The Emirate of Sharjah is the third of the seven emirates in terms of area, which is estimated at 2,590 square kilometers, equivalent to 3.3% of the area of the United Arab Emirates without the islands. Sharjah is located in the center of the UAE and has borders with all other emirates, in addition to its borders with the Sultanate of Oman. It is characterized by the diversity of its terrain and nature, as it has stunning beaches on the Arabian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman, and includes vast desert areas characterized by its sand dunes, in addition to agricultural areas and many natural reserves.
Sharjah includes many cities and regions, the most important of which is Khorfakkan, the largest city belonging to the emirate on the eastern coast, and Kalba, which is distinguished by its ancient forts and unique museum, and Al Dhaid, the third largest city in Sharjah and famous for the production of vegetables and fruits.
His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi has been in power in Sharjah since January 25, 1972, and he is the eighteenth ruler of the Emirate of Sharjah from the Qawasim rule that dates back to the year 1600.
A prominent cultural and tourist destination
Sharjah is a center for culture and the arts and is characterized by a rich cultural history, which is evidenced by the museums, archaeological sites, and cultural and educational edifices spread throughout the emirate. It hosts a number of famous events such as the Sharjah Biennial and the Sharjah International Book Fair. It won the title of Capital of Arab Culture in 1998, Capital of Islamic Culture in 2014, and the title of Capital of Arab Tourism in 2015. Sharjah was also chosen as the Capital of the Arab Press for the year 2016, and the World Book Capital for the year 2019, due to its prominent role in supporting writers and reading. This cultural boom came with the support and patronage of His Highness Dr. Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Ruler of Sharjah and Member of the Supreme Council of the United Arab Emirates. His Highness has contributed to encouraging interaction and cultural dialogue locally, regionally, and internationally. His Highness also supported several cultural initiatives, including the “Lughati” initiative to learn the Arabic language by smart means.
Sharjah is distinguished by many tourist attractions, including the traditional ones, such as the Heart of Sharjah, and the modern ones, such as the Al Qasba Water Canal and the Al Majaz Front. It is also home to about a quarter of all museums in the UAE.
Diversified economy
Sharjah’s economy diversifies between several sectors, including tourism, education, health care, and services. In addition to foreign investments, it includes more than 45,000 companies. The emirate owns three ports and several free zones, the most important of which are the Hamriyah Free Zone and the Sharjah International Airport Free Zone.
Sharjah also includes 19 industrial zones, which account for more than 48% of the industrial output of the United Arab Emirates.