Sharjah is the third largest city (after Dubai and Abu Dhabi) in the United Arab Emirates. The palace of the ruler of the Emirate of Sharjah (Sultan bin Mohamed Al-Qasimi) is located about 20 kilometres (12 mi) southeast of the city.
The city of Sharjah overlooks the Persian Gulf and, has a population of over 800,000 (2008). It contains the main administrative and commercial centers together with an array of cultural and traditional projects, including several museums covering areas such as archaeology,natural history,science, arts, heritage, islamic art and culture. Distinctive landmarks are the two major covered souks, reflecting Islamic design; a number of recreational areas and public parks such as Al Jazeirah Fun Park and Al Buheirah Corniche. The city is also notable for its numerous elegant mosques. The Emirate of Sharjah is also known to be the Cultural Capital of the UAE with its rich legacy of arts, heritage and culture.
Sharjah is bordered by the cities of Dubai and Ajmān and is about 170 kilometers away from the capital city Abu Dhabi.
PLACE TO VISIT
The emirate itself has some middle of the road beach resorts in addition to having the reputation for being a center of Islamic education.
Sharjah was crowned the prestigious Cultural Capital of the Arab World in 1998 by UNESCO. H.H Sheikh Sultan Al Qassimi, the Ruler of Sharjah, continously enriched Sharjah with Heritage, cultural, and Historical value. He was behind the sucess towards establishment of seventeen world class museums in the emirate which displays multiple rich museums. A local overview of Sharjah's heritage is available at the Heritage Area including a few restoration of old houses. The Art Area includes Sharjah's Art Museum which covers regional and international art exhibits, with the oriental collection being its highlights. Other museums also covers marine, natural history, aviation, and other valuable aspects.
The public buildings in the Emirate were all designed by the present Shaikh (a qualified architect) and make a nice visual change from the usual fare of skyscrapers in the other Emirates.
The "Blue Souq" (Souq Al Markazi or Central Souq) is an interesting, if slightly shambolic, shopping centre hosting around 600 shops in two wings. The ground floor shops tend to stock gold and expensive designer clothes, with the upper level containing shops stocking carpets and curios from as far afield as Afghanistan and Tibet. Haggling over prices in the upper-level shops will frequently attract massive discounts. A great place to buy gifts and traditional goods. Considered superior to Dubai for carpets by Western expatriates. Another souq worth a visit is Souq al-Arsah (considered to be the oldest souq in the country).
The Heritage District of Sharjah city is dominated by the Sharjah Fort Museum. The fort itself has been lovingly restored by the present Shaikh, and the museum provides something of a glimpse at social history of the Emirate. Many exhibit signs, however, are solely in Arabic, with those in English often being rife with errors.
Also in the Heritage District is the Islamic Museum. This is a fascinating place for any visitors with an interest in the faith, as there are handwritten Qur'ans, letters from the Prophet to other leaders of the time and various artifacts from Mecca itself. There is also a comprehensive display of Arab handicrafts.
Most sites in the Heritage District have certain opening times set aside solely for women. Visitors of both genders should make certain of these on arrival in the city.
WHAT TO DO
Must visit some of Sharjah's Seventeen Museums as Sharjah is known for its rich cultural & heritage position.
Jetskiing is very famous around summer time in the Khalid Lagoon.
F1 Boat Races happen around the man-made island in the Buhaira Corniche sometime around December.
Must go to the "Eye of the Emirates". (Qanat al Qasba)
Qanat al Qasba has a beautiful mosque right by the canal.
From Al Qasba there is a ferry that gives you a boat tour around Sharjah.
Several diffent yearly festivals take place, and each one is a wonderful cultural experience. There are many fun activities at these festivals such as camel rides, henna, delicious Arabian foods and dishes, and much more.
Sharjah Biennial, Sharjah Art Museum (by the Old Souk), ☎ www.sharjahbiennial.org, [new]. Sharjah Biennial, a bi-yearly exhibition of international contemporary art and performance. 16 March - 16 May 2009
HOW TO REACH
Most people will arrive either via Sharjah International Airport or Dubai International Airport. Sharjah centre is around 15 kilometres from Sharjah Airport and 20 minutes taxi ride from Dubai International Airport (dependent upon traffic).
There is a shuttle bus connecting Sharjah international airport to Sharjah centre (Rolla) running all 30 min and costing 5 AED. From Rolla one can take a bus to Dubai for another 5 AED. To go to Dubai International Airport take a taxi that will set you back at around 100 AED and do the trip in 30-60 minutes, depending on traffic conditions.During rush hour 7am to 11am wekdays, travel by road from Sharah to Dubai can take up to 3 hours.
