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Sharjah is the third largest of the seven emirates that make up the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and is the only one to have land on both the Arabian Gulf Coast and the Gulf of Oman.
It is an emirate of contrasts where visitors can enjoy a holiday in the sun, discover traditional markets (souks) or visit modern shopping malls, explore the many heritage sites and museums, admire the majestic mosques, stroll around the lagoons, and experience the natural beauty of true Arabian deserts, mountains and seas.
Sharjah Travel Guide
Sharjah as a Tourism Destination
Whether you are planning your trip or already unpacking you can spend the perfect family holiday in Sharjah Emirate. From an all action and fun-filled holiday, a cultural discovery with magnificent museums, loosing oneself in heritage areas and old souks, or a relaxing break away from it all with nature, beach, sea and sun - there is something for everyone.
Sharjah City - Sharjah Airport: 10 Km - 9 mins
Sharjah City - Dubai Marina: 55 Km - 30/40 mins
Sharjah City - Dubai Int APT: 24 Km - 20 mins
Sharjah City - Al Makhtoum APT: 80 Km - 50/60 mins
Sharjah City - Abu Dhabi Airport: 150 Km - 90 mins
Sharjah City - Yas Island: 145 Km - 90 mins
Sharjah City - Liwa: 345 Km - 210 mins
Sharjah City - Ajman: 10 Km - 10/15 mins
Sharjah City - Ras Al Khaimah: 80 Km - 50 mins
Sharjah City - Umm Al Quwain: 27 Km - 15 mins
Al Budoor says many researchers have supposed that the word Sharqah, to which Sharjah owes its origins, comes from light. The terrain is so flat that the sun shines evenly on the land.
Sultan Al Omaimi, a UAE poet and researcher in folk literature, says that some historians speculate that Sharjah was the name of an idol worshipped in the pre-Islamic era which was known as Abed Al Shareq. It also had a feminine form called Al Shareqa.
This idol, therefore, dates back to antiquity, but has been throughout a strong presence in the region's traditions, says Obaid. Another theory finds that the word Sharqah comes from a fort in Andalusia — as is mentioned in the encyclopaedic book, Kitab mu'jam al-buldan written by the Muslim scholar Yaqut Al Hamawi.
Other researchers link the word Sharqah to the fact that the city is located to the Sharq, or east, of Dubai and Abu Dhabi. Hence the Arabic classical form of Sharjah is Al Shareqah. It is the colloquial form that is Al Sharjah.
In fact, Handhal says that the residents of Abu Dhabi call the inhabitants of Dubai, Sharjah, Umm Al Quwain, Ajman, and Ras Al Khaimah, the Sharagwah, or easterners.
Umm Khanoor is the other name for Sharjah, Handhal says. "There is a village attached to Sharjah called Umm Khanoor. However, nobody lives there anymore."
The Origins of the name Sharjah
Sharjah International Airport (IATA: SHJ) Sharjah International Airport goes back to 1932, when it was used as a stopover point by Imperial Airways - the forerunners of British Airways, who constructed an airfield at Sharjah as a stopover en-route to India and Australia.
Population: 800,000 (2014 Estimate)
Area: 1003 square miles (2,600 sq km)
Sharjah Borders
North: Sultanate of Oman / Persian - Arabian Gulf
West: Dubai
South: Abu Dhabi & Indian Ocean
East: Umm Al Quwain, Ras Al Khaimah & Fujairah
 UAE Tourism Guide Sharjah |  UAE Tourism Guide Sharjah |
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 UAE Tourism Guide Sharjah |  UAE Tourism Guide Sharjah |
 UAE Tourism Guide Sharjah |
Engage while in Sharjah
There are a number of special events and destinations within Sharjah that host a series of activities to celebrate certain times of the year and to provide entertainment for families, in addition of course to the many museums and malls.
F1 Powerboat Race & Sharjah Water Festival
In an action packed programme of family fun, extravaganza and water sport, the Sharjah Water Festival takes place every December in and around Khaled Lagoon and celebrates the culture, history and marine heritage of the Emirate. The Festival Programme has activities for every type of fun on, in and near water with musical shows, magical entertainers, fireworks and special activities for children.
The grand finale of the week’s long festival is the final round of the prestigious international World Championship Formula 1 Powerboat, Sharjah Grand Prix held in the Khaled Lagoon.
Cultural Awareness Programmes
If you are resident or visiting for a longer period you may be interested in attending the excellent cultural awareness programme run by Sharjah Museums Department. The core content covers topics of heritage and traditions including national dress, food and drink, arts, dance, songs, festivals and celebrations. From October to June, these are held on the first Saturday of every month at the Sharjah Heritage Museum.
Contact the Education Department on +97165542201.
Al Qasba
This is a major cultural hub and leisure destination providing all kinds of recreation and entertainment attractions for adults and children, retail outlets, cafés and restaurants, as well as exhibiting local and international art during the winter season. It also features a 1,500 square metre exhibition space to showcase local and international cultural and educational institutions and associations, plus its own hall hosting art films and international performances. Al Qasba includes Al Qasba Theatre, which hosts music concerts and different performances, in addition to diversified events and activities organized by cultural and educational establishments throughout the year.
During the Holy Month of Ramadan, ‘Ramadaniat Al Qasba’ offers a fun and entertaining time with a host of special Ramadan evening activities for families and visitors. Every summer the ‘Big House of Fun’ lives up to its name providing children with a range of exciting events to keep them occupied over a six week period.
Eye of the Emirates
The Eye of the Emirates is among the most prominent and outstanding features of Al Qasba. The Eye of the Emirates observatory wheel stands 60-metres high with 42 fully air-conditioned gondolas offering stunning panoramic views of Sharjah and Dubai.
Sharjah Light Festival
Competing with cities such as Lyon and Berlin, Sharjah launched the Sharjah Light Festival in 2011, it is the first of its kind in the Middle East. The Festival tells the story of Sharjah and its people and is usually held in the first quarter of the year at different locations in the city. Previous locations included modern government and heritage buildings among them Sharjah Fort, Sharjah Art Museum and Majlis Al Midfa, Al Qasba, University City, Central Souk, the Palm Oasis and Al Noor Mosque.
Al Majaz Waterfront
With an amazing lagoon-side setting, wonderful indoor and outdoor play areas for children of all ages, and easy parking – it is no wonder that this new development is fast becoming a favourite hangout. Cafes include Il Café Di Roma, Tim Hortons, Caribou Coffee, Cold Stone Creamery and Maras Turka Ice Cream.
Sharjah Port Sharjah is home to three of the finest deep water harbours in the United Arab Emirates. The location of the ports of Sharjah offers strategic advantage to ships calling at the ports. Sharjah is unique among the United Arab Emirates ports in that it has ports in both the coasts. In the recent past the Department has invested in increasing the berths in all its three major ports. The depth at five of the berths in Port Khalid is being increased to 12.0 M, while the cargo storage facilities in Hamriyah port have been extensively developed to increase the open yard storage in excess of 200,000 sq, m.
The only SHARJAH EVENT AND TRAVEL PLANNER SOURCE. Find detailed and technical information on Hotels, Venues, Activities and more in Sharjah.