Visit Sharjah lists Al Qasba among the most popular places in Sharjah to visit at night: a pedestrian canal district of cafés, restaurants, art, family attractions and boat rides. What follows draws on the official Al Qasba website and the Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority (SCTDA). Attractions and events are shown as listed on the official site on 2 October 2026, and they can change.
What is Al Qasba?
Visit Sharjah describes Al Qasba as a canal-side complex with pedestrian bridges, where visitors can tour on foot and enjoy restaurants, cultural events and art. It sits in the Al Majaz area. The canal is about a kilometre long and connects Khalid Lagoon with Al Khan Lagoon. The official Al Qasba website calls it a waterfront destination where culture, dining and entertainment come together.
Attractions
On 2 October 2026 the official site’s “Attractions and experiences” section listed Al Qasba Theatre, Maraya Art Centre (listed with no entry charge), Kids Fun House, Sharjah Boats, Fun World and Blue Waves. Ticket types and costs vary by attraction and package, so check the official booking pages before you go. The official site also notes that walking across Al Qasba Bridge gives canal views for an evening stroll.
Art at Maraya Art Centre
Maraya Art Centre is a three-storey contemporary art space in Block E of Al Qasba. Visit Sharjah says it is the home of the Barjeel Art Foundation, which presents curated exhibitions from the collection of Sultan Sooud Al Qassemi. It also offers lectures, workshops for all ages and a book exchange. The Al Qasba website lists entry at no charge. Visit Sharjah also points to the Maraya Art Park, an outdoor sculpture park at Al Majaz Waterfront.
Food and cafés
The official site lists a mix of cafés and restaurants, including Levantine, Arabic, Turkish and Japanese options, plus coffee houses, dessert spots and international chains. Names on the list include Shababeek (Levantine), Beit Setti (Arabic), Lokmada (Turkish) and Sumo Sushi (Japanese). Operators change, so check the site for the current list and menus.
Events listed on the official site
When we checked, the Al Qasba website listed these seasonal events:
- Sharjah Saturday Run (listed with no entry charge): 3 October to 26 December 2026, held at a different destination each week, including Al Qasba, Al Majaz Waterfront, Al Heera Beach and Khorfakkan Beach.
- The Motor Show Sharjah / Sharjah Motor Fest (listed with no entry charge): 3 October 2026 to 16 January 2027, a family-friendly event with modified cars, live music and kids’ entertainment at several destinations, including Al Qasba.
- Al Qasba Theatre shows: 6 November to 6 December 2026.
Confirm times and locations on the “Know More” pages before you go. We have not confirmed the weekly venues for the run or the motor show.
Getting there, and the link to Al Noor Island
Visit Sharjah says Al Qasba is easy to reach by taxi or bus, and that a scenic way to arrive is by boat from Al Noor Island. The two work well as a combined evening: island first, then the canal. During the Sharjah International Book Fair in 2025, visitors also used a marine transport service from Al Qasba and the Sharjah Aquarium (87,674 trips were reported); see our book fair guide.
Tips
- Go in the evening. Visit Sharjah calls Al Qasba one of the most popular places in Sharjah to visit at night.
- Check what is open. Attractions have their own hours and booking pages.
- Look at the events page first. Seasonal programmes change what the canal feels like from week to week.
Frequently asked questions
Do you pay to enter Al Qasba?
Walking the canal area is part of a public leisure district, and Maraya Art Centre is listed with no entry charge. Individual attractions such as the theatre and boat rides are ticketed. We did not find a general entry fee on the official pages.
What is Maraya Art Centre?
A non-profit contemporary art space at Al Qasba, home of the Barjeel Art Foundation.
Can I take a boat?
The official site lists “Sharjah Boats” among its attractions, and Visit Sharjah mentions abra rides. Check the booking page for routes, times and tickets.
General information only. Tickets, hours and events can change; confirm on the official Al Qasba website. Information checked 2 October 2026.