Introducing the city of Sharjah

Sharjah is one of the 7 emirates or cities of the UAE. With a population of approximately 1,800,000 in 2024, Sharjah is recognized as the third most populous and largest city in the country. This emirate has managed to preserve its traditional and historical fabric in recent years, earning the title of the cultural capital of the Arab world.

If you would like to learn more about this beautiful city, be sure to stay with us until the end of this article. We will provide you with complete information about this area, including attractions, maps, photos of Sharjah, UAE, and more.

Get to Know Sharjah

The beautiful city of Sharjah, with an area of over 235 square kilometers, is recognized as the cultural capital of the United Arab Emirates. The main reason for this designation is that this city has more archaeological sites and cultural activities compared to other cities in the country. Some of the most important information regarding Sharjah is presented in the table below:

Geographical Location of Sharjah

Sharjah is the only emirate in the UAE that has access to both the Gulf of Oman and the Arabian Gulf. The coastline of this city is approximately 20 kilometers along the Arabian Gulf and about 80 kilometers along the Gulf of Oman (Indian Ocean).

As shown in the image of the map of Sharjah, this city borders other emirates; to the south, it is adjacent to Dubai, to the north, it borders Umm Al-Quwain and Ajman, to the east, it is near Ras Al Khaimah, and to the west, it is next to Abu Dhabi.

Sharjah's economy has seen unprecedented growth over the past few years, which are the result of policies that are investor-friendly like cutting red tape and expanding of economic free zones. Around 13,500 companies are already registered in the Emirate's economic free zones, Hamriyah Free Zone and Sharjah Airport Free Zone (SAIF Zone). As of 2019, The UAE’s third-largest economy was set to grow 2.7 per cent this year.

Source: sharjah

Population and Number of Residents:

As of 2024, the population of Sharjah is approximately 1,800,000 people. This city's population has increased by about 2.25 percent compared to 2023.

How Far is Sharjah from Dubai?

Dubai is located to the south of this city, and the distance from Sharjah to Dubai is only 27.7 kilometers. The travel time by car from Sharjah to Dubai is about 25 minutes. The short distance and the affordable rental and housing prices compared to Dubai have led some individuals who work or study in Dubai to live in Sharjah.

History of Sharjah

Sharjah is one of the historic and prosperous cities of the UAE, with a history spanning over 5,000 years. In the early 18th century, the Huwayla tribe founded this city, gaining independence in 1727. In 1820, Sheikh Sultan I signed a treaty with the King of Britain, placing the city under British protection to safeguard it from Ottoman threats.

During the 20th century, Sharjah expanded, and its population reached about 15,000, with numerous markets established in the city. During World War II, the Nazis infiltrated Sharjah; however, the city's Sheikh immediately negotiated with Britain. The outcome of this negotiation resulted in the city receiving support from the British government. Ultimately, Sharjah joined the United Arab Emirates on December 2, 1971.

Explore Sharjah's Tourist Attractions

The strategic and unique location of the city, along with its access to both the Persian Gulf and the Sea of Oman, has made life in Sharjah and visits from tourists highly popular. Attractions include the fort, aquarium, central market, and Al Noor Island, which will be explored further below.

1. Sharjah Fort

Sharjah Fort is a building with a history of 200 years, located in a corner of the Heritage Area. This place once served as the city's defensive center and also as the residence of the ruling family. The fort consists of two main floors and three towers, with a large courtyard in the middle. As you wander through the rooms and hallways of this fort, you can view a vast collection of photographs and ancient artifacts.

To visit the fort, you can go from Saturday to Thursday between 8 AM and 8 PM, and on Fridays from 4 PM to 8 PM.

2. Sharjah Aquarium

The Sharjah Aquarium is another attraction in this city. This aquarium houses over 150 species of marine life, including sharks and jellyfish. By visiting this aquarium, you can explore the hidden world beneath the sea and observe fascinating aquatic creatures. Additionally, you can admire a collection of beautiful and luminous pearls here. The aquarium spans an area of 6,500 square meters and is built across two levels. For dining, you can visit some of the best restaurants in Sharjah.

You can visit the Sharjah Aquarium daily from 8 AM to 8 PM (except on Sundays).

3. Sharjah Central Market

The Sharjah Central Market (Central Market) is one of the oldest and most famous markets in the city. This location features one of the most striking architectural landmarks in Sharjah. The market has earned the nickname (Souk Blue) due to the blue tiling used on its exterior.

The Sharjah Central Market has two levels and houses over 600 shops. In these stores, you can find everything from clothing to jewelry, watches, local souvenirs, and more. The market is open every day until 10 PM and is one of the best places to visit in the city.

4. Noor Island in Sharjah

Noor Island is located on the beautiful coast of Sharjah, Dubai. This place has won many international awards for its unique design and architecture. Its beautiful lighting, combined with music played at night, captivates every viewer.

The visiting hours for Noor Island in the UAE are as follows:

Saturday, Sunday, Monday, and Wednesday: from 9 AM to 11 PM

Tuesday: Closed

Thursday and Friday: from 9 AM to 12 PM

Other Features and Amenities

Other features and amenities of this city include the Sharjah Team, its museums such as the Art Museum, Islamic Civilization Museum, Science Museum, and more.

Shopping Centers in Sharjah

Sharjah, Dubai, meets a wide range of needs and tastes due to its markets, shopping centers with reputable international brands, and modern stores. The location and environment of this city have attracted many tourists every year. Some shopping centers in Sharjah include:

• Bin Al Qasrain Gifts; one of the best affordable malls in Sharjah
• Gift Zone; a shopping center in Sharjah with low-priced items
• Al Wahda Discount Center; with items priced from 1 to 10 AED
• Day to Day; another one of the best shopping centers in Sharjah
• Souq Al Arsa; a store with items priced from 1 to 10 AED
• Al Jubail Market; one of the famous markets in Sharjah, Dubai
• and more...

Final Thoughts on Sharjah

In this article from Newway, we introduced Sharjah, recognized as the third most populous and significant city in the UAE. This city, with its great attractions and affordable prices, is considered a good place for visiting and investment. If you have any comments or opinions regarding this topic, we would be happy to share them with us on the site.