Sharjah also spelled Al-Shāriqah is the third-most populous city in UnitedArabEmirates, after Dubai and AbuDhabi. It is part of the Dubai-Sharjah-Ajman metropolitan area. Sharjah is the capital of the emirate of Sharjah in UAE. The emirate shares legal, political, military, and economic functions with the other emirates of the UAE and has been ruled by the Al Qasimi dynasty since the 18th century.
The city is a center for culture and industry. Unlike Dubai and Abu Dhabi sale or consumption of alcohol is prohibited in Sharjah without possession of an alcohol license. Alcohol is not served in Sharjah hotels, restaurants, or other outlets. Sharjah has been officially named as WHO healthy city and as the 68th best city in the world to be a university student. Regarded as the cultural capital of UAE, Sharjah was included in World Book Capital for 2019 by UNESCO.
Some historians speculate that Sharjah was the name of an idol worshipped in the ancient era which was known as Abed Al Shareq and was one of the wealthiest towns in this region with a settlement in existence for over 5000 years. Other researchers say Sharjah is located to the east of Dubai and Abu Dhabi (‘sharq’ means ‘east’ in Arabic). By the turn of the 20th century, Sharjah extended inland to the area now known as Wasit Suburb, the area between the city and Dhaid being under the control of the tribes of the interior.
On 2 December 1971, Sharjah became part of the UAE as t gained independence from Britain. Sharjah is known for its numerous landmarks such as Rolla Square, Bank Street, Sharjah Fort & museum. Sharjah’ Roundabout, Blue Souq, Fish Market, Union Bank Tower, Gold Souq or Souq Al Markazi, Manhattan Fort and aviation museum, Sharjah Heritage District, Al Qasba Canal, Sharjah Heritage Museum, Sharjah National Park, Sharjah Aquarium, Al Noor Island, Wildlife Centers, Al Majaz Waterfront, Rain Room, Flying Saucer. All these places attract tourists to Sharjah in large numbers.
The city is also famed for SharjahCricketStadium, Sharjah Light Festival, Sharjah Mosque, Al-Noor Mosque, Armenian Apostolic Church, Mleiha Archaeological Centre, Al Rahmaniyah Parks, and House of Wisdom. One of the most religious cities in UAE it has separate places for women. Well connected by air and land with other emirates, neighboring countries, and major cities of the world.
Sharjah like other emirates is a major taxhaven. Though the cost of setting up business in Sharjah is less than other emirates of UAE, and focus on industrialization and commercialization has turned Sharjah into a commercial center in recent years. As many skyscrapers and shoppingmalls have been built in recent years many global companies have opened offices in the city. The development in recent years has made Sharjah a major hub of healthcare and educatiobn with numerous educational institutes.
Sharjah is the fourth largest of the seven emirates. Located next to Dubai the city is effectively its suburb, with commuter traffic creating rush hour traffic jams. Though the emirate follows strict islamic laws tourism is flourishing. Also worth visiting are Al Hisn Fort, Sharjah Museum of Islamic Civilization, Bait al-Naboodah,, Souq al-Arsah, Sharjah Calligraphy Museum, Sharjah Art Museum, and Sharjah Desert Park. Tourists can try Jetskiing in the summertime in the Khalid Lagoon.
Several different yearly festivals take place such as Sharjah Light Festival, presenting a wonderful cultural experience for visitors. Sharjah also has three coastal enclaves on the eastern, or Gulf of Oman, namely Dibba, Khor Fakkan, and Kalba. There are several restaurants in the city that provide delicious food and good prices be it Arabic, Indian, or a chinese. There are several hotels and resorts that provide luxurious, mid-range, and budget accommodation. Tourists can also try out dunebashing in sands around the city. Adventure seekers can try out # snorkeling through the clear blue waters offshore of city. the city is good for a weekend visits.
