Life in Sharjah: facts about living there

Modern housing and cost-effective living

One of the primary considerations for visitors or prospective residents is the nature of the housing and the cost of living. Fortunately, Sharjah is renowned for its relatively lower cost of living compared to other regions in the UAE. According to Property Finder, the country’s largest real estate digital platform, the cost of living in Sharjah is less than Dubai by 19.1%, making it an attractive option for those seeking to save on living expenses in general.

Choosing Sharjah Emirate as a place of residence ensures a high level of quality and sophistication. The emirate’s residential units include fully equipped, modern amenities and views of either beautiful scenery or tourist landmarks.

Residential areas are conveniently located near a variety of service facilities, providing residents with easy access to everything they might need in everyday life. These facilities include parks, entertainment venues, healthcare and educational institutions, and shopping centres. Notably, the most sought-after residential areas include Al Nahda, Al Taawun, and Muweilah.

The following table presents the estimated costs for essential living expenses in the emiratefor the year 2023, based on data from the Property Finder website:

Friendly people and a vibrant social life

Among Sharjah’s most striking features is its remarkable diversity of cultures, religions, and nationalities. According to the Sharjah Census 2022 report, the emirate’s current population is 1.8 million, with 1.6 million expatriates representing over 200 different nationalities worldwide. A multitude of languages are spoken in Sharjah, including Arabic, English, Hindi, and Persian.

As a result, it is essential to be prepared for an experience that embraces diverse cultures within an atmosphere of mutual respect and appreciation. Visitors will also have the opportunity to encounter the friendly Emirati citizens who uphold Islamic traditions, Arab culture, and authentic values such as generosity, hospitality, and courteous behaviour.

One of the defining characteristics of life in Sharjah Emirate is its harmony and tranquillity, making it recognized as one of the safest and most stable regions globally. Governed by competent leadership and supported by an effective legal system, the emirate exudes beauty, cleanliness, and calmness throughout each street of its residential neighbourhoods. These streets are vibrant with life, bustling with markets and shops frequented by residents and visitors alike.

The emirate provides numerous community amenities, such as parks, recreational clubs, sports fields, and places of worship like mosques and churches. While exploring Sharjah, the chance to try its Arabic coffee and variety of dates should not be missed, along with traditional Emirati cuisine such as regag bread, harees, and thareed.

Unique work and investment opportunities

Sharjah Emirate stands out as an ideal destination for those seeking incentives, investment opportunities, and career advancement. Renowned for its diverse and steadily growing economy, Sharjah plays a significant role within the UAE and the broader region. According to the Official Portal of the UAE Government, Sharjah's 19 industrial zones contribute to over 48% of the country's industrial output.

The emirate’s ownership of three main ports, including Port Khorfakkan, accentuates the unique opportunities it offers for employment and investment in trade. Additionally, Sharjah is home to the Expo Centre Sharjah, one of the region’s most important trade exhibition centres, which hosts numerous events designed to attract businesses and consumers alike.

Limitless cultural and artistic diversity

Over the years, the emirate of Sharjah has earned several prestigious titles, including “The Cultural Capital of the Arab World,” “The Capital of Islamic Culture,” and ”The World Book Capital,” solidifying its long-standing cultural and artistic status in the UAE and the Arab world.

Upon arriving in Sharjah, the abundance and diversity of its museums, comprising one-fourth of all museums in the UAE, quickly becomes apparent. Visitors marvel at the remarkable beauty and creativity of the Sharjah Art Museum, engage in fun and interactive scientific experiments at the Sharjah Science Museum, explore the ancient history of the emirate through the Sharjah Archaeology Museum, and delve into the greatness of Islamic civilization and its rich history of achievements at the Sharjah Museum of Islamic Civilization.

The Sharjah Department of Culture organises various art exhibitions and cultural events, showcasing the emirate’s cultural diversity and providing a unique blend of entertainment and education. These include Sharjah GCC Theatre Festival, Sharjah Arabic Poetry Forum, Sharjah Islamic Arts Festival, Sharjah Calligraphy Biennial, and many more.

Diverse tourist destinations and entertainment activities

Sharjah’s diversity extends across multiple sectors, notably tourism and entertainment, offering adventurers and explorers numerous diverse destinations and landmarks for thrilling experiences and adventures.

In 2015, Sharjah Emirate earned the prestigious title of “The Arab Tourism Capital” thanks to its plethora of engaging tourist destinations and diverse activities suitable for individuals and families alike. The emirate offers many memorable experiences, such as exploring the mountainous landscape of Wadi Shees, relaxing on the beaches of Khorfakkan or Al Khan, observing marine life at Sharjah Aquarium, and experiencing the vibrant colours of over 500 butterflies at the Butterfly House on Al Noor Island.

Other destinations include Sharjah’s iconic mosques, like Al Noor Mosque with its classical Ottoman style, and Sharjah Mosque, which is set amidst verdant outdoor gardens and displays modern Islamic art. For adventure seekers, the emirate provides numerous opportunities, including quad biking through desert dunes, diving into the waters of Shark Island (Sira Khorfakkan Island) to explore the diverse marine life, or visiting Al Qurm Protected Area in Khor Kalba to explore the UAE oldest mangrove forests.

Despite the beauty and allure of life in Sharjah and its many amenities, there are important factors to consider, particularly at the start of residency. These factors include learning English for better communication with other diverse groups, embracing multiculturalism, adjusting to the cost of living, adhering to local laws, paying required fees and taxes, and coping with high temperatures, especially during summer when average temperatures soar to 41-43 degrees Celsius.

References:

[1] u.ae, Sharjah
[2] sharjahsustainablecity.ae, Community Living in Sharjah: The Benefits of Living in a Residential Villa Community
[3] sharjahsustainablecity.ae, Sustainable Features
[4] sharjahmuseums.ae, MUSEUMS
[5] visitsharjah.com, Sharjah's climate is warm in the summer and ideal in the winter
[6] sharjahevents.ae, Sharjah Attractions
[7] visitsharjah.com, Nature Activities
[8] visitsharjah.com, Family Activities