Rain Room
Rain Room, an installation by Random International, immerses visitors in continuous rainfall
When visitors enter the room, they are directed to navigate intuitively and carefully through the dark underground space in order to protect themselves from the downpour. As the visitors walk through the room, which uses 1,200 liters of self-cleaning, recycled water, their movements trigger motion sensors that pauses the rainfall when detecting movement.
Founded in 2005, Random International is a London-based collaborative studio for experimental and digital practice within contemporary art. Their work, which includes sculpture, performance and large-scale architectural installations, reflects the relationship between man and machine and centres on audience interaction.
Sharjah Art Foundation is an advocate, catalyst and producer of contemporary art. Through the Sharjah Biennial, the annual March Meeting, year-round exhibitions, education and community outreach programmes, grants, residencies, commissions and publications, the foundation encourages a shared understanding of the transformational role of art.
The Rain Room building in Sharjah has been designed by Sharjah Art Foundation and the UAE-based SpaceContinuum Design Studio in collaboration with Shape Architecture Practice + Research, Sharjah.
Mleiha Visitor Centre
Embark on a journey back through time and experience the history of traditional Emirati life.
Built around the Umm an-Nar tomb, a huge circular Bronze Age grave, the Mleiha Archaeological Centre brings Sharjah’s ancient history to life. There are amazing artefacts and exhibits, interactive displays and guided tours of the surrounding archaeological sites.
Enjoy a meal at the café and the huge range of activities on offer, including trekking and 4WD tours to Fossil Rock and Camel Rock, paragliding from one of Mleiha’s tallest peaks, desert cycling tours and dune buggy rides.
Sharjah City
Centred round a beautiful lagoon, Sharjah’s capital combines heritage and culture with family-friendly entertainment.
Sharjah is home to acclaimed art galleries, buzzy waterfront areas and pleasure islands, creativity and excitement flow through the emirate. At the same time, the city stays true to its Islamic heritage, with a traditional, gracious and welcoming vibe.
Nestled between two lagoons, the city is a global metropolis of modern business and vibrant culture. UNESCO declared Sharjah a Culture Capital of the Arab World for its efforts to maintain and promote Arab traditions. The city shares its heritage through over 20 museums and galleries, local architecture and culture-packed leisure activities. Sharjah is a prime tourism destination with 106 hotels and hotel apartments, a variety of casual dining restaurants and indescribable experiences that take its guests through a rich and vibrant history.