Sharjah… The Smiling Emirate

"Smile… you're in Sharjah"… the traditional welcome slogan, depicting Sharjah's hospitality, no longer does justice to the Emirate…and should
in fact read "Enjoy… you're in Sharjah"…For this peaceful Emirate and
it's flourishing capital city, is no longer content with offering it's guest and residents, happiness and contentment, but goes further, offering them food for the mind and soul.. with a wealth of educational and recreational facilities.

Overlooking two Gulfs..

Geographically, Sharjah overlooks the Arabian Gulf from the West and Gulf of Oman from the East. One part of the Emirate is surrounded by Dubai and Ajman, while the other extends east to the Gulf of Oman
and is dotted by three cities: Khorfakkan, Dibba and Kalba. The
Emirate, however, borders all the Emirate of the UA.E. and has many beautiful oasis, mainly Al Dhaid, which is now a fully fledged city and fertile farmland, 50 kilometers away from Sharjah.

Sharjah is located between 55.21° East longitude and 25.25° North latitude, and has several many islands, mainly "Abu Mousa".

Area and Climate…

Sharjah is the U.A.E's third largest Emirate, after Abu Dhabi and Dubai covering 2,600 sq. kms. It is in the centre of U.A.E., and has two distinct regions: A sandy plain extending to the Hajar mountains in the west and a mountainous region strewn with fertile valleys, starting from the Hajar mountains to the west and heading east to the coast of Gulf of Oman. The Emirate's geography has endowed it with climate diversity…Summer temperatures rise as high as 48°C between June and September, with humidity peaking at 100%, while to the east, the climate is rather dry and temperatures low, mainly at night. In winter, Sharjah's climate is very pleasant, with temperatures ranging from
18°C and 25°C, while rainfall never exceeds 5 inches.

History…

Sharjah's history dates back to the third millennium B.C. Archeological findings reveal a series of foreign attempts to gain control over the Emirate by the Babylonians, Phoenicians, Assyrians, Greeks and
Persians, attracted by its strategic location, as a crossroad of trade.

Even now, Sharjah is an important Gulf port an extension of its
historical role as a major port for three sea routes, pushing toward
East Asia, Europe and Africa.

The findings have also established that the Emirate was flourishing and very civilized, mainly on the cultural and social levels. These facts were further confirmed by findings at the "Mleiha" site, 65 kms. from Sharjah city, which date back to the first millennium B.C.

City of Heritage

Sharjah's commitment to the preservation of its heritage comes as a unique feature for the modern thriving city. Part of the preservation of heritage is reflected through the creation of numerous museums. Each museum reflects in its own way part of Sharjah's glorious heritage and history. With the establishment of the fully dedicated Heritage Area,
the emirate of Sharjah is emphasizing the fact that the right civilization should be depicted with the nation's heritage and culture.

Useful Contacts:

The Heritage Area                   ( +971 6 569 3999)
ALI Hisn (Sharjah Fort)             (+971 65685500)
Sharjah Heritage Museum          ( +971 6 569 3999)
(Bait AI Naboodah)

City of Arts

Fine arts are the supreme representation for human civilization. The Emirate of Sharjah
gives a clear picture of a modern civilized city that keeps its artistic values alive. There are two main areas devoted to the arts: The Arts Area in AI Shuwaiheyen, and on the other side of Hisn Avenue in AI Sheyoukh where the Arts Square and Sharjah Institute of Theater are found.

Useful Contacts:

Sharjah Arts Museum                        (+971 65688222)
Sharjah Arts Institute                       (+971 65688800)
Emirates Fine Arts Society                 (+971 65684488)
Sharjah Institute for Theatrical Arts    (+971 6 568 1333)

City of Culture

In 1998, UNESCO named Sharjah as Cultural Capital of the Arab World, due to its commitment to the preservation and development of its cultural entity. The emirate of Sharjah believes in culture as the best reflection for people's civilization.

Useful Contacts:

The Cultural Palace                       ( +971 6 524 1238)
Natural History Museum                 (+971 6531 1411)
Archaeological Museum                  (+971 65665466)
Public Sharjah Library                    (+971 65585566)
Islamic Museum                            (+971 65683334)

City of Education

Sharjah has always been a pioneer in culture and education. The first properly organized school (AI Islaah) was established in Sharjah in 1953. Sharjah's serious commitment to education is shown through different aspects, the regions only University City is one to mention.

Useful Contacts:

American University of Sharjah                    (+971 65585555)
Sharjah City for Humanitarian Services          (+971 6 556 0667)
Sharjah Science Museum Discovery Center     (+971 65668777)