- Overall
Sharjah is the third largest city in UAE and is the Arab Capital of Culture. It doesn’t dazzle with glitz (like Dubai) but is the most populous city in the country.
In this post, we will describe important facts in detail and help you know more about the beauty of the Sharjah city.
Culture & Heritage:
Sharjah is one of the few cities in the Arab world that is committed to conservation of cultural heritage, art, construction of museums, and other artistic, scientific, and cultural centers in the Emirates. It has managed to construct over twenty museums in the past. Also, it has set up a television satellite channel that focuses on its intention to preserve the value of culture. Sharjah is an example of pure Islamic Culture and unique Arabian lifestyle.
Economy:
Centuries ago, business began in this little city and had only grown over the years. To reach its present status, it started with pearl trading and trading with the Far East. However, it never resorted to any major publicity blitz. Hard work and quality in its practices have helped the city to develop into a known spot across the world.
Sharjah has made sensible decisions to choose and reject offers throughout the years. For example, its decision to allow the headquarters of Air Arabia in the city was a wise one. Air Arabia was the first low-cost airline that made its mark in the Middle East.
The annual growth rate has risen over the years, and it has been on the incline. This hasn’t happened overnight but has been because of the efforts of the Ruler and the people living in the city.
Travel to Sharjah:
Sharjah has a number of spots that are worth visiting. If you are planning to move around in the city, here are some of the places that should not be missed.
– Heritage Area: Situated between the Al-Marajia Road and Burj Avenue, Heritage area is popular for its historic buildings that have been reconstructed. Reconstruction here matters because it has been done with traditional material and has some of the must-visit areas.
- Al Hisn Fort: This is loving restored and provides a glimpse of the Emirate’s social history. If you are not familiar with the Arabic language, use a translator app or move around with someone who knows Arabic because most of the exhibit signs are in Arabic.
- Other areas: Bait Al-Naboodah, Souq al-Arsah, and Sharjah Calligraphy Museum.
– Blue Souq (Central Souq or Souq Al Markazi): Shopaholics should not miss this because there are around 600 shops in two wings for shoppers to have an amazing time around. Expensive designer clothes and gold are found on the ground floor. For discounts, you should visit the upper-level shops.
– Sharjah Desert Park: Here, you will find the Arabian Wildlife, Natural History Museum and the Children’s Farm. Visit them and have a great time around.
– King Faisal Mosque: Adopted as a gift from the Saudi Arabian King Faisal, this is huge. It can accommodate around 15,000 people at a time and has separate prayer rooms for women and men. It has an Islamic Library to help Muslims understand the spirituality in depth.
– ‘Smile You’re In Sharjah’ Roundabout: Peaceful, calm area that can help you move around with ease. It is located between the Fish Market and Blue Souq.
Things to do in Sharjah:
If you are in Sharjah, there are a number of things you can do. Some of the activities are noted below.
Jet skiing: Jet skiing is not the most popular activity here; you should move around the Khalid Lagoon. As a traveler, if you are planning for this, you should choose a time around summer.
Ferry Ride: By a canal, Qanat Al Qasba has a beautiful mosque and nearby, there is a ferry from where you can choose a boat that will help you tour Sharjah.
Restaurants in sharjah:
Sharjah is not the best place for the foodie, but it has a number of notable restaurants that can make you happy. Some of them are:
Mashmaool Arabic Grill Restaurant: Here, you will find the best grill in town. It provides quality food and allows you to have an outstanding dining experience.
Seashells: If you love seafood, you should be here. This restaurant offers the best fish related items to its visitors. Some of the best items on the list are hammour, tuna fish and fried or grilled shrimps. Also, their pricing is reasonable.
Museums in Sharjah:
As noted above, there are a number of museums in Sharjah.
– Sharjah Art Museum: Here, you will find contemporary art by local as well as foreign artists.
