Expo Centre Sharjah is one of the UAE’s most prominent exhibition destinations, welcoming visitors for major book fairs, trade shows, cultural festivals, and business events. Set along the Al Khan Lagoon and recognised for its long-standing influence in the region’s exhibition landscape, it continues to serve as a central hub for international gatherings. This guide walks you through its facilities, key features, and what to expect during your visit.
- Expo Centre Sharjah overview
- Key features and facilities
- Events and exhibitions
- Location and how to get there
- Contact Information
- Services for organisers and exhibitors
- Nearby restaurants, hotels, and attractions
- Key takeaways
- FAQs
Expo Centre Sharjah overview
Expo Centre Sharjah is the UAE’s first purpose-built international convention and exhibition centre, established in 1977 by the Sharjah Chamber of Commerce and Industry. It has undergone several significant enhancements over the years to support the increasing scale and diversity of events hosted onsite.
The complex covers approximately 126,000 square metres, while the indoor exhibition halls span around 28,000–40,000 square metres across six fully equipped halls. The centre hosts more than 80 events annually, attracting large visitor numbers from across the UAE and beyond.
With its central location along the Al Khan Lagoon, the venue offers quick access to major highways, as well as both Dubai and Sharjah international airports, making it convenient for bothlocal and international attendees.
Key features and facilities
Expo Centre Sharjah is designed for versatility, supporting a range of events, from international exhibitions to business conferences and large-scale community gatherings.
Exhibition halls
The centre offers six temperature-controlled, column-free halls that can operate independently or be combined into a larger unified space for major exhibitions.
- Approx. 28,000 sqm of indoor exhibition space (with extended areas bringing total exhibition-use space up to approx. 42,000 sqm)
- Six fully facilitated halls
- Modular layouts for varied event setups
- Small meeting and breakout rooms
- Rigging points and efficient load-in access
Event spaces and capacities
These spaces support trade fairs, cultural events, product launches, award ceremonies, and multi-day festivals.
| Space Type | Area (sqm) | Capacity |
| Exhibition Halls (6) | Approx. 28,000 sqm indoor (up to 42,000 sqm including extended areas) | Up to 7,200 (depending on setup) |
| Conference Hall | Approx. 1,300 sqm | Around 350 delegates |
| Ballrooms | Multiple options | Varies |
| Outdoor Event Space | Approx. 6,000 sqm paved area | Varies |
Supporting facilities
Visitors and exhibitors benefit from a range of amenities throughout the venue:
- Kids’ play area
- Prayer rooms
- VIP lounges and majlis
- Restaurants and cafés
- Banks and foreign exchange services
- Medical and security support
- Hotels offering exclusive discounts
- On-site multi-storey parking with around 1,600 spaces, plus additional surrounding parking areas
Technology and event management
Expo Centre Sharjah incorporates advanced systems to support seamless event operations:
- Automated people-counting system
- Digital kiosks and information screens
- AV support and Wi-Fi access (varies by event)
- Modular staging, lighting, and technical solutions
- Six dedicated service gates for efficient logistics and load-in/load-out
Events and exhibitions
Expo Centre Sharjah hosts a year-round programme of major exhibitions, trade shows, cultural festivals, and industry-specific fairs. Its calendar features a mix of large-scale public events and specialised professional gatherings, attracting visitors and exhibitors from across the region.
Popular flagship events include:
- Sharjah International Book Fair, one of the world’s largest book fairs
- Jewellery and watch exhibitions
- Seasonal mega sales and consumer fairs
- Corporate and industry trade shows
- Cultural, culinary, and lifestyle festivals
These well-attended events reinforce Sharjah’s position as a leading regional destination for exhibitions, cultural programming, and business networking.
Location and how to get there
Expo Centre Sharjah is located on Al Taawun St – Al Khalidiya District – Sharjah, offering easy connectivity across the UAE.
By car
These timings represent average conditions for November 2025 and may vary during peak hours.
| Emirate | Approx. Travel Time | Fastest Route |
| Dubai | 23 minutes | E11 |
| Abu Dhabi | 1 hr 31 mins | E11 |
| Fujairah | 1 hr 10 mins | E102 |
| Ajman | 30 minutes | Al Sharq Street |
| Ras Al Khaimah | 1 hr 13 mins | E311 |
| Umm Al Quwain | 33 minutes | E311 |
By bus
Expo Centre Sharjah is well-served by both Sharjah local buses and Dubai intercity routes. Walking times from the nearest stops typically range from 4 to 10 minutes.
