Overview:

is a museum located in the city of Sharjah in the United Arab Emirates. The museum presents a history and overview of Islamic heritage, culture, and civilization, featuring exhibits ranging from ancient coins, manuscripts, pottery, and jewellery, to contemporary works of art, Islamic calligraphy, and traditional costumes. It was established by the Ruler of Sharjah in 2008 to educate the public on Islamic Civilization, particularly its contributions to world culture and its appreciation for diversity. The museum houses more than 5,000 items from all eras and Islamic civilizations. It also features a library and four galleries dedicated to Islamic calligraphy, coins, textiles, and traditional architecture. You can learn history, culture, and heritage through these magnificent monuments in UAE
Prominent Features:

1. The Sharjah Museum of Islamic Civilization houses over 5,000 artifacts, including coins, manuscripts, textiles, pottery, jewelry and other ancient works of art. 2. It offers a glimpse of the rich Islamic culture, from its early beginnings to the present day. 3. The museum has 35 galleries, divided into five sections, including an introductory section, Islamic faith, science and technology, society and art, and an interactive section. 4. The museum also houses the largest existing collection of coins from the Islamic era, one of the world's most extensive books of devotional Islamic art, and a world-renowned collection of Quranic manuscripts. 5. Visitors to the museum can take guided tours, as well as attend lectures and workshops on the arts of the Islamic civilization and the advances in science during its heyday. 6. Several Islamic manuscripts and artifacts, including centuries-old Qurans, astrolabes and finely-crafted metalwork, are displayed throughout the museum. 7. The museum also acts as a centre for seminars, exhibitions and performances for both Islamic and non-Islamic culture. 8. The museum regularly hosts events such as theatre performances, talks and art shows. This national monument of UAE portrays the history and culture of the country.

History:

The Sharjah Museum of Islamic Civilization is one of the leading attractions of Sharjah in the UAE. It is a museum that is dedicated to the history and development of the Islamic civilization, its diverse culture and its rich heritage. The museum was established in 2008 under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Sultan bin Mohamed Al Qasimi, the Ruler of Sharjah, on the inspiration of Mr. Waleed Al Qubaisi, the Director General of the Sharjah Museums Department. The aim of the museum’s establishment was to document and preserve the rich heritage of Islamic civilization while introducing its diverse culture to the world. The museum’s collection comprises of over 5,000 artifacts and documents from the Islamic world. The museum prides itself on showcasing a comprehensive collection of artifacts, manuscripts, pottery, coins, jewelry, and maps, among other items. Along with the permanent collection, the museum also offers explanatory texts and audio-visual images to provide an in-depth insight into the history and development of Islamic civilizations. The museum is also home to a library of manuscripts, books, journals and archives, an auditorium, an outdoor courtyard, and a dedicated research center. The museum organizes several cultural and educational events, such as workshops, lectures, conferences, and exhibitions, in order to raise awareness about Islamic civilization and give the public an insight into its history and development. Additionally, the museum also offers lectures, guided tours, and interactive programs to the general public, schools, and other institutions. The museum has been widely acclaimed and won various awards over the years, including the Best Museum in the Arab World award (2014) and the UNESCO International Museum Award (2020). It is also a member of the International Council of Museums and the International Association of Museums. It is one of the most visited attractions of Sharjah and stands a testimony to the city’s commitment to preserve and promote its Islamic heritage. You must visit one of these historical places in UAE on your UAE tour

Interesting facts:

1. The Sharjah Museum of Islamic Civilization was opened in 2008 and is located in the heart of the city, on the waterfront promenade, overlooking the dazzling Khalid Lagoon. 2. It is the first museum dedicated to Islamic culture, and aims to raise awareness about the significance of Islamic heritage. 3. The museum contains approximately 5,000 objects, representing Islamic artifacts from various eras, spreading over eighteen galleries. 4. One of the most notable exhibits at the museum is the Prayer hall that contains a unique selection of the world’s oldest Islamic texts, manuscripts and artifacts. 5. The museum also houses a spectacular dome, which stands at a height of 20 metres and covers 1,400 square metres. 6. The architect of the museum was Dr. Abdel Aziz M. Othman, who wanted to design the museum to reflect traditional Islamic architecture and create a unique atmosphere to inspire visitors while learning about Islamic Heritage. 7. Each one of the museum’s galleries is designed to focus on a different theme of Islamic culture, such as The Prophet and the Caliphs, Hajj, Islamic Art and Calligraphy, and The World of Orientalists: From Europe to the Orient. 8. The museum also hosts several activities such as Art Talks, workshops, lectures, musical performances, and art exhibitions. 9. The museum won the prize of the ‘Best Exhibitions of the Year’ in 2010 for its ‘The Future is Written’ exhibition, which featured a collection of scientific inventions created by Muslim scientists. 10. The Sharjah Museum of Islamic Civilization is a must-see attraction for anyone looking to learn about Islamic culture and heritage. Visit one of the famous monuments of UAE with your friends and family.