How to Spend Time at Sharjah International Airport

Sharjah International Airport is a small airport but offers a surprisingly good assortment of passenger facilities, shopping and dining. The airport is designed to minimize walking distances, to provide high-quality retail outlets and a traditional Middle Eastern airport atmosphere and relaxation zones prior to take-off. So, you do not need to worry about too little activity to enjoy while travelling from or to the airport, you can go out to work, play or even meet your friends in UAE.

Duty-Free Shopping

Location

Sharjah Duty Free is situated in the International Departures section right after the immigration and security checks. There are also other duty-free counters in the Arrivals Hall for passengers' convenience. The airport's main retail area is based on the flight schedule of the airport and caters to the needs of the passengers during the day and night time.

Items Available

You can find a variety of international and regional products, excellent perfumes, high-quality skin care, cosmetic and beauty products, tobacco products, high-quality wines and spirits, gourmet chocolates, confectionery, sunglasses, electronics, watches, travel accessories and children's gift shops at Sharjah Duty Free. For true souvenirs, visitors may also purchase the finest Emirati dates, Arabic sweets, traditional coffee, saffron, camel milk chocolates and gift baskets with a local theme.

Popular Retail Brands

Lancôme, Estée Lauder, Clarins, MAC Cosmetics, Calvin Klein, Montblanc, Ray-Ban, Swarovski, Casio, Guess, L'Oréal Paris are some of the international brands that have their branches at the airport. Other duty-free shops also have many brands of international confectionery products, such as Toblerone, Lindt, Ferrero Rocher and Godiva, and this is a popular place to do last minute shopping.

Shopping Experience

Unlike Dubai Duty Free, Sharjah Duty Free is a breath of fresh air when it comes to UAE airports. Browse at your own pace – wide aisles, short queues and friendly staff – you can browse without the rush before boarding the plane. The convenient design also allows you to be able to enjoy exploring the store easily without having to walk a long distance back to your departure gate.

Traveller Tip

When shopping for perfumes, chocolates or local gift items, have your shopping done before getting to the lounge. The duty free is located just next to the Departure gates, hence it's easy to make your last minute purchases before take off.

Restaurants & Cafés

Overview

There are plenty of cafés and casual restaurants at Sharjah International Airport, both international favorites and Middle Eastern cuisine. The airport's food outlets are available around the clock to serve travellers looking for a quick cup of coffee, a complete meal or something light in between before or after their flights.

Costa Coffee

Costa Coffee is among the most popular meetup areas at the airport, and is situated in the Departure Lounge. Fresley made espressos and cappuccinos, iced drinks, high quality teas, sandwiches, pastries, muffins, cakes and light snacks are available in a cozy café ambiance. An excellent place to relax and catch up on some work with the airport's free internet access.

Subway

Subway is located in the airside departures area, and provides freshly made sandwiches, wraps, salads, cookies and drinks. It's a favorite among travelers who are looking for a quick and enjoyable meal before heading off to the airport, since they can customize the dish to their tastes.

Brioche Dorée

Popular French bakery café that offers fresh baked croissants, artisan breads, gourmet sandwiches, desserts, specialty coffees and breakfast. It's also pretty low-key, so it's a popular spot for passengers waiting for an early or late flight.

Local & Middle Eastern Cuisine

For those wanting to taste the local cuisine, there are cafes serving Arabic coffee, shawarma, hummus, falafel, kebabs and freshly baked pastries, manakish and Middle Eastern desserts. These local specialties make for a delicious beginning – or end – to Emirati and Levantine cuisine.

Grab-and-Go Options

A few snack stalls are available in the terminal to sell fresh juices, bottled drinks, chocolate, chips, sandwiches, wraps, fruit cups and ready to eat foods for quick turn-around passengers.

Dining Tip

Most restaurants open in line with the flight schedule of the airport and not regular hours. When travelling early morning or late evenings make sure you eat soon after the security guard, as this is when most restaurants will be open.

Lounges

The Lounge Sharjah

Located in the International Departures area, The Lounge Sharjah is a tranquil and comfortable space for passengers looking to relax before their flights. A quiet area, away from the main departure hall, guests will find complimentary snacks, international cuisine, drinks, Wi-Fi, charging stations, comfortable seating and TV.

Hala Lounge

Select passengers can enjoy one other luxurious service on board – the Hala Lounge. Prior to flight, business travelers or vacationers can unwind with refreshments, newspapers, comfortable seating and business facilities.

Facilities

Both lounges will have complimentary food and beverages, hot and cold beverages, charging stations, work stations, TVs, flight information screens and seating. Ideal to take a nap before a long journey or to work in a tranquil atmosphere.

Access

Business Class travelers with participating airlines can also enjoy access to lounges, as can those who have purchased individual guest memberships or are members of one of the lounges' various membership programs, such as Priority Pass, LoungeKey, DragonPass and some premium credit cards. Airport Assist is one of the many services provided as part of a personalised airport assistance package and also offers access to airport lounges.

Other Things to Do

Get some sleep and rest before your flight.

There are ample seating areas throughout the Sharjah International Airport departure lounge where you can get up and away from the hustle and bustle, sit and read or work before your flight. The airport is quieter than larger neighborhood airports, which can be very handy when traveling for longer periods of time.

Plane Spotting

There are large windows overlooking the apron with an unobstructed view of Air Arabia aircraft, as well as other International airlines. Aviation fans and families with kids frequently enjoy watching airplanes coming in and out and the ground operations.

Prayer Rooms

Prayer rooms can be found around the terminal, so travellers can pray before and after traveling from the terminal every day.

