Sharjah

Sharjah is the third largest emirate in the UAE and stretches across the country. The largest part reaches from the city on the Arabian Gulf inland to the Central Region which includes several cities and towns such as Al Dhaid, Al Madam and Maleha.

It also has several enclaves on the East Coast – Dibba al Hisn, Khor Fakkan, Kalba and Khor Kalba and Wadi al Helo.

If you visit any of these places, you will notice that they have the same features of the city of Sharjah – local government buildings in Arabic architecture, beautiful mosques, the corniches with attractive gardens, ornate street lamps, play parks and family areas, sports and youth facilities along with educational and cultural facilities such as university campuses, community colleges, libraries, theatres, etc.

They are also venues for Sharjah’s numerous festivals, such as the Light Festival and Sharjah Children’s International Film Festival.

Culture plays a large role in Sharjah following the vision of Sheikh Dr Sultan al Qasimi. It has been named Cultural Capital of the Arab World and Islamic Capital in recent years and is home to many museums (over 25), theatres, heritage areas, sports facilities and youth clubs, and seats of learning.

Sharjah also hosts several festivals, conferences and forums. All local government buildings are designed in Arabic architectural styles. Your journey through the emirate will reveal its rich historical past and many archaeological sites.

The emirate is more conservative than others and certain things are not allowed, such as alcohol. However, it is very family-oriented and provides many facilities for family leisure activities.

Whether it’s seeing wildlife, learning about history, relaxing on the waterfront, visiting museums, there’s something for everyone in Sharjah!

To help you explore, you can buy my booklet Exploring the Emirate of Sharjah – Walking and Cycling Tours and Itineraries – Buy now or see more

As the Emirate of Sharjah stretches inland and has several enclaves, many posts sit over on the sister website Glimpses of the UAE. Some are listed below.