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The name Sharjah has many beautiful meanings in Arabic, one of which is "the shining sun." The Sharjah Emirate stands as a must-visit destination, captivating visitors with its remarkable blend of beauty, development, and authenticity. The emirate offers its visitors an immersive cultural experience, enriching their knowledge and ensuring a comprehensive and informative journey. The Sharjah Emirate, along with its officials, has dedicated considerable resources and ongoing efforts to secure top rankings and compete on a global scale.
The Sharjah Emirate is the third-largest emirate in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), spanning 2,590 square kilometres. Its fascinating nature, vast desert, and distinctive landmarks captivate all tourists. The emirate is also considered an ideal destination for coastal city enthusiasts, with coastlines along both the Arabian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman.
The Sharjah Emirate stands out for touching borders with the other six emirates, allowing for hassle-free travel. Its strategic location, bordered by all the other emirates and Oman, enhances its geographical significance, making it an attractive destination for visitors from within and outside the country.
The Sharjah Emirat’s prominence did not emerge overnight; it spans over seven thousand years. Due to its strategic location, the emirate has been a destination and stopover for Bedouin tribes who relied on fishing, hunting, and shepherding as their primary livelihoods. This strategic location has elevated the emirate’s importance and played a vital role in its thriving economy.
The history of the Qawasim tribe, whose descendants now rule the emirates of Sharjah and Ras Al Khaimah, dates back to 1600. By 1720, the tribe had become a formidable force in the region, showing a strong commitment to its advancement and dedicating substantial efforts to promote its power. This commitment led Sharjah to become the foremost port in the Arabian Gulf. With the flourishing of trade, fishing, and shipbuilding, the pearl industry also flourished, remaining a prominent industry until the late 1940s.
The Qawasim tribe, the ruling family of the Sharjah Emirate, has diligently upheld its traditions and legacy through successive generations. The current ruler of the emirate is His Highness Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, who ascended to power on January 25, 1972, as the 18th ruler of the Sharjah Emirate.
The Sharjah Emirate's distinctiveness and welcoming amenities attract thousands of individuals who choose to make it their home. According to the Sharjah Census 2022 report, the emirate's population has reached around 1.8 million, comprising 208,000 Emirati citizens and 1.6 million expatriates of diverse nationalities.
The Sharjah Emirate’s climate is semi-tropical, characterised by warm and clear weather most of the year. However, temperatures and humidity rise notably during the summer months from June to September, averaging around 41-43 degrees Celsius. Despite the intense heat, tourists can find relief in the widespread air conditioning everywhere. Additionally, the weather on the eastern coast of Sharjah tends to be cooler during the summer.
The winter season in the emirate offers uniquely pleasant weather, making the period from November to April the best time to visit. During this period, the emirate enjoys sunny and warm weather, with temperatures ranging between 25-35 degrees Celsius.
The Sharjah Emirate has become a leading destination, not only for tourism but also for businesses and investments. The government of Sharjah has initiated measures to establish the emirate as a prime hub for diverse successful and profitable business ventures. The government’s efforts are further solidified by the emirate's strategic location as a link between East Asia and Europe, as well as its role in facilitating access to major seaports and airports in the Arabian Gulf and the Indian Ocean.
The emirate offers an ideal setting for entrepreneurs and business owners, with streamlined and expedited procedures. It boasts numerous strategically located free zones, each catering to diverse industries and specialities. These free zones, including Hamriyah Free Zone, Sharjah Publishing City Free Zone, and Sharjah International Airport Free Zone, are designed to support and facilitate the investors' operations.
According to the official portal of the UAE government, Sharjah's Gross Domestic Product (GDP) grew by 5.2% in 2022, amounting to 136.9 billion AED. These numbers reflect a notable increase from the 2021 figure of 130.1 billion AED, with the percentages consistently rising year after year.
The emirate of Sharjah has earned several prestigious titles over the years, including "The Capital of Islamic Culture", "The Arab Tourism Capital", "The Capital of Arab Press", "The World Book Capital", and "The Cultural Capital of the Arab World". These titles solidify its esteemed reputation in the fields of culture and knowledge.
Arts and culture enthusiasts should not miss the chance to visit Sharjah and immerse themselves in its rich array of landmarks, exhibitions, and museums. Despite the global evolution, Sharjah Emirate proudly showcases its authenticity, heritage, and culture, striving to share them with all visitors.
Sharjah's 16 museums provide a window into thousands of years of history, turning an exploration tour into an unforgettable experience. These landmarks include Bait Sheikh Saeed bin Hamad Al Qasimi, Sharjah Archaeology Museum, Sharjah Art Museum, Bait Al Naboodah, Al Eslah School Museum, and many more.
Located within the University City of Sharjah, the Sharjah Research Technology and Innovation Park (SRTIP) is dedicated to fostering innovation, creativity, and the application of technology in diverse sectors, such as water, environment, energy resources, transportation, and architecture. Through this initiative, the Sharjah Emirate remains one of the leading destinations in research and technology, staying current with the latest global technological advancements.
The UAE, including the Sharjah Emirate, has experienced a remarkable transformation driven by persistent efforts, bright minds, and dedicated individuals. Today, the UAE stands as one of the most prominent tourist attractions, drawing visitors from all over the world. Sharjah Emirate, in particular, has many unique tourist spots that promise an unforgettable experience. Recommendations include:
Al Majaz WaterFront is a family-friendly destination with captivating scenery overlooking the Khalid Lagoon. In addition to enjoying the wonderful Sharjah Fountain, visitors can partake in various fun activities and dine at exquisite restaurants.
Other family tourist attractions include Sharjah Aquarium and Natural History and Botanical Museum. Families can also participate in watersports at Pearl Kingdom Waterpark, Sira Khorfakkan, and more.
Sharjah Desert Park is a natural reserve that introduces visitors to the UAE's wildlife and rich biological and environmental diversity. Other nature-related attractions in the emirate include Al Rafisah Dam, Shees Park, the Islamic Botanical Garden, and Al Noor Island Butterfly House.
Al Qasba is a water canal situated in Al Majaz Waterfront, connecting Khalid Lagoon with Al Khan Lagoon. This vibrant area features markets offering a variety of goods and upscale restaurants, cafes, and children's play areas. Visitors can also explore art exhibitions at Maraya Art Centre and cultural events at Masrah Al Qasba Theatre.
Sharjah Safari is one of the region’s most unique and innovative tourist attractions. Inaugurated in 2022, the safari comprises 12 artificial environments simulating various African habitats, allowing visitors to interact with the environments as if they were truly in the wild. Additionally, the safari offers close encounters with various African animals, making it a must-visit destination for a unique tourist experience.
References
[1] u.ae, Sharjah
[2] mofa.gov.ae, The UAE
[3] Al Qasimia University
[4] alqasimia.ac.ae, About Sharjah
[5] moec.gov.ae, Explore More Than 40 Multidisciplinary Free Zones in the UAE
[6] sheikhdrsultan.ae, Coronation of achievement Journey
[7] sharjahmuseums.ae, MUSEUMS
[8] sharjahevents.ae, Sharjah Research Technology and Innovation Park
[9] universitycity.gov.ae, Sharjah Research Technology and Innovation Park
[10] sgmb.ae, SHARJAH
[11] visitsharjah.com, Sharjah's climate is warm in the summer and ideal in the winter
[12] investinsharjah.ae, SHARJAH - THE HEART AND MIND OF THE GCC
[13] visitsharjah.com, Sharjah Activities
[14] moec.gov.ae, Sharjah Discovery Centre
[15] visitsharjah.com, Learn about Sharjah and it's history, from the first traces of human life to modern developments
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