– Sharjah Archeology Museum: From the Stone Age to the present day, there is a big collection that has been stored by the inhabitants. Here, you will see a display of pottery, jewelry, ancient weapons, coins, and artifacts.
– Sharjah Museum of Islamic Civilization: It you have faith in the Holy religion, this place if for you. Here, you will find handwritten Qurans, various artifacts from Mecca and letters to other leaders from the Prophet Muhammad. Also, you will find a comprehensive display of Arab handicrafts.
– Other museums also cover marine, aviation, natural history, and other valuable aspects related to the city.
Hotels in Sharjah :
If you are in Sharjah, you need to know your type of hotel. There are a number of hotels in Sharjah. Looking for a budget hotel or luxury, you will your type here.
Luxury Hotels: If luxury hotels are on your mind, you should choose from hotels like Ramada Sharjah, Grand Excelsior Sharjah, Sharjah Rotana, Golden Tulip Sharjah, Hilton Sharjah, Hotel Holiday International Sharjah, etc. Luxury hotels in Sharjah will help you spend your time like a King and a Queen.
Budget Hotels: If you are on a budget vacation, you should look for hotels such as Al Sharq Hotel, Al Jazeera Hotel, Sharjah International Airport, etc. Budget hotels are good and have adequate facilities to keep the visitors happy. Some of them like the Sharjah International Airport Hotel offer Free Wifi.
Beach Resorts: If you are looking for a beach resort, you should look for options such as Radisson Blu Resort Sharjah, Coral Beach Resort, Royal Beach Resort and Spa, Sharjah Carlton Hotel, Sharjah Beach Hotel, TIME Ruby Hotel Apartments, Sharjah Continental Hotel, etc.
Apart from this, you should look for additional features depending on your requirements. Some of them are pool, free breakfast, etc.
Money Issues:
Cost of living is comparatively cheap in Sharjah, but as a traveler, you might have to spend some extra dollars. As a traveler, you should opt for Travel Insurance. If you are carrying dollars or other currencies, you should mark spots where you can find moneychangers.
Climate of Sharjah:
Moving to this city, you should carry cool, light clothes. Summers here are extremely hot and warm winters brace you throughout your journey. Rainfalls are generally erratic and light.
However, as a foreigner, you should understand the dressing acceptable in the country. Don’t wear clothes that can hurt the feelings of the locals in and around the city. For this, is it important to know their culture, routine and wearing.
Sharjah City for Humanitarian Service:
If you are willing to pursue humanitarian work, you should be here. One can excel in the fields of education rehabilitation, training, care and integration of the handicapped.
Sports:
Football has been extremely famous in UAE and football clubs include Al-Shaab and Al Sharjah. Other football clubs based in Sharjah are Al-Thaid, Al Khaleej Club, Ittihad Kalba, etc.
Football is popular across the country, but Sharjah is famous for the Cricket Stadium that has witnessed some of the most exciting matches in the Cricketing World. Sharjah Cricket Stadium was established in 1982 and has a capacity of 16,000 people. Popularity of one-day cricket grew following India’s World Cup victory in 1983. However, cruel rivalry matches between India and Pakistan made this venue special.
Apart from the popular sports, Powerboating is even a notable sport here. Formula One World Powerboating Championship is hosted by the organizers of Sharjah Grand Prix. It is held every year at Al Buharia Corniche.
Leisure:
If you are planning to spend leisure time in Sharjah, you should look for beach clubs that offer water sports. Don’t worry about the equipment because you can hire them from the club itself. Your options available here are;
Canoeing:
To pass leisure time, a canoe trip should be on your mind.
Jet Skiing:
For Jet skiers, Sharjah lagoons provide ideal conditions.
Sailing:
Keep sailing and have a lazy day till the sun settles down.
Snorkeling:
If you love colorful sights of the underwater life, this should definitely be on your mind.
Sub Aqua Diving:
This is offered by many centers. If you are new to this water sport, training for the same is even offered.
Swimming:
It doesn’t matter whether it is a hotel beach club or public beach; swimming on the beaches is possible. Enjoy it.
