Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
Sharjah's main tourist area with waterfront dining, a big fountain show, and safe evening atmosphere. About 25 restaurants and cafes, most with English-speaking staff. Families around until late.
Al Majaz Waterfront sits along Khalid Lake with parks, restaurants, and the Sharjah Musical Fountain. Evenings draw families, office workers, and tourists once temperatures drop. The fountain is large - water jets hit 100 meters. Around 25 restaurants and cafes line the waterfront, from Italian coffee at illy Café to Lebanese at Zahr El Laymoun. Shakespeare & Co gets recommended a lot for eating alone because of the relaxed setup. Lighting is good, police patrol regularly, and families stay late so it feels safe walking around. The jogging track and open spaces stay busy. Most staff speak English since the area caters to expats and tourists. There's an observation wheel (Eye of the Emirates) and traditional Abra boat rides. This is Sharjah's most tourist-oriented area. The Light Festival in February packs the waterfront with visitors from across the UAE.
Daytime Safety
ExcellentNight Walking Safety
ExcellentHarassment Risk
LowPublic Transport Safety
ExcellentPickpocketing Risk
LowScam Risk
LowPolice Visibility
ExcellentEmergency Services
ExcellentEvening Venues
ExcellentSolo Dining
ExcellentDrug Activity
Very HighHomelessness Visibility
Very HighGetting By in English
Excellent"Felt completely safe walking alone here even late evening"
"Lots of families around which creates a comfortable atmosphere"
"Restaurants were welcoming to solo diners, staff spoke English"
"Beautiful waterfront for evening walks, well-lit and patrolled"
"More conservative than Dubai but still very foreigner-friendly"
Areas with comparable safety profiles for solo female travelers
Canal district with waterfront dining, a Ferris wheel, fountain shows on weekends, and an art center. Free entry and safe evening atmosphere. Good middle ground between Al Majaz and Heart of Sharjah.
Budget residential area on the Sharjah-Dubai border with cheap, diverse dining and safe accommodation. No tourist attractions - you'll need to travel elsewhere for sightseeing. Good for experiencing local expat life.
Quieter beach and lagoon area with a residential feel. Safe but not much happening in evenings. Good for a peaceful coastal base, not for active nightlife or lots of restaurant options.
Help other women stay safe in Al Majaz
Neighborhood conditions can change. Check recent news, ask locals or your accommodation about current safety, especially for nighttime plans.