Crowned by UNESCO in 1998 as the Cultural Capital of the Arab World, Sharjah is situated on the beautiful shores of the Arabian Gulf. Covering over 2,600 square kilometres, and is known to be the third largest emirate in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Known as the emirate of contrasts, Sharjah visitors and residents can enjoy the year long sunshine, the beauty of the desert, mountains and sea, explore the traditional markets (Souks) and enjoy the twice-annual shopping festivals at Sharjah’s air-conditioned malls.

History:
- Sharjah's history goes as far back as some 6000 years. At that time the population was very low, the people used to depend on trade and maritime boats building in addition to cultivation, hunting and pearls seeking. The ancient ancestors had lived around valleys or manmade pools.
- In the seventeenth century the British arrived in the region they started trade relations with Qawasim tribe the forefathers of Sharjah ruling family today.
- During the early 18th century the Qawasim clan established itself as a stronger marine power in Sharjah and Ras Al Khaima .
- In 1804 Sheikh Sultan bin Saqr bin Rashid Al Qasimi the forefather of the recent rulers became the Sheikh of Sharjah for more than fifty years.
- Sharjah joined the United Arab Emirates on 2 December 1971 as a founder member of the Unity.
- In 1972 H.H. Dr. Sheikh Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi became the Ruler of Sharjah.
- In the same year oil was discovered at Mubarak oilfield 80 kilometers offshore near Abu Musa Island.
 - The production started two years later in a high rate.


About HH Dr Sheikh Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi
Born in 1939, His Highness Dr. Sheikh Sultan Bin Mohammed Al Qasimi is widely credited with having transformed the fortunes of Sharjah and masterminded its growth into a vibrant, modern emirate with spectacular buildings, ports and highways. Sheikh Sultan Al Qasimi studied agricultural engineering at Cairo and shortly after graduating entered government service, first as Minister of Education and then, on the death of his brother, as Ruler of Sharjah.

Many honors and distinctions have been bestowed upon him in recognition of his outstanding contributions in the fields of education, culture and human rights. He has two PHDs from British Universities and is an active researcher and published author in the fields of the history of and geography of the Arab Gulf area. He holds a chair in Modern History of the Gulf at the University of Sharjah and is a visiting professor at the University of Exeter.

His Highness’ interest in education and culture has led to creating one of his most outstanding achievements, the University City, which provides campuses for the University of Sharjah and the American University of Sharjah.

As the founder and president of the two universities, His Highness has been instrumental in guiding the universities towards excellence in teaching, research, and service to the Sharjah community and the region as a whole, through academic links with prestigious institutions across the World.


An Artist’s Paradise
Boosting a gulf-wide reputation for its artistic excellence, its culture and the preservation of its heritage, the emirate of Sharjah boosts over 15 museums; the arts, archaeology, Islamic Culture and the heritage and history of Sharjah and the region, to name a few.

Fun for all the family
Sharjah offers fun for all the family, all year round, from the underwater world of the aquarium to the Sharjah wildlife centre. With its white sandy beaches, turquoise waters and lush parks, the Emirate caters to all family requirements.

An Adventurer’s Playground
For those who love an adventure, Sharjah is the perfect place to go.  Explore the desert by foot, 4 by 4 or dune buggy. Pitch a tent in the desert and enjoy the tranquility of the Emirate at night. As the summer heats up, adventurous souls can explore the beauty of the underworld by snorkeling or having a go at scuba diving.

A Culinary Delight
Sampling local and regional delicacies is a must in Sharjah. The diversity of cuisine that includes Arabic, Indian, Pakistani, Chinese, Continental and more, make Sharjah the perfect place to go for a nice meal out, whether you are dining alone, with friends and family or are looking for a romantic meal for two.

A tranquil place to rest and be pampered
Whilst Sharjah offers an array of activities it also offers the perfect paradise to relax and recuperate from chilling by the pool to indulging in a spa treatment, it is the perfect place to take ‘time out.’

Sharjah Education
- Sharjah has always been a pioneer in the education field; the first properly organized school was established in Sharjah in the 1950’s, the school still exists next to Souk Al Arsah.
- Sharjah universities offer students a wide range of degrees through state of the art facilities by highly qualified instructors from around the world.
- Sharjah’s University City was founded in 1997 and is considered a huge six-campus development near Sharjah Airport, which contains the American University of Sharjah (AUS) , the University of Sharjah and other campuses.
- The student community in the Sharjah universities is extremely diverse with more than 80 nationalities within the student population.
- Schools in Sharjah provide students with high levels of education in various multi-national curriculums, which include Arabic, English, Indian, Filipino, French, German and Iranian.
- Sharjah schools implement a wide array of internationally accredited certifications, such as; IB, A-level, AP, SAT, GCSE / IGCSE, CBSE and UAE / GSEC.


Sharjah Shopping
- Sharjah is famous for its various Souks and Markets including the Central Market, Souk Al Arsah, Old Bazaar, Iranian Bazaar, and Sharjah Gold Center etc. Sharjah offers some beautiful and interesting products including carpets, perfumes, cosmetic, textile, jewelry and much more.
- The city of Sharjah contains a number of vast shopping malls that feature brand name outlets and local retails shops guaranteed to satisfy every taste.
- Visitors can catch a glimpse of the past by visiting the traditional Souqs (markets) in Sharjah, and purchase a wide array of handcrafts and antiques shops and stalls.
- Shopping at Sharjah malls is a sure way to provide entertainment for all family members while receiving the best deals.
- Rolla Bazaar is typical bazaar amidst the heavily populated area Rolla, offering everything thing from clothing to watches, cheap electronic gadgets to blankets.
- The Central Market, the biggest of Sharjah markets, is built according to Islamic design and located on the famous Khaled Lagoon enhancing its beauty and magnificence.


For more information please visit www.sharjahtourism.ae