Windsurfing:
if you are in Sharjah, you should pay a visit to the lagoons, as they are popular spots for windsurfers.
Sharjah’s Musical Message:
In the first of its kind event, Arab Idol star Hazem Sharif had expressed willingness to combine efforts with the Syrian group Inana and singer Carole Aoun at the Al Majaz Amphitheatre.
This event signified the message of peace to the world in a musical way. The musical show ‘Shadow’, which is written by journalist and illustrious poet Nadine Al Assad sends a peaceful message across the world.
University of Sharjah:
There are many educational opportunities that individuals can opt for. But the University of Sharjah is different. It allows students to pick up a course and live their dream. The best part is that the programs noted at the University are accredited by Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research of the UAE. Also, it has affiliated Centers across Sharjah like University Dental Hospital Sharjah, University Hospital Sharjah, and Center for Continuing Education and Professional Development.
However, one should not assume that the University of Sharjah is conservative and promotes only Arabic and Islamic traditions. It respects other cultures and individuals and promotes an international outlook. Multiculturalism is promoted by the University.
Academic fields noted by the Institute are;
- Engineering & Sciences
- Medical Cluster
- Business, Management & Finance
- Law & Shariah
- Arts, Humanities & Social Sciences
- Community College
- Fine Arts & Design
- Communication & Journalism
You can know more about it by visiting their official site here.
American University of Sharjah:
This is a non-profit, coeducational, independent institution where students can opt for higher education. Courses noted by this institution are developed on the American model that is in affiliation with the American University. This University is located in Washington, D.C. His Highness, Shaikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qassimi, had established and funded this institution. His Highness is the Member of the Supreme Council, President of the University, and Ruler of Sharjah.
This university is spread over 375 acres of land and is located closer to the Dubai International and Sharjah International Airports. The architecture of the University is such that, at a time, 4,000 undergraduate students can be accommodated.
Jobs in Sharjah:
Sharjah is a rich city, and one can expect better jobs in the city. If you have the caliber to make a mark in the city, surf a job portal and look for the right opportunity.
Popular opportunities include – .net developer, certified registered nurse, civil engineer, music teacher, dental assistant, pharmacist, registered nurse, electrical engineer, doctor, office assistant, account executive, and office secretary. Accountants are extremely in demand in the city.
There are a number of job opportunities. However, one’s caliber will decide his/her fate.
Sharjah Airport:
Sharjah Airport is a hub for Gulf Wings, Aerovista, Singapore Airline Cargo, AVE.com, HeavyLift International and, most importantly, Air Arabia. Sharjah Airport was established in the year 1977 and is a large one. The Airport type is for Military and Public. Its IATA code is SHJ and ICAO code is OMSJ.
If you are traveling to Sharjah for the first time, you should use an airport locator that will guide you along. Airport locators are available online on various sites.
Sharjah Tourism facilities:
New measures are being implemented so that the Sharjah tourism trade can be benefitted. The efforts are being carried out by Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority. It acts as a coordinator to this sector and gives high priority to the improvement and development of Sharjah.
There are many organized tours in Sharjah that can help you enjoy your stay in there. For example, if you like safaris, you can look for a package that includes safaris. The range of the same is between half day and two nights. Everything is arranged by the tour operators; from dune buggy driving to sand skiing, from shopping tours to camel riding, and from sand boarding to desert driving. You name it and they will get it arranged for you.
During the Holy Month of Ramadan, special packages are offered by hotels in Sharjah. The same can be enjoyed during the summers.
Health and Hospitals:
Here, the government stresses on the health and betterment of the individuals. So, special care is taken for this sector. Although there are no major issues in the country, summers can be harsh for the foreigners and locals. So, for the same, you can rely on the health care services provided in Sharjah. You can choose a hospital or a clinic and even an individual practitioner who will assess your health. Here, the facilities provide are good, and the quality of healthcare is in the acceptable range.