At the heart of Sharjah lies one of its crown jewels, an island that proudly proclaims the spirit of the United Arab Emirates. Flag Island is one of Sharjah’s iconic landmarks and a very popular tourist destination.
Whether you’re a visitor who just heard about the place or a local planning planning a family trip, here’s all you need to know about Flag Island. We’ll cover what it’s about, where it’s located and what to do once you’re there.
What Is Flag Island?
Flag Island is a prime tourist destination located at the centre of Sharjah. The island’s evocative name comes from its signature sight: The flag of the United Arab Emirates. Currently, it is one of the tallest flags in the entire state, soaring in the sky on a 123-meter pole. Moreover, at the time of its formation in December 2012, it was the 7th tallest flag in the world.
Flag Island is a popular local and national attraction that serves as a celebration of the union of the UAE. Entry to the area is free, making it an even more viable option for many tourists and locals.
Location: Centre of Sharjah
About the Flag
Let’s discuss the most striking aspect of Flag Island: the flag itself. The pole’s lighting, along with its surroundings, creates a unique design. Lights are placed around the circle at a height of 3 meters, as well as 7 lights around the pole, representing the seven emirates of UAE.
The pathway leading to the flagpole is also adorned with lights at a height of 4.2 meters.
Activities in Flag Island
The island has many facilities that make for an ideal evening with your loved ones. Enjoy a calming walk near the waters or sit back at the cafe with a nice cup of coffee. Here’s all you can do in Flag Island:
Jones the Grocer
Shop for various speciality products at Jones the Grocer, a massive food emporium located on Flag Island.
- Enjoy the walking cheese room or purchase a deli and charcuterie.
- Enjoy some good food at the cafe.
- Enjoy its outdoor seating, letting visitors enjoy the delectable menu while admiring the sights.
Photo Op
If you’re looking for a good spot for a photo op, it’s hard to go wrong with Flag Island. Its clear, calming waters make for an excellent “Instagrammable” view, and the flag stands tall as a prime photo op location. Take your camera to the design space or the amphitheatre as well. There is no shortage of photo op locations in Flag Island.
Amphitheatre
The amphitheatre is a prime spot for concerts and live events in Sharjah. The amphitheatre features 1000 thousand seats and provides a stunning cityscape view. Celebrations are also held here during Flag Day and National Day.
1971 – Design Space
Enjoy a tour of the 1971 design space. Experience the work of local designers and architects with new technologies, furniture, interiors and so much more. 1971 also offers public programmes and curated exhibitions for visitors.
Admire the Scenery
Take a walk across the calming waters of Flag Island and enjoy the gentle, cool breeze with the sounds of flowing water. Sometimes, you only need a nice, relaxing walk with good company to solve all your problems.
Flag Island’s beautiful scenery makes it a perfect destination to walk and admire the views with your family and friends. Whether it’s the calming waters or the striking image of the flag itself.
Go For a Splash at the Pearls Kingdom Waterpark
Nothing like a dip in the waters after an outing at Flag Island. Cap your trip off with a big splash at the Pearls Kingdom Waterparks. Full access to the park for a day is AED 140 for children of heights between 80cm and 120cm. Access for adults and children above 120cm is AED 175.
Park Timings: 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM (Monday – Sunday)
FAQs
While Sharjah is generally cheaper, Dubai offers a better quality of living. Here’s a comprehensive comparison between Dubai and Sharjah.
From Fen Cafe to Twisted Olive, Sharjah has plenty of great places to enjoy a nice breakfast in Sharjah.
Flag Island is one of UAE’s most iconic landmarks, a scenic tourist site and a local attraction in Sharjah. We hope this guide will help you plan a trip to this iconic spot.
For more about Sharjah, check out our guide on the best abaya shops in Sharjah.
