Interesting Facts About Sharjah You Need to Know

Welcome to Sharjah, the cultural gem of the United Arab Emirates. Known for its rich history, amazing culture, and diverse attractions, Sharjah is a city that beautifully blends tradition and modernity.

Whether you’re an expat living in the UAE, a visitor planning a trip, or a businessperson looking for new opportunities, this article will provide you with all the facts about Sharjah you need to know.

From its early history to its thriving economy, let’s embark on a journey to explore the unique features of Sharjah.

Sharjah..

Sharjah, one of the seven emirates that make up the United Arab Emirates (UAE), is a city that beautifully blends tradition and modernity.

It is the third largest emirate in the UAE and is widely recognized for its rich culture, heritage, and numerous attractions.

Sharjah holds a unique position in the UAE as it is the only emirate with coastlines on both the Arabian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman. Its strategic location has played a significant role in its growth and development.

Facts About Sharjah’s History

The history of Sharjah is as rich and vibrant as the emirate itself.

Ancient History: Archaeological findings suggest that Sharjah has been inhabited for over 8,000 years, with evidence of human habitation dating back to the Stone Age.
Early Occupations: The early inhabitants were primarily engaged in fishing, pearl diving, and trading with neighboring regions.
Al Qasimi Dynasty: The modern history of Sharjah began with the Al Qasimi dynasty in the 18th century. The ruling family has played a pivotal role in shaping Sharjah’s development.
Transformation: Under the Al Qasimi leadership, Sharjah has transformed from a small fishing village into a thriving metropolis.
Discovery of Oil: The discovery of oil in the 1970s significantly boosted Sharjah’s economy and led to rapid urbanization and modernization.
Formation of the UAE: The formation of the UAE in 1971 was a major historical event that influenced Sharjah’s growth and development.

Sharjah Culture Facts

Sharjah is renowned for its commitment to art, culture, and preserving its heritage. It was awarded by UNESCO as the Cultural Capital of the Arab World in 1998.

The city has become a leading center of education and is known for its cultural diversity and openness. Here are some key cultural facts about Sharjah:

Cultural Capital: Sharjah was declared the Cultural Capital of the Arab World by UNESCO in 1998. This recognition is a testament to Sharjah’s efforts in promoting and regenerating Arab culture.
Art and Literature: Sharjah hosts the Sharjah Biennial Art Exhibition and the Sharjah International Book Fair, mixing tradition with modernism and libraries with light shows.
Population: About 1.5 million people live in Sharjah, and from that, around 1.2 million people are expatriates.
Education: Sharjah was the first emirate to introduce the right for women to study in 1942.
Geography: Sharjah is the only place in the emirates with beaches that face both the Arabian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman.
Translation: Sharjah translates to mean “rising sun”.
Ruling Family: Sharjah has been ruled by the Qawasim family since the 17th century. The current ruler, His Highness Sheikh Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, is the 18th ruler.
Population Density: Sharjah is the third most populous emirate among the seven emirates in the UAE.
Affordability: Sharjah is 28% cheaper than neighbouring Dubai, making it a more affordable option for many residents.
Borders: Sharjah is the only emirate that borders all the other emirates. It also has beaches that face both the Arabian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman.
Translation: The name “Sharjah” translates to “rising sun”.
Oldest Mention: The oldest recorded mention of Sharjah occurs two thousand years ago, on a map produced by the Greek geographer Ptolemy.
Cultural Activities: As a UNESCO ‘Cultural Capital of the Arab World’, Sharjah has several places that pay tribute to Arab culture and UAE history.
Residents: Residents of Sharjah represent around 19% of the UAE’s population.
Museums: Sharjah has more than 22 museums.

Sharjah Attractions

Sharjah is a city of diverse attractions, from its rich history and culture to its beautiful landscapes and modern architecture. Here are some key attractions in Sharjah:

Sharjah Arts Museum: Besides the Obvious / Shutterstock.com One of the largest arts museums in the United Arab Emirates, this state-of-the-art facility opened in 1997 and features a permanent collection, as well as a program of temporary exhibits.
Sharjah Museum of Islamic Civilization: A good place to dive into the deep roots of Arab and Islamic culture. A number of scientific and religious manuscripts, as well as a collection of Islamic arts and craft work dating from the 7th to the 19th centuries are on display.
Al Noor Island: Offers attractions such as the Eye of the Emirates Ferris wheel, a canal walkway, and various restaurants and cafes.
Mleiha Archaeological Site: Offers a two-in-one attraction, with desert activities and tours of one of the UAE’s most significant archaeological sites.
Sharjah Desert Park: A wonderful family-friendly destination.
Heritage Area: Full of restored buildings now dedicated to Emirati history.
Sharjah is Home to More Than 20 Museums: These museums cover a range of topics, including art, history, science, and Islamic culture.
Sharjah Embodies the Spirit of the Arab Way of Life and Islamic Heritage: Through numerous mosques, ancient locations, and bazaars.

