The Sharjah Maritime Museum was first opened in the Heritage Area in early 2003 to highlight the maritime life of the United Arab Emirates. However, due to the importance of the sea and its significance in the region’s heritage, the museum was expanded and relocated in Al Khan in 2009. The sea has played a key role in Sharjah's development and was the primary reason for the first settlers choosing this site over 6,000 years ago.
In the museum the visitors can explore traditional wooden seafaring dhows used for fishing, trading and pearling, each designed according to their use. One can see genuine Arabian pearls, discover how they were collected, measured and weighed, and admire the powerful wooden pulley blocks used to raise and lower sails and discover the local traditions for catching fish.
(From information published by the Sharjah Museums Department)