Where is Sharjah Emirate located?

What distinguishes the Sharjah Emirate from the other emirates is its shared borders with the other six emirates, in addition to its border with the Sultanate of Oman.

Sharjah City, the emirate’s capital, is located on the Arabian Gulf. To the southwest of the city lies Al Khan village, followed by Al Layyeh area.

The emirate of Sharjah is one of the oldest emirates on the Omani coast and the only emirate with coastlines on both the Arabian Gulf to the west and the Gulf of Oman to the east. Its coastline extends 20 kilometres along the Arabian Gulf and reaches more than 80 kilometres inland to the Gulf of Oman.

The Sharjah Emirate has other areas and cities with diverse locations and features, including Khorfakkcan, Kalba, Dibba Al-Hisn, Al Dhaid, Mleiha, Al Badayer, and Al Nahwa.

Sharjah’s geography: the charm of the desert and the coast

Sharjah is distinguished by its unique geographical diversity. It overlooks the water from either side of the Arabian Gulf and the east coast, where waterfronts, beaches, sea views, and facilities allow visitors to enjoy water sports, recreational activities, and family time. 

The central region of the emirate is characterised by its sandy and rocky terrain, dotted with rocky mountains, dunes, oases, and archaeological sites that bear witness to Sharjah’s rich history and heritage. 

Sixty kilometres east of Sharjah City is the emirate’s third largest city, Al Dhaid. Known across the UAE for producing fruits and vegetables–especially strawberries, lemons, guava, and mangoes–Al Dhaid serves as the heart of Sharjah’s central region. The city is dotted with palm farms irrigated with water from Al Hajar Mountains.

Kalba City, on the other hand, encompasses numerous historical buildings and heritage attractions. Among its notable attractions is Khor Kalba Fort, which harmonises with its tranquil bay. The city also hosts the oldest mangrove forests in the Arabian Peninsula.

Meanwhile, Khorfakkan is the largest coastal city on the east coast of Sharjah. The city is characterised by its stunning beaches, astonishing rock formations, and steep mountains.

Dibaa Al Hisn extends along the shoreline and is known for diving and other water sports. Al Badayer, on the contrary, is filled with dunes that attract desert adventure enthusiasts.

Being a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Mleiha attracts those interested in archaeology. Al Nahwa, on the other hand, is famous for its mountain nature, with several villages, valleys, and palm farms.

Despite the emirate of Sharjah being predominantly a desert region, it enjoys a rich biodiversity. The emirate is home to about 3500 species of plants and more than 100 species of birds and mammals, most notably the Arabian Oryx, with many types of insects and reptiles.

The Sharjah Emirate climate: best times to visit

Knowing the prevalent climate in the Sharjah Emirate is significant for planning an ideal visit; it ensures the ability to enjoy the breathtaking scenes and engage in a wide range of activities suited to its geographical diversity.

Sharjah Emirate has a subtropical climate, characterised by clear and warm weather most of the year. During summer, from June to September, the emirate witnesses an increase in humidity and temperature levels, reaching 41-43 degrees Celsius.

Therefore, the best time to visit Sharjah is between November and April. During these months, temperatures usually range between 25 and 35 degrees Celsius, with sunny and warm weather during the day. Despite high temperatures in summer, the widespread use of air conditioning in the emirate makes visiting it a comfortable and enjoyable experience. 

Population distribution in Sharjah Emirate: A diverse composition

According to the Sharjah Census 2022 report, the population of Sharjah Emirate has reached approximately 1.8 million. The report highlighted that the Emirati residents reached 208,000, with 103,000 males and 105,000 females, and the expatriates reached 1.6 million, with 1.1 million males and 500,000 females.   

The Department of Statistics and Community Development in Sharjah revealed the following figures for the population distribution across the emirate in 2022: Sharjah City: 1.6 million, Khorfakkan: 53,000, Kalba: 51,000, Al Dhaid: 33,000, Al  Hamriyah: 19,000, Al Madam: 18,000, Dibaa Al-Hisn: 15,000, Al Bataeh: 7000, and Mleiha: 6000.

Economic significance of Sharjah: oil is not the only source

In 2022, the emirate of Sharjah witnessed an increase in its GDP by 5.2%, reaching approximately AED 136.9 billion, compared to AED 130.1 billion in 2021. The emirate experienced an increase in the contribution of the non-oil sector in its economy in 2022 that reached 5.2%, equivalent to AED 133.4 billion. The total contribution of this sector reached AED 126.8 billion in 2021.

ٍSeveral non-oil industries contributed significantly to the rise of Sharjah’s GDP, most notably retail and wholesale trade, vehicle and motorbike repair, and manufacturing.

Additionally, the Sharjah Emirate has three ports and many free zones, such as Sharjah Healthcare City and Sharjah Oasis for Technology and Innovation. The emirate’s 19 industrial areas contribute to more than 48% of the total industrial output in the United Arab Emirates.