If you love museums, then Sharjah has a surprise that will make you chirpy. For someone who loves a good mix of culture, heritage, and feel-good community moments, consider this your cue to block your calendar. As the UAE gears up for its 54th National Day, Sharjah Museums Authority (SMA) is rolling out a full-blown cultural festival across the emirate, and you can be part of it, for FREE!
Sharjah Swings Open Its Museum Doors With Free Entry & Packed National Day Line-Up
According to Gulf News, the year’s theme is “United,”. From November 21 to December 3, SMA is running a line-up of events designed to bring people together. The event will highlight Emirati culture and give residents a chance to reconnect with the country’s roots. And here’s the fun part: all 16 museums under SMA will offer free entry on December 2 and 3.
Kalba Kicks Things Off
The festivities launched in Kalba at Bait Sheikh Saeed Bin Hamad Al Qasimi with a program that makes you wish you were there early enough to snag front-row snaps. Think traditional diving and shipbuilding corners, doll-making spots, heritage-inspired photography, and a military show to set the tone. The crowd also got treated to Nihamat sea chants and a lively operetta titled From Wave to Glory, a nod to the deep connection between Emiratis and the sea. Add in traditional games, food stalls, and the much-loved Museums Express.
Sharjah Fort Steps In
On November 27, Sharjah Fort took over the celebrations from 5 PM to 9 PM. All the classics — Al Ayala, Al Razfa, and stations loaded with traditional games and Emirati attire. There was even a community mural called “Your Message to the UAE”. Pottery painting, doll-making, flag challenges, and a wrap-up group photo gave the evening a nice, balanced finish.
Khorfakkan Goes Big
Hisn Khorfakkan follows on November 29, bringing military displays, horse shows, student performances, and a sand-art show for good measure. Also, senior citizens will join in for a national operetta. The site will then stay open until 10 PM daily, offering tours, workshops, traditional games, creative stations, and a speciality coffee corner to keep visitors fuelled.
Also Read: 20 Best UAE National Day Offers That Will Elevate Your Celebration
Maritime Magic for the Finale
From December 1 to 3, Sharjah Maritime Museum will turn into a lively waterfront hub, with Al Harbiya and Al Madeema performances, family workshops, oud sessions, and hands-on demonstrations of shipbuilding and fishing tools.
Across Sharjah, a lineup of special exhibitions from Andalusian artefacts to UAE native plants to pearl heritage rounds out the experience. With most museums open from 8 AM to 8 PM (Fridays start at 4 PM), you’ll have plenty of time to wander, learn, and soak up the spirit of the National Day season.
Cover Image Courtesy: Sharjah Museums/Website
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