Sharjah: Everything You Wanted to Know

Sharjah has been a distinct holiday vacation spot for many. It has thrilling water rides and pristine secluded beaches to check around the location. The location is also known for the delectable dishes found across the food courts and decorated lounges here in Sharjah. Individuals can bring their families and loved ones to Sharjah. Enjoy the exclusive flora and fauna around the place while cherishing the vivid backdrop of the Sharjah region. A few important details regarding the history, culture, and places to visit in Sharjah are articulated below for the reader’s interest.

History of Sharjah

Sharjah is considered the 3rd largest city in the 7 Emirates of the UAE and the first human settlement in the region dates back around 5,000 years ago. Around the 2nd century AD, the Greek geographer Ptolemy drew a map that showed signs of human settlement in the Arabian province. This place was regarded as Sarcoa at that time which has now transformed into the modern-day Sharjah here in UAE. Ahmed Ibn Majid, an Arab navigator during the 1490s, accounted in his memoirs about the region of Sharjah when he traversed the Persian Gulf waters.

Sharjah has always been known for its wealth of resources and has been a major port in the southern part of the Persian Gulf for trading and fishing. The place was known for its trading routes to connect to the eastern part of the country until the start of the 19th century. Apart from trading and fishing, the place played an important role in the formation of the pearl industry until the end of 1940. Sharjah saw its first international airport in 1932 and suggested the formation of the UAE Federation 40 years later.

The early settlements at Sharjah used to be small shacks around palm trees and fronds and were located along the banks of the creek. Sharjah has now turned into a palatial city, offering world-class facilities and immersive tourism activities to enjoy around the region. The rapid development in the 1970s utilizing efficient engineering has transformed the place and emerged as a central hub for the UAE.

Culture of Sharjah

Sharjah got the label of the cultural capital of the UAE in 1998 by UNESCO, and it is a distinct honour to receive from such an esteemed organization. Sharjah has kept its tradition and history intact while developing the nation. Alongside the expansion of the city, tradition and ethics have been a major part of Emirati culture here in Sharjah. This has given Sharjah a modern outlook while considering the early history and culture of their ancestors for the development of the nation.

Sharjah was referred to as the Capital of Islamic Culture in 2014, with a variety of early traditional and cultural tools, arts, and crafts still appreciated by locals and visitors here. All these date back to the Bedouin people, who settled in this area and knew the trade of making items and artefacts during their migration. Potteries, bridal chests, embroidered and woven fabric, weapons and artefacts, doors, palm trees, henna, and perfume making with incense are a few of the early traditional cultural choirs of the first settlers here in Sharjah.

Distinct areas comprising the city of Sharjah

Sharjah is majorly subdivided into three parts. One is known as Sharjah, which forms a major part of tourism and culture, along with enjoying a city life full of immersive activities to engage in here. The Central Region forms a rocky and sandy terrain with mountains and deserts that make a perfect spot for adventure and thrilling activities throughout the region. The East Coast Tour, on the other hand, comprises pristine beaches with the Persian Gulf around and is full of amazing flora and fauna. Also, visit the new gem Al Hefaiyah Lake in Sharjah. All these regions constitute the Sharjah province and have played an extensive part in the UAE’s tourism industry.

Important places to visit in Sharjah

There are numerous places to visit in Sharjah, and some important ones are below for the audience to check out.

Sharjah Desert Park

The Sharjah Desert Park is a great tourist destination to check with friends and families here. The place has 3 parts, an Arabian Wildlife Center, a Natural History Museum, and a Children’s Farm. Individuals can spend their time looking at the distinct habitats of the Arabian desert along with the development of life around the desert terrain here in Sharjah. Children can enjoy camel rides and hand-feed the animals around the park premises here. If you want to ride a camel, you can also opt for a Camel ride in Dubai.

Al Qasba

Al Qasba is an important place in Sharjah and constitutes a shopping mall in the region. The place is famous for the numerous activities to try, including shopping, watching movies at the Cineplex, enjoying abra rides, and even relishing the sumptuous cuisines available around the place. A kid’s zone is also present around the location for kids and children to cherish the varied games and sports there. Individuals coming to Al Qasba can also check out the Al Qasba Musical Fountain and the Etisalat-Eye of the Emirates Ferris Wheel here in Sharjah.

Sharjah Aquarium

Another great place to enjoy the distinct marine life around is the Sharjah Aquarium, which is located here. The place has 20 big tanks full of marine life and creatures and is only for the protection of marine species here. Distinct aquatic animals are there in the aquarium, such as sharks, stingrays, seahorses, turtles, clownfish, and more. The place has over 150 species of marine life around the complex premises here at the Sharjah Aquarium.

Sharjah Museum

The Sharjah Museum of Islamic Civilization is on the banks of the Persian Gulf. It is popular for the ancient artefacts, farming tools, early fishing equipment, and more present here within an opulent souq. Visitors who admire the history of the place can gain some profound knowledge. Also, understand the different habitats of the early Emirati locals and their way of living around the Sharjah region here.

Al Majaz Waterfront

The Al Majaz Waterfront is a great place to enjoy your time here in the city of Sharjah. Individuals can indulge in the fascinating activities that include a mini golf course. Also, amazing gastronomical treats for the visitors around the lavish food courts and lounges here. Numerous events, live performances, festivals, concerts, and shows are here around the Al Majaz Waterfront region. The Sharjah Musical Fountain topping the most-visited sites here at the location.

Sharjah Science Museum

The motive behind this museum is to educate and train children about the different science theories and technologies used in the world. There are various exhibits available throughout the complex premises. They suggest life and space science, with interactive audio-visual sessions and science experiments to delve into. A small library is also present around the premises, which has various science books and research papers for interested individuals.

Blue Souk, Sharjah

The Blue Souk is a great market for visitors and tourists to enjoy their shopping spree around the location. Various commercial items and goods are present. Such as electronics, daily items, groceries, textiles, and fabrics. They are present around the Blue Souk shops and stores within the complex. Numerous dining and food arrangements are available at the food courts here. They serve authentic Arabian dishes at reasonable prices here in Sharjah.

Buhaira Corniche

The Buhaira Corniche is another distinct place to visit in Sharjah. It is a crowd-puller for the vivid decorations and food stalls around the location. The place is a 6- to 7-kilometre-long stretch along Khaled Lake. It has the most beautiful landscapes and scenic views in the area. Also, individuals can spend their evenings in this calm and serene environment. Also, enjoy activities like jogging, running, and cycling around the location here in Sharjah.

Distinct ways to travel to Sharjah

The nearest airport to Sharjah is the Sharjah International Airport. So, It is 13 kilometres in the southeastern part of the region. Direct flights are available from different parts of the world and you can also travel via Dubai. Dubai has its transportation services of local aeroplanes flying to and from Sharjah at proper intervals. Individuals can also rent a car from Travel Saga Tourism to reach Sharjah from Dubai. Public buses are available at the Al Jubail Bus Station to travel to Dubai. It takes around an hour to reach the destination.

Bottom line 

To conclude, these are a few important details and information regarding the history of Sharjah. Also, the distinct places to visit here while spending a vacation at these locations. Individuals can spend their time shopping at the magnificent souks and also enjoy checking out the heritage sites. Thus, learning the socio-cultural aspect of the place by visiting the vivid museums around Sharjah.