Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
Region: Sharjah
Geographic Coordinates: 25.357500, 55.390800
Temperature Range: 15.0°C to 45.0°C (59°F to 113°F)
Climate: Hot and dry climate with high temperatures throughout the year, occasional rainfall in winter months.
Population: 1247749
Language: Arabic
Sharjah is one of the seven emirates that make up the United Arab Emirates (UAE). It is located on the eastern coast of the country and shares its southern border with Dubai. The city has a rich history dating back over 5, 000 years and is known as the cultural capital of UAE. UNESCO has recognized Sharjah as the Cultural Capital of the Arab World for its efforts in preserving and promoting Arabic culture. Sharjah offers a unique blend of modernity and tradition.
It boasts several world-class museums, Including Sharjah Museum of Islamic Civilization, Which houses over 5, 000 artifacts from across the Islamic world. The Sharjah Art Museum showcases contemporary art from local artists and international exhibitions. The city hosts several annual events such as Sharjah International Book Fair, Which attracts thousands of book lovers worldwide. Other popular events include Sharjah Heritage Days where visitors can experience traditional Emirati culture through food, Music, Dance performances and more.
Sharjah’s architecture reflects its rich heritage with buildings like Al Noor Mosque featuring intricate Islamic designs while newer developments such as Al Majaz Waterfront offer modern amenities like restaurants and entertainment venues. One cannot miss exploring Souq Al Arsah – one of UAE’s oldest marketplaces that dates back to more than a century ago. Here visitors can find traditional handicrafts such as pottery, Textiles along with spices at bargain prices.
For nature lovers who want to escape city life for a while can visit Kalba Nature Reserve – home to diverse flora & fauna including Arabian leopard – one of UAE’s endangered species. Sharjah offers visitors an authentic experience with its rich heritage sites combined with modern-day attractions making it an ideal destination for those looking for something different in their travels within UAE.
- Sharjah Museum of Islamic Civilization
- Al Noor Island
- Sharjah Heritage Area
- Sharjah Art Museum
- Al Qasba Canal and Waterfront Promenade
- Central Souq (Blue Souq)
- King Faisal Mosque
- Sharjah Aquarium
- Mleiha Archaeological Centre
- Heart of Sharjah
- Manufacturing: Sharjah is a hub for manufacturing industries, including textiles, furniture, plastics, metals, and construction materials.
- Trading: The emirate has a well-established trading sector that deals with imports and exports of goods such as electronics, food products, clothing items, and automobiles.
- Tourism: Sharjah is known for its cultural attractions such as museums, art galleries, historical sites and landmarks that attract tourists from all over the world.
- Education: Sharjah has several universities offering undergraduate and graduate programs to students from different countries.
- Healthcare: There are several hospitals in Sharjah providing high-quality medical services to residents of the emirate.
- Real estate: The real estate sector in Sharjah is growing rapidly with new projects being developed every year.
- Banking & Finance: Several banks operate in Sharjah providing financial services to individuals and businesses alike.
- Construction & Infrastructure Development: The government of Sharjah invests heavily in infrastructure development projects like roads & highways construction which creates job opportunities for many people living there.
Overall these industries contribute significantly to the economic growth of Sharjah making it an attractive destination for investors looking to set up their business or expand their operations into new markets within UAE or Middle East region at large scale.
- The discovery of oil in the 1950s transformed Sharjah from a small fishing village into a prosperous city.
- The University of Sharjah was established in 1997 and has become one of the leading universities in the region.
- Sheikh Sultan bin Muhammad Al-Qasimi has been the ruler of Sharjah since 1972 and is known for his efforts to promote culture and education.
- Several iconic landmarks such as Al Noor Mosque, Al Qasba Canal, and Sharjah Art Museum were constructed.
- The annual Sharjah International Book Fair attracts thousands of visitors from around the world, making it one of the largest book fairs globally.
- Notable people associated with Sharjah include Sheikh Sultan bin Muhammad Al-Qasimi, poet Khalid al-Budoor, artist Abdul Qader Al Rais, and footballer Ismail Matar who played for UAE national team during their successful run at AFC Asian Cup 2007.
Overall, with its rich history and vibrant arts scene that attracts visitors from all over the world, Sharjah has emerged as an important cultural center in UAE.
- Sharjah Art Museum
- Al Noor Island
- Sharjah Heritage Area
- Al Majaz Waterfront
- Sharjah Calligraphy Museum
- Islamic Civilization Museum
- Sharjah Aquarium
- Sharjah Natural History and Botanical Museum
- Mleiha Archaeological Centre
- The Flag Island
- Heart of Sharjah
- Al Qasba
- Sharjah Science Museum
- Sharjah FC is a well-known professional football club that is based in Sharjah, United Arab Emirates. The club was founded in 1966 and has won the UAE Pro League a total of seven times, with their most recent win being in the 2018-19 season.
