The emirate of Sharjah has come miles in recent years, transforming from a sleepy northern emirates into a cultural and foodie powerhouse. Now a popular place to live, spend a weekend or enjoy a relaxing staycation, or as an alternative Dubai vacation destination in itself, Sharjah is having a moment. The latest neighbourhood to come up in the emirate is Aljda, dubbed the ‘new Downtown of Sharjah’, a new hotpot set to rival Dubai’s beachy and elegant Jumeirah neighbourhood packed with cute cafes and coffee shops, restaurants, interiors and design studios, fitness studios and concept stores. Here’s the Near+Far guide to Aljada Sharjah, the UAE’s coolest new neighbourhood.

Complete guide to Aljada Sharjah

Cafes and coffee shops in Aljada Sharjah

Hoof Cafe

Coffee snobs will love a visit to Hoof Cafe, a Shajrah-born concept with six outlets across the Emirates and one in the trendy new Aljada Sharjah. A homage to the UAE’s equestrian heritage, interiors are rustic, elevated and elegant – reminiscent of a Ralph Lauren store, with warming textured walls, wooden furniture, plush white seating and brown leather saddles and horseshoes on the wall for true dedication to the heme. The cafe offers freshly baked pastries like cheese croissants or indulgent caramel hazelnut croissants and tasty and nourishing diets like Figs & Labneh – fresh figs with labneh sauce on sourdough, topped with zaatar, honey, aromatic herb oil, and edible flowers.
@hoof.cafe

Sabaku

Sleek Japanese-inspired Sabaku is an acolyte’s dream, immediately instilling a sense of zen with its earthy interiors. The vibe is hald Japanese ryokan, with its pale grey and pink walls, potted greenery and wooden furniture, but with traditional Bedouin-inspired rugs in a nod to Sharjah. Diners can expect the most premium, ceremonial-grade matcha, plus fusion Tokyo-inspired dishes like the Sabuku Benedict and fluffy Omurice omelette.
@sabaku.ae

Racks Cafe

Quirky Racks Cafe is one of the most playful yet cool community spots in Aljada, offering guests the enjoyment of a full-day pass of board games for just AED35. The colourful concept is home to dozens of board games, from classics like Monopoly to Scrabble to trendy indie board games doing the rounds on Tiktok. It’s a wonderfully cosy spot to hideaway, spend a summers day, or night, with your friend or loved ones and enjoy great coffee, breakfast dishes like pancakes, chia and acai, refreshing drinks and indulgent bites like burgers, sliders, crispy fries and ice cream – the perfect fuel for a highly competitive game of Uno. There’s even a Cereal Club, offering some of the world’s favourites alongside rare and unusual cereal to gusts.
@rackscafe

PopUp

Open from 7am until 12am, Popup is a coffee shop, lunch spot, late-night hangout and more, specialising in fantastic coffee, creative breakfasts and sweet treats. The contemporary space is in soothing hues of white, black and grey – making its colourful dishes like emerald green matcha and brilliant pink raspberry cakes even more appealing. There’s a lovely outdoor terrace with potted greenery for the cooler months, too.
@popup_ae

The Basement Cafe

Trendy Basement Cafe is, possibly, Aljada Sharjah’s most youthful hangout – the spot for coffee, matcha, iced infusions, breakfast and sweet treats, with laid-back, friendly vibes. This is a community hangout as much as a coffee shop, with TVs showing sports matches, open mic nights with poetry and music and a pretty great loyalty card system. This is the Aljada Sahrjah coffee shop to return to time and time again.
@thebasementcafe.ae

Beyond Bakehouse

Another fantastic addition to Aljada Sharjah and its burgeoning coffee culture is Beyond Bakehouse – a charming spot focused on the present baked goodies, think sourdough loaves and croissants, in a light and bright space with low-hanging lighting, twisted tree trunks and gleaming white and cream surroundings. An outside seating area lets you soak up the vibe of the new development.
@beyondbakehouse

Best restaurants in Aljada Sharjah

Berenjak

Perhaps Aljada’s most acclaimed and exciting restaurant opening is Berenjak – the famed Persian concept born in London and, earlier this year, opened in Dubai. The same stunning interiors can be found, all gilded and moody, alongside a menu of Persian-inspired cuisine with a contemporary twist. Expect traditional Persian artworks, high ceilings, heavy velvet ceilings, vintage chandeliers and more – with a sprawling terrace seating up to 52 guests.
@berenjakuae

Origami Sushi

Cementing Aljada Sharjah’s reputation as one of the chicest up-and-coming foodie spots in the UAE is the opening of Origami Sushi, a minimalist and stripped-back Japanese-inspired experience with outlets in Dubai Mall, Dubai Festival City Mall, Abu Dhabi and Jumeirah. This is a restaurant for serious sushi lovers, prided for its fresh sushi and Japanese creations, along with its premium meats like butter-soft wagyu ribeye. The vibe is of Japanese Ryokan meets slick Tokyo sushi joint, and it is a must-visit for anyone visiting the development.
@eatorigamisushi

Pickl

Residents of Sharjah were delighted at the news that the UAE’st most loved and popular homegrown establishment, Pickl, was opening its doors in Aljada Sharjah – serving its award-winning burgers, sandos, fries and other perfectly prepared comfort foods. The venue itself is spacious and contemporary, and there’s outdoor seating to make the most of the sunshine in the cooler months.
@pickl.mena

Fitness and beauty

Round Fitness Studio

Round Fitness Studio is first a fitness studio and gym, but it’s also a true neighbourhood space – building a fitness community in the heart of the new Sharjah Downtown. There’s a smoothie bar for fruity and protein shakes and a fantastic roster of weekly classes.
@round.ae

Bedashing Beauty Lounge

Residents and visitors can make full use of Bedashing Beauty Lounge, a great space for sleek manicures, nail art, lashes, hair and everything you’d need to look your best on your visit to Aljada Sharjah. Bedashing operates 24 locations across the UAE, so you can rest assured at the highest quality treatments and service.
@bedashingbeauty

Shopping in Aljada Sharjah

Artal Fashion

Another beautiful spot for abayas and modest wear is Artal Fashion, the self-described home of ‘Emirati fashion’ with a chic and modern studio and atelier in Aljada Sharjah. Shop colourful and intricately designed abayas in bold hues, as well as soft shades, jewellery with vivid gemstones and other accessories.
@artalfashionsuae

Moments Design

Aljada Sharjah is also a spot to empower local designers and retail concepts, and Moments Design brings its signature sleek modest wear blending heritage with modernity. Pop into its shop to browse elegant abayas, kaftans, and other items in chic minimalist hues, as well as plenty of designs with colourful pops.
@moments_design

arada.com, @aljadashj

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