Why Sharjah
Sharjah is a major port city overlooking the Persian Gulf and serves as the capital of the Emirate of Sharjah in the United Arab Emirates. Situated to the east of Dubai and Abu Dhabi, it forms part of the Dubai-Sharjah-Ajman metropolitan area and ranks as the country's third most populous city. Celebrated for its focus on heritage, health, and learning, Sharjah has been designated as a WHO healthy city as well as a UNESCO Islamic Culture Capital and World Book Capital.
The region around Sharjah has supported human settlement for over 5,000 years. The Al Qasimi dynasty established rule over the area in the 18th century, and the emirate later entered into a maritime agreement with Britain in 1820. Sharjah historically served as an important trading hub and hosted the region's first airport in 1932 before becoming a founding member of the United Arab Emirates in 1971.
Visitors to Sharjah can explore an extensive array of historical districts and museums. The Heart of Sharjah restoration project has transformed the old city center into an open-air historic zone containing galleries, boutique lodging, and traditional venues such as Souk Al Arsa. Located in the city center, Al Hisn is a restored 1823 fortification built with coral and mangrove poles that operates as a museum detailing local history. Aviation heritage is exhibited at the Al Mahatta Museum, situated on the site of the former 1932 airfield. Additional cultural sites include the Sharjah Heritage Museum and specialized institutions devoted to archaeology, natural history, fine arts, and Islamic civilization.
Shopping and waterfront recreational areas are prominent features across the city. The Central Souq, also known as the Blue Souq or Gold Souq, is a landmark covered complex built along Khalid Lagoon in 1978, housing approximately 600 shops selling jewelry, antiques, and clothing. Waterfront destinations include the one-kilometer-long Al Qasba Canal, bordered by shops and a cultural theatre, and Al Noor Island, which is connected by a pedestrian bridge and features light displays, art sculptures, and a Literature Pavilion. Nearby in the Al Layyeh district, the Sharjah Aquarium displays diverse marine life across 20 tanks and includes an underwater viewing tunnel.
Public parks and open spaces offer further leisure opportunities. Sharjah National Park is the city's largest green space, equipped with cycling tracks, picnic stations, a duck pond, and miniature clay models of local landmarks. In the commercial neighborhood of Rolla, Rolla Square features a public park with a central banyan tree sculpture and market, while downtown highlights include an urban memory park on Bank Street and the floral "Smile, You're in Sharjah" welcome roundabout.
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