Al Khan Buildings
Owen Murphy
| 15-01-2026
· Travel Team
Have you ever wanted a travel guide that doesn’t just describe a place but actually helps you plan your day? Al Khan Lagoon in Sharjah is an architectural and cultural gem with traditional coral stone buildings, heritage restoration projects, and waterfront attractions.
This guide gives you specific ticket prices, opening hours, transportation costs, hotel and meal budgets, best times to visit, and insider tips so we can make the most of our visit.

About the Buildings and Heritage Area

The Al Khan Lagoon buildings are a blend of traditional coral stone structures and restored heritage houses. These coral buildings were made using coral blocks and mud mortar, which helps keep interiors cool in hot weather. Wind towers and wooden details reflect classic design from local history. The whole area is free to explore, and heritage buildings usually welcome visitors from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM daily (though individual restoration sites may vary). We recommend spending 1–2 hours walking the lanes and taking photos of the lagoon views.

Visit Sharjah Aquarium – Ticket & Hours

One key stop near the lagoon buildings is the aquarium:
Opening Hours:
- Saturday–Thursday: 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM
- Friday: 4:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Ticket Prices:
- Children under 2: Free
- Children (2–12 years): ~$4
- Adults (13+): ~$7
- Visit Duration: Plan for about 1–1.5 hours inside to explore all exhibits.
The aquarium is a great addition to the lagoon buildings experience with displays of over 150 species of marine life and interactive exhibits.

Transportation – How to Get There & Costs

Getting to Al Khan Lagoon is straightforward:
- From central Sharjah: By taxi or ride‑hail service, expect a 5–10 minute ride (~$3–4).
- From Dubai: Taxi or ride‑hail is about 40–50 minutes, costing roughly ~$19–27 depending on traffic.
- By Bus: Several Sharjah city routes stop near Al Khan Lagoon, including E303A, E304, E307, E307A, and E400.
Parking is available if we choose to drive, and short scooter or bike rentals can make short distances around the area fun and easy.

Accommodation – Where to Stay & Prices

If we stay near Al Khan Lagoon, here are some hotel options with approximate nightly rates:
Budget (affordable & convenient):
- Emirates Stars Hotel Apartments Sharjah – ~$13/night
- TIME Express Hotel – ~$15/night
- Aryana Hotel – ~$15/night
Mid‑Range (comfortable & well‑reviewed):
- Novotel Sharjah Expo Centre – ~$25/night
- TIME Ruby Hotel Apartments – ~$18/night
- Crystal Plaza Al Majaz Hotel – ~$18/night
Upscale (extra comfort & facilities):
- PULLMAN SHARJAH – ~$41/night
- Occidental Sharjah Grand – ~$34/night
- Sharjah Carlton Hotel – ~$29/night
Prices can vary by season and weekend vs. weekday. Staying close to the lagoon helps us return for sunset scenes and evening waterfront walks.

Dining – Where to Eat & Costs

Around the lagoon and heritage area there are casual cafés and local eateries. Typical meals cost:
- Street or café food: ~$7–14 per person
- Waterfront cafés with views: ~$14–22 per person
- Sit‑down restaurants in hotels: ~$22–41 per person
Lunch and dinner spots near the lagoon often have outdoor seating with lagoon views, making it easy to rest and enjoy the scenery after exploring the buildings.

Best Time to Visit & Tips

- Best Seasons: November–March (cooler weather ~24–30°C).
- Times of Day: Aim for morning or late afternoon when light is softer and temperatures are pleasant.
- Dress & Gear: Wear sunscreen, a hat, and comfortable shoes for walking around the lagoon and lanes.
- Photography: The golden hours (around sunrise and before sunset) are perfect for capturing coral building textures and lagoon reflections.

Why Al Khan Lagoon Buildings are Worth Visiting

Al Khan Lagoon is special because it blends historic coral architecture with modern waterfront life, making it both peaceful and visually striking. From traditional building details to relaxing lagoon scenes and the educational aquarium experience, this area gives us a deep connection to Sharjah’s coastal culture and heritage.

Final Thoughts

Lykkers, Al Khan Lagoon is not just a nice place to walk—it’s an easily planned day trip with practical travel options, clear prices, and accessible facilities. Whether we come for architectural history, marine life, or simply scenic views and great food, there’s plenty here to make the visit memorable. Let’s plan wisely, explore with curiosity, and enjoy every moment by this lagoon gem!

The Skyscrapers at Al Khan Lagoon, Sharjah, UAE

Video by Prof. Dr. Sc. Norman Ali Bassam Ali Taher Khalaf