Hotels in Sharjah

Sharjah is the UAE's third city, pressed right up against Dubai but with a very different character: it's the self-styled cultural emirate, big on museums and heritage districts, and completely dry — no alcohol served anywhere. Sharjah Cricket Stadium is the reason many visitors come; it has hosted more one-day internationals than any ground on earth and stages ILT20 matches under lights.

The Khalid Lagoon corniche at Al Majaz is the pleasant evening stroll. Stay around Al Majaz for the waterfront, or note that Dubai's Deira district is a short taxi across the border if you want a livelier base — and allow real time for the notorious Dubai–Sharjah rush-hour traffic.