Al Noor Mosque was the first mosque in the UAE to open its doors to non-Muslim visitors — commissioned by Sheikha Jawaher bint Mohammed Al Qasimi and completed in 2005, in Ottoman style inspired by Istanbul’s Sultan Ahmed Mosque. Its twin 52-metre minarets and 34 cascading domes have watched over the Al Khan lagoon ever since, and the free one-hour guided tours run by the Sharjah Centre for Cultural Communication are one of the easiest, most genuine cultural experiences in the emirate.
Between the sand, the aquarium and the old fishing village, Al Khan makes a pleasant half-day, as part of our main Sharjah guide.
Updated: July 2026 — by Monica Bonalto
Getting your bearings in Al Khan
The district hugs the coast and the Al Khan lagoon, taking in the public beach, the aquarium and maritime museum, and the restored heritage village, close to the Dubai border.
The aquarium, and the old fishing village
Sharjah Aquarium opened in June 2008 across 6,500 square metres and two floors, with 21 tanks holding around 1.8 million litres of water and close to 100 marine species drawn largely from UAE waters. Next door, Sharjah Maritime Museum reopened at this site in June 2009, with pearl-diving boats, fishing tools and model dhows tracing the coast’s life before oil.
Where to eat in Al Khan
Waterside cafes and casual restaurants cluster near the beach and lagoon, good for a relaxed bite by the water.
Beach and things to do in Al Khan
Al Khan Beach is an easy, free stretch of sand — see the UAE’s best beaches — with the lagoon connecting quickly to Al Majaz Waterfront and Al Qasba just across the water.
Sand and lagoon on the doorstep
A handful of beachfront hotels put the sand and lagoon on your doorstep, close to Dubai.
Close to the Dubai line, best outside summer
Close to the Dubai border and Sharjah city centre; best reached by taxi or car. The cooler months from October to April are best for the beach, though the aquarium keeps Al Khan rewarding year-round.
The rest of Sharjah, a short drive on
Head back to the main Sharjah guide to explore more of the emirate.
Top things to do in Al Khan
- Sharjah Aquarium — opened June 2008 across 6,500 square metres and two floors, with 21 tanks holding around 1.8 million litres of water and close to 100 marine species drawn largely from UAE waters.
- Sharjah Maritime Museum — reopened at this site in June 2009, with pearl-diving boats, fishing tools and model dhows tracing the coast’s life before oil.
- Al Khan Beach — the quieter waterside stretch tying the two museums together.
Is Al Khan worth visiting for a day trip?
Yes, if museums are your thing — Sharjah Aquarium and the Maritime Museum sit next door to each other, both genuinely substantial (not quick-look stops), plus a beach to unwind on afterwards.