About Sharjah

“Smile … you are in Sharjah” is catchword of the emirate. It makes the visitor feel as if he or she is an inseparable part of this magnificent city.

Sharjah has land on both coasts: the Arabian Gulf and the Indian Ocean. The western part extends over the Arabian Gulf coasts and the eastern part over the Gulf of Oman and the Indian Ocean. The emirate occupies an area of 2,590 square meters. In 1998, Sharjah City was designated by UNESCO as the cultural capital of the Arab world for its commitment to art, culture and preservation of heritage. It is also regarded as the cultural capital of the UAE. There are many economic and social projects in the emirate, as His Highness Dr. Sheikh Sultan bin Mohammed Al-Qassimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah gives all the support needed to develop all sectors and continue the progress towards modernization.

Sharjah has a distinct feature represented in its cultural activities and festivals. Residents and visitors can enjoy a multitude of activities, including sports events. Shopping is also another facet of the rich life in Sharjah where as traditional and Islamic marketplaces as well as modern shopping malls provide endless options. The emirate has a vibrant economy as it grows to be a main trade and investment center in the region. It is the country’s leading industrial base and represents one of the strongest industrial hubs in the Arabian Gulf region.

Sharjah, with its coastal modern and traditional towns like Khorfakkan, Kalba and Dibba Al Husn, has also attracted tourists to it magical beaches, with superb fishing and diving facilities. Oasis towns like Al Dhaid also attract visitors, and are known for their rich produce of fruit and vegetables.

The population of the emirate is around 599,000 according to a 1995 census. The gross domestic product (GDP) reached Dh 24.1 billion in 2002.