Al Buhaira in Sharjah is a well-known waterfront area that offers scenic views, modern apartments and a convenient lifestyle. With Al Buhaira Corniche at its heart, the neighbourhood is popular for evening walks, family outings and easy access to shops and services. Its central location makes commuting to other parts of Sharjah and Dubai more practical.
At the same time, the calm surroundings attract families and working professionals who prefer to stay close to the city but still enjoy open views of the lagoon. This guide explains the pros, cons and cost of living in Al Buhaira, helping you decide if this area matches your daily needs and future plans.
- Overview
- Pros of Living in Al Buhaira, Sharjah
- Cons of Living in Al Buhaira, Sharjah
- Key Takeaways
- FAQs
Living in Al Buhaira – Overview
Al Buhaira, also known as Buhaira Corniche, is a popular waterfront area in Sharjah overlooking Khalid Lake. The community is well known for its high-rise apartment buildings, lively surroundings and wide range of nearby facilities. Located close to Al Wahda Street (E11), it offers direct access to Dubai, Ajman and other parts of Sharjah.
The area mainly features apartments, from affordable 1-bed units to spacious family flats, many with views of the lagoon. Residents benefit from easy access to Al Buhaira supermarkets, clinics, restaurants, malls and leisure spots such as Al Majaz Waterfront, Al Noor Island and Al Buhaira Corniche Park. Schools and nurseries are also found within a short drive, making the area suitable for families.
While Al Buhaira offers convenience and an active lifestyle, traffic congestion and limited parking can be everyday challenges. Its busy environment may not suit those looking for a quiet neighbourhood, but it remains a prime choice for professionals and families who value central living with waterfront views.
Pros of Living in Al Buhaira, Sharjah
The following are some of the key benefits of living in Al Buhaira Corniche, Sharjah:
1. Housing/Property Options
Al Buhaira mainly consists of high-rise apartment buildings, offering a wide range of units suitable for singles, couples and families. Flats are available in different sizes, typically ranging from 1 to 4 bedrooms, with layouts that suit both professionals and larger households.
Many apartments feature ensuite bedrooms, balconies with lagoon views, fitted kitchens and maids’ rooms in larger units.
Architecture and Design
- Architecturally, towers in Al Buhaira follow modern designs with glass-fronted facades, spacious lobbies and 24-hour security.
- Interiors often include open-plan living areas, built-in wardrobes and tiled floors, with many buildings also providing shared facilities such as gyms, swimming pools and basement parking.
Layouts
- Apartment sizes vary, with smaller 1-bedroom units starting at around 800 square metres and larger 3- to 4-bedroom apartments offering more expansive layouts.
- Parking is usually available within the building, either in covered lots or underground garages and residents enjoy easy access to supermarkets, cafés and the Corniche walkway.
The following table shows the cost of living in Al Buhaira:
| Type | Avg. Sale Price (AED/year) |
| 1-Bedroom Apartment | 509K |
| 2-Bedroom Apartment | 800K |
| 3-Bedroom Apartment | 1.1M |
| 4-Bedroom Apartment | 2.2M |
| Type | Avg. Rent Price (AED/year) |
| Studio Apartment | 21K |
| 1-Bedroom Apartment | 34K |
| 2-Bedroom Apartment | 43K |
| 3-Bedroom Apartment | 67K |
| 4-Bedroom Apartment | 97K |
2. Strategic Location
Al Buhaira enjoys a central location in Sharjah, set along Khalid Lake and surrounded by key city landmarks. Its position on Corniche Street and near Al Wahda Street (E11) makes it practical for commuting to Dubai, Ajman and other parts of Sharjah.
The area is well-served by public transport, with bus stops and taxis readily available. Daily convenience is enhanced by its proximity to schools, clinics, malls and leisure destinations. For example:
- Al Majaz Waterfront – 5 minutes away
- Al Noor Island – 3 minutes away
- City Centre Sharjah – 10 minutes away
- Rolla Square Park – 12 minutes away
- Sharjah Corniche Hospital – 5 minutes away
- Dubai International Airport – 20 minutes away
- Sharjah International Airport – 25 minutes away
- Ajman – 20 minutes away
3. Public Transportation
Public transport in Al Buhaira is fairly accessible compared to many other parts of Sharjah. Several bus routes run along Corniche Street and Al Wahda Street, linking the area to key destinations such as Rolla, Al Jubail Bus Station and Dubai.
