Think Sharjah and you probably picture the Corniche, the souqs and the museums of Heart of Sharjah. Drive about an hour inland, though, and the emirate shows you another side. Al Dhaid is an oasis town set on a desert plain at the foothills of the Hajar Mountains, roughly 60km east of Sharjah city, where date palms, farmland and old irrigation channels replace the skyline. Here is how to spend two unhurried days there.
Sharjah’s Oasis Town Has A Fort, A Safari And Camel Races To Explore
Getting There
Most people drive, taking the E88 (Sharjah-Al Dhaid Road) from Sharjah city. Intercity buses run by the Sharjah Roads and Transport Authority also serve the town. A car does make life easier, since the safari and the camel track sit outside the centre. Hotel choice in Al Dhaid itself is limited, so many visitors base themselves in Sharjah and make it a long weekend trip.
Day 1: Heritage, Oasis and Souq
Start At Al Dhaid Fort
Begin at Al Dhaid Fort, one of the oldest landmarks in Sharjah’s Central Region, with origins in the second half of the 18th century. The restored fort was officially inaugurated in 2022 by His Highness Dr Sheikh Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Ruler of Sharjah, and it now works as a museum on the town’s history and traditions, falconry included.
Look out for the caravan and trade routes hall, where murals trace the journeys that once passed through the town and life-size camel models show how goods were loaded. The fort stands beside Shariat Al Dhaid, a water stream where caravans stopped to rest and stock up on supplies. In 2023, the fort and the ancient falaj irrigation system were added to the Islamic World Heritage List by Icesco, and the fort also joined the venues of that year’s Sharjah Light Festival.
Wander The Souq And Al Mudarissa Tower
Behind the fort, a souq built from clay and timber carries on the heritage theme. Nearby is Souq Sharia’t Al Dhaid, recently reopened with cafes, shops and an arcade that looks over palm trees and flowing water. A camel track runs alongside, used for races and beauty contests, and the market has 595 parking spaces. Close to the fort, the restored Al Mudarissa Tower shows off the original mud architecture and defensive features of the old oasis.
Spend The Afternoon In The Oasis
Slow down after lunch. Walk through the oasis, follow the falaj channels and enjoy the shade of the palms, which is the whole point of Al Dhaid. One of the souq’s four entrances faces the newly opened Al Dhaid Wildlife Museum, which makes a good indoor stop if the heat builds.
Day 2: Camels and Wildlife
Catch The Camel Races (Winter Only)
If your trip falls in the winter months, aim for a Thursday or Friday, when races at Al Dhaid Camel Race Track usually take place early in the morning. Go at first light. Note that the track sits closer to Mleiha than to Al Dhaid town, just off the E55 near Maleha Road (E102), so allow extra drive time. If there is no race on, skip it and head straight to the safari.
Spend The Day At Sharjah Safari
Sharjah Safari is the headline act. Set inside the Al Bardi Reserve in Al Dhaid, it covers eight square kilometres and is billed as the largest safari outside Africa. It opened in 2022 and is split into 12 environments inspired by different parts of Africa, with around 120 species across the park. The black rhino, a critically endangered species, is among the rarest animals here.
The park reopened for its fifth season on 21 September 2026 and is open daily from 8.30am to 6pm. Ticket options are bronze, silver and gold. Bronze, starting from AED40, is a walking experience through areas such as Birds of Africa, East African Islands, Boma and Zanzibar Village, and suits anyone wanting a couple of hours. Silver and gold tickets cover longer tours by vehicle. Book online at sharjahsafari.ae or buy at the venue.
To get there, take the Sharjah-Khorfakkan Road (E55). After passing the Al Dhaid cricket ground on your left, look for the safari exit on your right.
Also Read: 3-Day Abu Dhabi Itinerary: Where To Go, What To See, Budget & More!
Quick Tips
Arrive early. Gold and silver safari tours have an earlier last departure, around 2pm, so confirm timings on the day. The safari is also seasonal, so check it is open for your dates before you plan the trip. Wear comfortable shoes and carry water. Check the fort’s opening times with Sharjah Museums Authority before you set off, as hours can change around holidays.
Two days is enough to see why Al Dhaid has a loyal following among UAE residents. It is slower and greener than the city, and it keeps a side of Sharjah that most itineraries skip
Cover Image Courtesy: CanvaPro/ ZambeziShark from Getty Images
FAQs
When can you watch camel racing in Al Dhaid?
During the winter months, usually early on Thursday and Friday mornings
Is two days enough for Al Dhaid?
Yes. Day one covers the fort, souq and oasis, and day two covers the camel races and Sharjah Safari.
When is Sharjah Safari open?
Daily from 8.30am to 6pm. The fifth season opened on 21 September 2026, and bronze walking tickets start from AED40.
