Quran Roundabout Sharjah: Location, History, Fee

The Quran Roundabout Sharjah is such a man-made sight, surrounded by prominent government buildings and a mosque. It stands tall in the heart of the city with a beautiful sculpture of the Quran. UAE is known for its destination beaches, exotic islands, and distinct attractions that charm tourists from all over the world. Sharjah is specifically renowned for its natural and man-made destinations. Tourists travel from all over the travel to Sharjah to experience the Arab culture and enjoy the heritage sights that are modern yet possess Islamic roots.

Other than the intricate sculpture of the Holy Quran, this roundabout possesses beautiful orchards, a glass house, and many other tourist attractions. Do visit the Quran Roundabout if you ever visit Sharjah. It is the perfect place to start your sightseeing tour in UAE. Today we will discuss the history, location, entrance fee, timing, and features of the Quran Roundabout Sharjah. Continue reading to know more!

History of Quran Roundabout Sharjah

This roundabout has quite an interesting backstory. In 1987, the Government of Sharjah built this roundabout with a large flame lit in the center of it. It was named “Shula” at the time, which means “flame”. However, the public soon raised concerns about how dangerous it was to place a big flame in one of the busiest places in Sharjah. The concerns quickly reached the officials who agreed that the damages could be enormous in the wake of a fire accident.

The flame was taken down and a sculpture of the Quran was placed on the pedestal. The sculpture was designed by a Spanish architect who was a close companion of Shaikh Dr Sultan. The name of this roundabout has changed multiple times over the years. It was previously called “Book Roundabout”, and then “Cultural Roundabout” and now it is famous as the “Quran Roundabout”. Over the years, every effort has been taken to preserve the Quran sculpture. It is covered in plastic to protect it from the dust and rubble created by the ongoing road projects in the area.

Things to See at Quran Roundabout

These are the six most popular attractions at Quran Roundabout:

The Glass House

The Glass House is a treat for botany students, nature lovers, and plant enthusiasts. It houses 29 different plants that are mentioned in the Quran. Pomegranates, wheat, barley, olives, basil, and bananas are some of the plants you will find in this Glass House. People can also gain knowledge about the characteristics and features of the plants. The Glass House offers a serene and aesthetic backdrop for tourists to relax and take Instagram snapshots.

It also provides washrooms and prayer halls. You can visit the few food stalls available on its premises if you are hungry. The Glass House experience is both entertaining and educational so it is perfect for families and kids. It has an entrance fee of 5 AED ($1.36).     

The Quran Sculpture

The Quran Sculpture is placed on a raised pedestal in the center of the Quran Roundabout. The Holy Quran is opened so its verses are visible. The verses of the Quran are engraved with gold-plated calligraphy which adds to its splendor. The sculpture itself is an architectural marvel which can captivate the onlookers for hours. 

Cave of Miracles

Cave of Miracles is the highlight of the Quran roundabout. This man-made cave utilizes advanced technologies like the hologram effect and 3D mapping projectors to highlight the miracles of the Prophets mentioned in the Holy Quran. You will be able to see the miracles of Prophet Uzair (PBUH), and Prophet Moses (PBUH) through these exhibits.

Different videos on Islamic themes are played for the visitors as they walk through the cave. The Cave of Miracles provides tourists with excellent opportunities to learn about Islam especially if they understand Arabic. The entry fee for the Cave of Miracles is 5 AED ($1.36) but children under the age of six can enter for free.

The Lake

A beautiful lake flows through this roundabout. There is a walkway across the lake that refers to the story of Moses in which he parted the sea into two parts by hurling his spear into the sea. The tourists can learn about the story of Moses through the lake and its walkway. The water of the lake is crystal clear and calm. The grass patches by the lake are the perfect spot for some reflection and spiritual musing. People also like to sit and enjoy picnics with their families and friends by this serene lake.    

The Garden

The garden of the Quran Roundabout is filled with plants and trees of different kinds. Many of these plants are mentioned in the Holy Quran. The beautifully designed garden is a treat for the eyes and a blessing for nature lovers in the bustling city.

Surrounding Buildings

Important government buildings and a mosque surround the Quran Roundabout. There are also various restaurants and coffee houses near the roundabout. You can sit in the Quran Roundabout gardens and appreciate the government buildings’ architecture.  People like to visit restaurants to eat after visiting this monument.

What is the best time to Visit the Quran Roundabout in Sharjah?

It is best to visit the Quran Roundabout Sharjah during winter, between October to April. During winter, the weather is moderate and gardens surrounding the Quran Roundabout are in full bloom. The mild weather and flowery garden in winter will allow the visitors to enjoy this monument in all its glory.

What is the Entry Fee for the Quran Roundabout in Sharjah?

There is no entry fee to enter the Quran Roundabout Sharjah. You can enter for free and enjoy leisurely strolls or picnics with your family. However, attractions like The Glass House and Cave of Miracles have an entry fee of 5 AED each. The charges are minimal considering the amazing experience offered by the Glass House and Cave of Miracles.

What is the dress code for the Quran Roundabout?

Both men and women are advised to dress modestly because the Quran Roundabout is a tribute to the Holy Quran and the Islamic faith. Women must cover their shoulders and legs. They should wear long skirts and pants with shirts that cover their shoulders. Men should also wear pants and shirts with sleeves. Be respectful and avoid ding anything that can pass as offensive behavior when you visit this monument.   

Helpful Tips for Tourists

Keep these three tips in mind when visiting the Quran Roundabout Sharjah;

1. Dress appropriately and modestly as it is a sacred place for Muslims.
2. Bring water and sunscreen because it can get quite hot during the summer season. It is best to stay hydrated and protect yourself from sun rays.
3. Respect the local traditions and values. The Quran Monument is a sacred place for Muslims so behave appropriately and avoid any action that could be considered offensive.  

What to Eat Near Quran Roundabout in Sharjah?

You can buy food from the stalls available on the Quran Roundabout Sharjah. You can also go to one of the restaurants located near this monument. Among the eateries, Al Fanar Restaurant & Cafe is most popular It is known for its Emirate dishes and International cuisines. You could go to Karachi Darbar Restaurant if you prefer South Asian cuisine. There are also fast food places i.e. Pizza Hut, KFC, McDonald’s, and various coffee shops located near the Quran Roundabout.

In addition, you can bring your own food and enjoy a nice picnic in the lush green gardens of the Quran Roundabout. Later, you can go for a cup of coffee in one of the cafes.

How to reach the Quran Roundabout?

You can travel by car or bus to the Quran Roundabout. There is plenty of parking space in the areas surrounding the roundabout for your car. You can park your car and walk to the roundabout. You should travel along the Al Khawaneej road and take the D54 exit to reach the Quran Roundabout by car or cab. Buses are also a convenient option. Bus lines 11A and 11B will take you directly to the monument. You can walk from the bus stop to the monument as it is within walking distance.