Public Buses and Stops
The nearest main hub is Al Jubail Bus Station, about 10 minutes away, which connects to Dubai, Ajman and other emirates. Furthermore, Sharjah features a well-maintained infrastructure when it comes to public means of transportation. Overall, here are some of the bus stops surrounding the area:
- Buhaira Corniche Al Noor Mosque Bus Stop
- Noor Mosque Bus Stop
- King Faisal Road, Jumbo – Sony 1 Bus Stop
- Abu Shagara Bus Stop
Taxis and Private Cars
Taxis are easy to find across the Corniche, especially near malls, hotels and residential towers. Ride-hailing apps such as Careem and Uber are also commonly used by residents.
Although buses and taxis are widely available, many residents still prefer using private cars, especially for daily commuters living in Sharjah while working in Dubai, as peak-hour traffic can slow down journeys.
4. Educational Facilities
Al Buhaira is home to a few nurseries and benefits from proximity to several schools in Sharjah. While the immediate area lacks its own schools, the surrounding neighbourhoods offer convenient options. For instance:
Nurseries
- Magic Kids Nursery – 8 minutes away,
- Smart Kids Nursery – 11 minutes away
- Al Lulu Nursery – 12 minutes away
- Baby First Nursery Sharjah – 6 minutes away
- Bluebells Nursery – 5 minutes away
Schools
- Victoria International School – 2 minutes away
- Dubai Carmel School – 4 minutes away
- The Sheffield Private School – 4 minutes away
- Pristine Private School, Al Nahda Second – 4 minutes away
- Emirates College for Management & IT – 4 minutes away
- Al Mazaya Private School – 5 minutes away
- Sharjah Indian School – 7 minutes away
- American School of Creative Science – 12 minutes away
5. Healthcare Facilities
Al Buhaira and its surrounding areas provide residents with easy access to a range of healthcare services, from local clinics to well-known hospitals. This makes medical support convenient for families and working professionals. For instance:
Primary Care & Clinics
- Aster Clinic, Corniche Sharjah – within the community
- Bissan Medical Centre – 5 minutes away
- Durat Al Buhaira Dental Clinic – 6 minutes away
- Al Hayat Medical Centre – 7 minutes away
Hospitals
- Sunny Al Buhaira Medical Centre – 5 minutes away
- Sharjah Corniche Hospital – 5 minutes away
- NMC Medical Centre Al Majaz – 7 minutes away
- Medcare Hospital Sharjah – 10 minutes away
- Zulekha Hospital, Sharjah – 13 minutes away
- Al Qassimi Hospital – 15 minutes away
6. Lifestyle and Essential Amenities
Living in Al Buhaira means being surrounded by shops, gyms, nurseries and leisure attractions, all set along the Corniche. The area combines scenic outdoor spaces with plenty of services for daily convenience.
Parks and Outdoor Spaces
- Al Majaz Waterfront Park: A landmark family park with play zones, musical fountain shows, cafés and a jogging track.
- Al Buhaira Corniche Walkway: A popular lakeside path for walking, cycling and outdoor fitness.
- Al Noor Island: A short walk from the Corniche, featuring gardens, a butterfly house and cultural attractions.
Fitness and Wellness
- Al Majaz Fitness: Gym offering cardio, strength training and fitness classes.
- Al Buraq Gym Sharjah: Local fitness club with full gym facilities for men and women.
Mosques
- Al Noor Mosque: An Iconic mosque located along the Corniche, open to guided visits.
- King Faisal Mosque: A few minutes’ drive away, one of the largest mosques in Sharjah.
- Local prayer halls are also available within residential and commercial areas.
Shopping Centres
- Al Fardan Centre: A community mall with shops, Carrefour Market, fitness facilities and dining outlets.
- Safeer Mall: Popular shopping destination with retail outlets, Safeer Supermarket, restaurants and family services.
Supermarkets
- Shams Al Buhaira Supermarket: Local store offering groceries and daily essentials.
- Wahat Al Buhairah Supermarket: Another convenient supermarket for fresh produce and household goods.
- Spinneys, Al Majaz: A short drive away, stocking international and premium products.
Dining & Cafés
- Noor Al Buhaira Restaurant: Family dining restaurant serving a variety of dishes.