Nearby bus stops include:
- Al Taawun Street Bus Stop — approx. 6 minutes
- Al Khan Bus Stop — approx. 7 minutes
- Ansar Mall 2 Bus Stop — approx. 4 minutes
- Al Qasba 2 Bus Stop — approx. 9 minutes
Dubai RTA intercity buses (E303, E304, E306, E307) stop near the Ansar Mall area, while local Sharjah buses (such as Route 9) stop along Al Taawun Street.
Contact Information
- Phone: +971 6 577 0000
- Instagram: @expocentresh
- Contact Emails:
General enquiries: info@expo-centre.ae
Event enquiries: eventserve@expo-centre.ae
Leasing enquiries: leasing@expo-centre.ae
Marketing enquiries: ems@expo-centre.ae
Services for organisers and exhibitors
Expo Centre Sharjah provides comprehensive support for organisers, exhibitors, and delegates, offering a wide range of in-house and partner-managed services designed to streamline event planning and execution.
Event and exhibition services include:
- Booth and pavilion construction
- Floor planning and AutoCAD support
- Exhibition and operations management
- Cleaning and security services
- Wi-Fi and technical assistance
- Branding and photography
- Freight handling, supplies, and storage
- PR, catering, and hostess services
- Event marketing support, including digital campaigns and outreach
These services ensure smooth coordination across all stages of an event, allowing organisers to focus on delivering a successful experience.
Nearby restaurants, hotels, and attractions
The centre’s location offers convenient access to dining, accommodation, and leisure spots.
Restaurants near Expo Centre Sharjah
Several great restaurants near Expo Centre Sharjah offer tasty meals before or after your visit.
1. Laffah Restaurant
A cosy spot serving authentic Middle Eastern dishes, perfect for a relaxed meal with family or friends.
Location
It is located in Al Mamzar Plaza – Al Taawun St – Al Mamzar – Sharjah
Contact information
+971 6 556 9877
2. Baladi Restaurant
Known for its traditional flavours and casual vibe, ideal for quick bites or leisurely lunches.
Location
It is located in Trolleys Supermarket – Al Taawun Street New Al Taawun Road – Al Taawun St – Al Khan – Sharjah
Contact information
056 408 7870
3. Olive Hut Restaurant
Offers Mediterranean and international cuisine with friendly service, making it a local favourite.
Location
It is located in Shop No. 5, Corniche Street – Al Taawun St – Al Mamzar – Sharjah
Contact information
052 123 5078
Hotels near Expo Centre Sharjah
All three hotels are within walking distance of Expo Centre Sharjah, making them the most convenient accommodation options for event attendees.
1. Novotel Sharjah Expo Centre
Modern hotel with comfortable rooms and amenities, conveniently located near Expo Centre Sharjah.
Location
It is located in Al Khan Area – Al Taawun St – next to Sharjah Expo Centre – Al Khalidiya District – Sharjah
Contact information
+971 6 593 3100
2. Sharjah Palace Hotel
Elegant rooms and facilities for business or leisure, close to restaurants and shopping in Sharjah.
Location
It is located on Al Taawun St – near Sharjah Expo – Al Khalidiya District – Sharjah
Contact information
+971 6 593 3555
3. Pullman Sharjah
Upscale hotel with stylish interiors and dining options, perfect for both business trips and relaxing stays.
Location
It is located on Al Taawun St – Al Khalidiya District – Sharjah
Nearby attractions
Here are some popular attractions near Expo Centre Sharjah, all just minutes away.
- Al Qasba — 4 minutes
- Sharjah Aquarium — 6 minutes
- Mamzar Lake — 4 minutes
- Al Noor Island — cultural and leisure destination
Key takeaways
Expo Centre Sharjah is one of the UAE’s largest and most versatile exhibition venues, offering 126,000 sqm of space, six modern halls, advanced event technology, and strong support services for organisers.
Its central location near major highways and airports, along with a year-round calendar of trade shows, conferences, and cultural festivals, makes it a leading destination for large-scale events. Parking is available for up to 3,500 vehicles across on-site and surrounding areas.
FAQs
The centre spans approximately 126,000 square metres.
Expo Centre Sharjah offers six temperature-controlled, fully equipped halls.
Opening hours are 08:00 AM to 05:00 PM, Monday to Thursday.
The venue hosts major annual events, including the Sharjah International Book Fair, jewellery showcases, consumer fairs, cultural festivals, and corporate trade shows.
Yes, parking is available for up to 3,500 vehicles, including accessible and VIP zones.
