CASTLES SHARJAH

El Badi Palace, also known as the 'Palace of Wonder,' is the royal residence of the Emir of Sharjah, located in Al Bedea, Sharjah. The palace showcases a sophisticated blend of traditional Islamic design and modern architectural elements, featuring intricate geometric patterns, elegant arches, and soaring domes characteristic of Islamic heritage. Vast gardens adorned with fountains surround the palace complex, creating an oasis within the Arabian desert landscape. As an active administrative center and cultural hub, El Badi Palace hosts official receptions and provides visitors with insights into Sharjah's rich heritage through various exhibitions and displays, standing as a testament to the region's architectural grandeur and historical significance.

Wadi Al Hilo, also known as Wadi Helo or 'Sweet Wadi,' is a significant geological and archaeological site within the Hajar Mountains of Sharjah, approximately 26 kilometers southwest of Kalba. The seasonal watercourse is renowned as one of the UAE's lushest valleys, sustained by abundant underground water that supports diverse vegetation and wildlife including the Arabian Oryx. The wadi holds exceptional archaeological importance, featuring remains of a massive 19th-century village and structures spanning from the Neolithic through Islamic periods, alongside ancient copper smelting sites with evidence of mining over 8,000 years. Popular hiking trails lead to a historic fort offering panoramic 360-degree views of the mountain range, with opportunities to observe desert flowers and native wildlife along scenic pathways.

Kalba Fort is an 18th-century fortification located inland from the coastal city of Kalba on the eastern seaboard of Sharjah, originally constructed in 1745 with additional expansions made in 1820 to the mudbrick, gypsum, and stone structure. The fort stands on the site of an original Portuguese fortification captured by Commander Gaspar Leite in 1624, featuring unusual construction with distinctive buttressing that suggests development from an original watchtower under Portuguese architectural influence. The two-story murabaa or tower encompasses approximately 1,435 square metres, with surrounding village houses dating back approximately 500 years. The fort was restored and opened as a heritage site in December 1996, then underwent further restoration to open as a museum and visitor attraction in April 2021, displaying artifacts and findings from excavations including items dating to the eighteenth century BC and earlier periods.