- Tareeq Al Buhaira Cafeteria: Casual eatery popular for quick snacks and refreshments.
- Al Afrah Cafeteria Buhaira: Known for its affordable meals and convenient location.
Entertainment
- Novo Cinemas, Buhaira Corniche: A modern cinema complex showing the latest films, located close to the Corniche.
Salons and Spas
- Pearls Beauty Ladies Salon: Women’s salon offering hair, nails and skincare treatments.
- Awtar Beauty Centre: Popular beauty centre for grooming and personal care.
- Elegance Spa and Dalouk Wellness Spa: Nearby wellness centres with massage, spa and beauty services.
7. Nearby Attractions
These popular spots are located just a few minutes away from Al Buhaira:
- Blue Souk: 5 minutes away
- Al Ittihad Park: 7 minutes away
- Abu Shagara Park: 8 minutes away
- Pearls Kingdom Waterpark: 8 minutes away
- Oasis Mall: 13 minutes away
Cons of Living in Al Buhaira, Sharjah
The following are some minor disadvantages of living in Al Buhaira Corniche, Sharjah:
1. Traffic Congestion
Being in the heart of Sharjah, Al Buhaira faces heavy traffic, especially during peak hours on Corniche Street and Al Wahda Street. This can make commuting to Dubai or other parts of Sharjah time-consuming.
2. Limited Parking Availability
Many residential towers have restricted parking spaces and public parking along the Corniche often fills up quickly. Finding a spot, particularly in the evenings or on weekends, can be challenging for residents and visitors.
3. Busy and Noisy Environment
As one of Sharjah’s most popular destinations, the Corniche attracts families, joggers and visitors daily. While this adds to the lively atmosphere, it also means more noise, crowds and less privacy compared to suburban neighbourhoods.
4. Higher Rent Compared to Other Areas
Rental prices in Al Buhaira are generally higher than in many other parts of Sharjah due to its central location, lagoon views and access to amenities. This may not suit those looking for budget-friendly housing options.
5. Weekend and Event Crowds
Events at Al Majaz Waterfront or Corniche parks draw large crowds. During these times, the area can feel overcrowded, making it less peaceful for residents who prefer quieter surroundings.
6. Limited Budget-Friendly Dining Options
While the Corniche is filled with cafés and restaurants, many are mid-range or high-end. More affordable, everyday dining choices would improve convenience for families and residents on a budget.
Key Takeaways
Al Buhaira Sharjah offers a lively waterfront lifestyle with modern apartments, scenic Corniche views and easy access to shops, schools and leisure attractions. Its central location ensures strong connectivity to Dubai, Ajman and other parts of Sharjah, though heavy traffic and limited parking can be daily challenges.
The area is ideal for those who enjoy city living, active outdoor spaces and being close to malls, restaurants and entertainment. However, higher rents, weekend crowds and fewer budget-friendly dining options may not suit everyone.
With established facilities such as nurseries, schools, supermarkets, gyms and family parks, Al Buhaira remains one of Sharjah’s most popular residential communities. It is best suited for professionals and families who value convenience, waterfront views and a vibrant urban lifestyle.
FAQs
Yes, Al Buhaira is considered one of the most desirable places to live in Sharjah. It offers modern apartments, waterfront views and a wide range of amenities such as schools, nurseries, supermarkets, gyms and leisure parks. Its central location makes commuting practical, although traffic and limited parking can be challenges.
Yes, Buhaira Corniche is free to visit. The lakeside walkway, parks and open spaces around Khalid Lake are public areas, making it a popular spot for evening strolls, jogging and family outings without any entry fees.
Al Buhaira offers good investment potential, especially for apartments. Its central location, demand for waterfront living and proximity to key roads and amenities keep rental yields steady. While property prices here are generally higher than in suburban areas, investors benefit from long-term value and consistent demand from both locals and expatriates.
Al Buhaira is home to a diverse mix of residents, including families, professionals and long-term expatriates. Many choose the area for its central location, access to schools and healthcare and the lively atmosphere along the Corniche. It is particularly popular with those who prefer apartment living in a vibrant, waterfront setting.
With all these major pros and minor cons, living in Al Buhaira, Sharjah offers both a pleasant living experience and solid investment potential. Meanwhile, when deciding where to live, you should carefully weigh the pros and cons of buying vs renting to make a wise, well-informed decision.
