The magnificent building that houses the Sharjah Museum of Islamic Civilization first opened in 1987 as the Souq al-Majarrah and quickly became a popular landmark, both among the people of Sharjah themselves and visiting tourists. The building was only the second of its kind in the Gulf region, after Sharjah’s “’New”’ or “Central’’ Souq constructed in 1977, to use traditional, Arab-Islamic design elements in its ground-plan and décor. The building with its impressive architecture and attractive design features was subsequently renovated and reopened in 2008 as the Museum of Islamic Civilization. Its most outstanding feature is its majestic, gilt central dome, decorated on the inside with an intricate mosaic depicting the night sky and the signs of the zodiac.

New Book Available
	New Book Available: ‘Masterpieces from the Sharjah Museum of Islamic Civilization’ English and Arabic text Price 85 AED Available from the Museum’s Gift Shop