- Al Shaab Club is another football club based in Sharjah that was founded in 1974 and has won the UAE Pro League once, during the 1995-96 season.
- The Sharjah Cricket Stadium is a popular cricket stadium located within Sharjah that was built back in 1982. Over the years, it has hosted numerous international cricket matches.
- Al Dhafra FC is yet another professional football club based out of Abu Dhabi but plays some of its home games at Khalifa bin Zayed Stadium located within Sharjah. The team was established back in 2008 and currently participates within the UAE Pro League.
- Gulf Heroes FC was an esteemed professional football club that used to be based out of Dubai but played some of its home games at Al-Shaab Stadium (now known as Khalid bin Mohammed Stadium) located within Sharjah between1980 to1990. The team won two UAE President’s Cup titles during their existence before being dissolved due to financial issues.
- Lastly, we have Sharjha Wanderers Rugby Football Club (SWRFC), which happens to be one of the oldest rugby clubs established by British expats back on early seventies. Even today, this team remains active with regular fixtures against other local teams from Dubai, Abu Dhabi & Fujairah.
- Sharjah Light Festival is a stunning display of light and sound that illuminates the city’s landmarks and buildings.
- Sharjah Heritage Days is an exciting celebration of Emirati culture, traditions, and heritage through exhibits, demonstrations, performances, and workshops.
- Sharjah International Book Fair is one of the largest book fairs in the region that attracts publishers, authors, and book lovers from around the world.
- Sharjah Biennial showcases contemporary art from around the world in an international art exhibition.
- Ramadan Nights Market is a traditional market held during Ramadan where visitors can buy food, clothes, gifts and enjoy entertainment shows.
- Islamic Arts Festival celebrates Islamic arts through exhibitions, workshops, lectures & performances on an annual basis.
- Al Qasba Food Festival features local cuisine as well as international dishes from different countries in a culinary festival.
- Sharjah International Children’s Film Festival is an event dedicated to showcasing children’s films from around the world with interactive activities for kids.
- Fikra Graphic Design Biennial celebrates graphic design in all its forms with exhibitions by designers worldwide on a biennial basis.
- Sharjah Fringe Festival offers multi-genre performing arts featuring theatre productions, music, dance, magic, and comedy shows for everyone to enjoy!
- Al Bait Al Qadeem Restaurant serves traditional Emirati cuisine such as machboos, thareed, and luqaimat.
- Bu Qtair is famous for its fresh seafood dishes like grilled fish and prawns.
- Aroos Damascus offers authentic Syrian cuisine such as shawarma, falafel, and hummus.
- Feras Aldiyafa Cafeteria is known for its Arabic breakfast dishes like foul medames and balaleet.
- Karachi Darbar Restaurant serves Pakistani cuisine including biryani, kebabs, and curries.
- Shababeek Restaurant specializes in Lebanese food such as tabbouleh, fattoush salad, and shawarma sandwiches.
- Zahr El-Laymoun Cafe & Restaurant offers a fusion of Mediterranean and Middle Eastern flavors with dishes like grilled halloumi salad and lamb kofta wraps.
- Sizzling Wok is a Chinese restaurant offering dim sum platters to noodle soups to stir-fried dishes.
- The Yellow Chilli is an Indian restaurant that serves authentic Indian food from different regions of the country.
- Rick’s Burger is a fast-food chain that is famous for its burgers made using locally sourced ingredients.
- Al Majaz Waterfront: A popular destination for families, with a variety of restaurants, cafes and play areas.
- Sharjah National Park: A large park with plenty of green spaces, walking paths and playgrounds.
- Al Noor Island: A beautiful park featuring a butterfly house, art installations and a variety of gardens.
- Sharjah Desert Park: An educational park that showcases the natural habitats and wildlife of the desert.
- Sharjah Golf & Shooting Club: A sports club offering golf courses and shooting ranges for enthusiasts.
- Al Montazah Parks: An amusement park with water rides, roller coasters and other attractions for all ages.
- Kalba Corniche Park: A scenic waterfront area with walking paths and picnic areas.
- Khor Fakkan Beach Park: A beachfront park featuring swimming pools, playgrounds and sports facilities.
- Wasit Wetland Centre: An eco-tourism destination that offers bird watching tours and educational programs about wetland conservation.
- Flag Island Park: An iconic landmark in Sharjah featuring a giant flagpole surrounded by fountains and gardens.
