba’s scenic coastal charm with a cultural tour
Why Sharjah’s Weekly Culture Hits Stronger
- Events are mostly free or low-cost, open to all ages
- Rich mix of heritage, art, technology, and education
- Multiple locations across the emirate from Sharjah City to Kalba & Khorfakkan
- Designed for engagement and participation, not just viewing
Sharjah continues to set itself apart as the UAE’s cultural capital where immersive creativity and traditions coexist in harmony. The events above offer something for everyone, whether you’re local expats or exploring from nearby Emirates.
