Sharjah is one of the UAE’s seven emirates and the third most important city in the United Arab Emirates. It is known as the cultural hub of the United Arab Emirates because of its many museums and galleries that you can find in Sharjah.
Sharjah is technically a different emirate (state) from Dubai, but it’s only 15 kilometers on the road and 20 minutes timewise away from Dubai city. The closeness has encouraged many locals to work and live in Dubai and many visitors to stay in Sharjah and visit Dubai.
Like the other parts of the UAE, Sharjah has a hot desert climate. It has beaches on the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman coastlines. So, despite the museums, galleries, movie theaters, and cultural and artistic places, Sharjah has magnificent natural features, mostly beaches.
Sharjah is located in the heart of the United Arab Emirates and has common borders with all other emirates of UAE. Its location is perfect for visitors to this country. If you choose to stay in Sharjah, you can quickly move across the states of UAE and return to Sharjah for rest.
Attractions of Sharjah
Sharjah is the third central city in the United Arab Emirates, after Dubai and Abu Dhabi. As we mentioned, Sharjah City is considered the cultural center of the United Arab Emirates because of its museums and cultural centers. Sharjah has some great museums and historical places that present the great heritage and long history of the United Arab Emirates.
Some of Sharjah’s most famous attractions that encourage a lot of people to visit this glamorous city on their trip to the United Arab Emirates are:
- Sharjah Art Museum: This extraordinary museum has 72 permanent and temporary galleries, primarily focused on Arabian culture and heritage.
- Sharjah Blue Souk, or the central market of Sharjah, is one of the UAE’s most significant traditional Arabian shopping centers (Souks). It is a great place to purchase souvenirs.
- Sharjah Science Museum: The perfect place for teenagers and children to explore and share great memories with their friends and family.
- Sharjah Fort: A historic fort that was built to protect Sharjah city. You can see the incredible history and importance of Sharjah city in this place.
Click here if you are looking for a more detailed article about the attractions of Sharjah city.
Transportation in Sharjah City
The ITM, the Institute of Transport Management in London, chose Sharjah International Airport as the Global Airport of the Year in 2005.
They were congratulated and awarded for their customer service, great marketing, and solving the area’s traffic problem.
There are buses, taxis, and cars for transfers in Sharjah city. Some popular kinds of transportation, like subways, electric buses, motorcycles, etc., are not found in Sharjah city. Taxis and personal cars are very popular in this city. The cost of renting a car for the day will be less than getting a cab for every transfer, so renting a car makes sense if you plan on moving a lot in the city.
Some tips for a more pleasant stay in Sharjah city
Sharjah is a more traditional and religious city than Dubai and Abu Dhabi, so you should be more considerate. It’s better to wear clothes that are high under your knees and sleeves.
Drinking is illegal in Sharjah city, even in hotels and restaurants.
Drinking and eating in public spaces are prohibited during Ramadan, and restaurants are closed now. However, some specific places in hotels and shopping centers offer food and drink during Ramadan. You can purchase your food and drink from them, but you need help bringing it to public spaces.
Final words
Sharjah is the third most popular city in the United Arab Emirates and is known as the country’s cultural hub. Some may say that Sharjah is much better for travel than Dubai and Abu Dhabi.
Click here if you are wondering which city to choose, between Dubai or Sharjah, as the leading destination on your trip to the United Arab Emirates. We compared these two famous cities in the UAE to make the decision-making process easier for you.