Stay Connected

In addition, passengers can enjoy free high-speed Wi-Fi access throughout the airport to connect to the internet, watch entertainment, work, or communicate with family and friends while waiting for their flights.

Airport Assist Concierge

Booking Airport Assist makes you re-experience the airport from the moment of arrival to departure. From Meet and Greet to Fast Track or Lounge access to Personalised transport, all the details are taken care of with a relaxed approach and handled professionally, to deliver you a hassle-free experience at Sharjah International Airport.

Suggested Layover Itineraries

  • It is not compulsory, but it is advisable to spend 3 hours layover for relaxing inside the airport. Layover of three hours is the best option to spend Sharjah International Airport without leaving the terminal. After security check, visit the duty free stores for fine perfumes, chocolate souvenirs, and souvenirs of the region, then relax in The Lounge Sharjah and Hala Lounge, offering free Wi-Fi and refreshments. You get off the plane, take a break to drink a cup of coffee or a light snack and then make your way to your gate.
  • This is a 5-6 hour stopover in Cultural Capital of UAE. Take a taxi into Sharjah city, which takes about 20 to 25 minutes, if you have at least 5 to 6 hours, and have met the UAE's entry requirements. Visit Al Noor Mosque, walk through Al Majaz Waterfront or enjoy a traditional Emirati meal at one of the waterfront restaurants. Arrive at airport at least 2 hours prior to the departure for next flight. Best transport: Taxi / pre-booked private transport.
  • 8+ Hour Layover to Sharjah's Heritage & Waterfront. Don't miss the chance to take part in the 8 hours or more of exploration and appreciation to find out why Sharjah is known as the cultural hub of the UAE. Visit the Heart of Sharjah heritage district, then wander through the souqs and through the restored historic homes to Sharjah Art Museum or Rain Room Sharjah. If you're looking for a peaceful afternoon, be sure to visit Al Khan Beach or Al Qasba Canal, where you'll find cafes, boat rides and canal strolls to refresh you before making the return trip to the airport. The best means of transport is private one, by taxi or arrangements made in advance by Airport Assist.

Ground Transportation

Taxi Services

Official airport taxis are in operation around the clock right outside the arrivals terminal to transport passengers to the city centre of Sharjah, Dubai, Ajman, Ras Al Khaimah and other emirates. There are metered taxis and they are considered the fastest means of transport for most people.

Ride-Hailing Services

For both careem and Uber, service is provided all over the emirate of Sharjah and neighbouring emirates. Once in the terminal, booking in advance via the mobile app can also help to shorten waiting times, especially during the peak arrival hours in the evening.

Public Bus Services

SRTA also runs regular buses between the airport and Sharjah city and intercity buses connect the city with Dubai, Ajman and other cities. These services are a cost-effective way for those who don't have a lot of luggage to travel.

Car Rental

Sharjah International Airport has several international and regional rental car companies, such as Hertz, Budget, Europcar, Thrifty and Dollar. If you intend to visit Sharjah's museums, deserts and neighbouring emirates without the assistance of your tour guide, hiring a car is a great option.

Private Airport Transfers

Airport Assist will make luxury private transfers from the airport to hotels, business areas, cruise terminals or anywhere in the UAE. It is a premium service particularly helpful for families, business travellers and those who have several bags to carry.

Traveller Essentials

Currency Exchange & Banking

Convenience counters and ATMs can be found in various locations in the arrival and departure areas. The major international currencies are accepted and visitors can get UAE Dirhams upon landing.

SIM Cards

Tourist SIMs are available after they arrive and offer rapid mobile internet, local calls and data packages to suit their stay in the UAE - for both e& and du.

Free Wi-Fi

The passenger terminal has complimentary WiFi internet access available for guests so they can be able to surf the web, check the flight information, attend virtual meetings or connect with friends and family.

Medical & Pharmacy Services

Medical service and first-aid are available in the airport, as well as the pharmacy, where all the items required for medical purposes and travels are available.

Baggage Services

Baggage trolleys are provided at all points in the terminal area and Airport Assist can arrange porter services for oversized bags, sports bags and multiple bags as well as from check-in to pick-up.

Accessibility

The Sharjah International Airport is fully accessible to passengers with reduced mobility and offers facilities such as accessible washrooms, wheelchair assistance, lifts, ramps, priority assistance, and dedicated support staff. Airport Assist recommends making special assistance arrangements in advance for a hassle-free flight.

Quick Facts

Category Details
Airport Name Sharjah International Airport
IATA Code SHJ
ICAO Code OMSJ
Location Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
Distance from City Centre Approximately 13 km
Passenger Terminal 1
Hub Airline Air Arabia
International Flights Yes
Free Wi-Fi Available
Premium Lounges Available
Wheelchair Assistance Available
Airport Assistance Available through Airport Assist

Why Choose Airport Assist at Sharjah International Airport?

Airport Assist is an easy way to travel through Sharjah International Airport with personalized Meet and Greet services, Fast Track services, Airport Lounge access, Baggage handling, Porter services, family services and dedicated Airport transit service. From business trips to vacations, and from transfer to other airports, our staff at the airport are well-trained to ensure your travels are seamless, efficient and stress-free.

Pro Tip

If you are travelling with Air Arabia, arrive early for your flights during school holidays and holidays when Sharjah International Airport is busiest. With Airport Assist booking, you can experience hassle-free and relaxed airport journey from the moment of arrival to departure, as you will have access to personalised Meet and Greet, Fast Track processing, baggage assistance and lounge access.

WE ENSURE SWIFT, SMOOTH AND SAFE PASSAGE THROUGH AIRPORTS