Sharjah Economy Facts

Sharjah has a diversified economy with a strong foundation in industry and manufacturing. Here are some key facts about Sharjah’s economy:

Diversified Economy: Sharjah has one of the most diversified economies in the UAE, with a strong foundation in industry and manufacturing.
Non-Oil Sectors: Approximately 95.8% of its economic activity was derived from non-oil sectors in 2019, positioning the emirate to absorb much of the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic.
GDP Contribution: The city alone contributes 7.4% of the GDP of the United Arab Emirates.
Economic Slowdown: The global economic slowdown in 2020 triggered by the Covid-19 pandemic put downward pressure on GDP growth in Sharjah.
Rebound Hope: There is cautious hope for a rebound in 2021 and beyond, driven by social and economic development spending programmes, as well as a rapid Covid-19 vaccine rollout.
Government Spending: Government spending has risen steadily, funding ambitious development goals in the emirate and the wider UAE.
Investment Promotion: Roadshows and forums hosted by Invest in Sharjah are a central pillar of the government’s investment promotion strategy, with a historical focus on India, Russia, China, the GCC, the US, and European nations such as Italy and France.

Sharjah Business Facts

Sharjah offers a favorable business environment with its strategic location, world-class infrastructure, and supportive government policies. Here are some key facts about doing business in Sharjah:

Business-Friendly Environment: Sharjah Business Women Council (SBWC) offers comprehensive support to women in Sharjah and the UAE, especially young and aspiring female entrepreneurs, in setting up their business.
Economic Growth: With the International Monetary Fund (IMF) projecting a 3.3% growth for UAE in 2021, starting your own business in Sharjah appears to be a bright career prospect.
Company Formation: Company formation in the UAE is a relatively simple and speedy process with strong incentives.
Industrial Areas: Sharjah has 19 industrial areas that contribute to more than 48% of the UAE’s gross industrial output.
First Municipality: In 1927, Sharjah Municipality was established as the first municipality in UAE.
Low-Cost Airline: In 2003, the first low-cost airline in the Middle East (Air Arabia) was established in Sharjah.

Sharjah Tourism Facts

Sharjah is a vibrant city that attracts tourists from all over the world. Here are some key facts about tourism in Sharjah:

Tourist Attraction: Sharjah attracts 1.5 million tourists every year.
First Airport: In 1932, the first airport in the Arabian Gulf was established in Sharjah.
Central Souq: In 1978, the Central Souq was built on an area that is estimated to be about 80,000 square meters.
Green Landscaping: The green landscaping in Sharjah is equal to 12.2 million square meters.
Cultural Capital: Sharjah was declared the Cultural Capital of the Arab World by UNESCO in 1998².
Biennial Art Exhibition and International Book Fair: Sharjah hosts the Sharjah Biennial Art Exhibition and the Sharjah International Book Fair, mixing tradition with modernism and libraries with light shows.
Population Density: Sharjah is known as the third most populous emirate among the seven emirates in the UAE.
Affordability: According to recent estimates, Sharjah is 28% cheaper than neighbouring Dubai.
Education: Sharjah was the first emirate to introduce the right for women to study in 1942.
Unique Geography: Sharjah is the only place in the emirates with beaches that face both the Arabian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman.
Translation: The name “Sharjah” translates to mean “rising sun”.
Oldest Mention: The oldest recorded mention of Sharjah occurs two thousand years ago, on a map produced by the Greek geographer Ptolemy.

Read : What is Moroccan Bath: All You Need to Know

Conclusion

Sharjah, the cultural capital of the Arab world, is a city that beautifully blends tradition and modernity. Its rich history, vibrant culture, diverse attractions, and thriving economy make it a must-visit destination.

Whether you’re planning a trip, considering an investment, or simply wanting to learn more about this fascinating emirate, Sharjah has something to offer everyone. From its ancient archaeological sites to its modern skyscrapers, Sharjah is a testament to the UAE’s progress and ambition.

So, whether you’re an expat living in the UAE, a visitor planning a trip, or a businessperson looking for new opportunities, Sharjah welcomes you with open arms.