All About Sharjah
Sharjah is the third largest emirate in the UAE with an area of 2,590sq. km. It occupies 3.3 per cent of the total area of the UAE (not counting the islands). It is known for its picturesque landscapes and seascapes.
The emirate has many educational institutions, which ensure a continuous supply of fresh talent armed with the latest knowledge in engineering, science and technology and other skills that support economic growth.
Sharjah Population
The population of Sharjah is 1,171,097 since 2012 according to the Department of Statistics and Social Development.
According to the Federal Competitiveness and Statistics Center, the estimated number of UAE people since 2010 in Sharjah was:
Men: 78,818
Women: 74,547
Total: 153,365.
Location and Geography
It is the only emirate that lies on both coasts; the Arabian Gulf in the west and the Gulf of Oman (Indian Ocean) in the east. The coastline on the Gulf extends about 20km. and within 80km. to the Gulf of Oman.
The emirate has large desert regions, with some agricultural areas. Its islands include Sir Bu Nuair and Abu Musa. Sharjah has plenty of beaches, marshes and acacia forests.
Sharjah is home to the largest number of natural reserves in the UAE.
Major cities of Sharjah
Sharjah has the 5 most important towns each with different features.
Khorfakkan – It is the biggest town on the east coast, located midway among Dibba Al Hisn and Fujairah. It has an expanding container terminal and port.
Kalba – It continues a historic attraction and is known for its antique forts. It attracts bird watchers, kayakers, and hikers.
Dibba – It is a set of three beach villages. Dibba Bayah belongs to the Sultanate of Oman, Dibba Muhallab belongs to Fujairah, and Dibba Al Hisn which lies in between the 2 villages, belongs to Sharjah.
Al Dhaid – It is the 3rd biggest metropolis in Sharjah and the main manufacturer of fruit and veggies inclusive of strawberries, dates, limes, guava, and mangoes that are sold in the UAE.
Al Badayer – Located in the Al Madam vicinity, it’s far one of the most famous barren region areas within the emirate of Sharjah, attracting campers and lovers of off-avenue drives.
Sharjah Economy
The emirate supports business culture and innovation, accommodating approximately 45,000 small and medium enterprises focusing on manufacturing, real estate, gas, tourism, education, health, labor and business services.
In 2014, its GDP reached approximately AED113.89 billion. Production is an important source of emirate economies and contributes about 19 percent of its annual GDP.
Sharjah has 19 industrial zones that account for more than 48 percent of UAE’s total industrial output.
Sharjah has three ports with a total area of 49,588,000sq. m. In addition, it has two free Zones
Expo Centre Sharjah is one of the most popular trade exhibition venues in the region which hosts various B2B and B2C events.
Arts and culture
Over the years, Sharjah has grown into a center for humanities and tradition. Sharjah’s cultural scene has flourished underneath the patronage of H. H. Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohamed Al Qasimi, Member of Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah.
In 1998, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) named it ‘The Cultural Capital of the Arab World’.
In 2014, it become named the Capital of Islamic Culture 2014 with the aid of the Organisation of Islamic Countries.
Sharjah additionally turned into conferred the name of Arab Tourism Capital for 2015 throughout the fifteenth consultation of the Council of Arab Ministers of Tourism in Cairo on October 18 of 2012.
Further, it turned into declared the Capital of Arab Press 2016 in the course of the opening of the fifth annual International Government Communication Forum (IGCF) and topped with the celebrated ‘World Book Capital’ identify for 2019 by UNESCO.
Today, Sharjah is home to nearly a quarter of all of the UAE’s museums and to popular events such as Sharjah Biennial and Sharjah International Book Fair.
Touristic importance
Sharjah is a land with architectural background and cultural wealth. It is likewise recognised for its numerous touristic web sites, which encompass ancient areas like Heart of Sharjah and present day sites like Al Qasba and Al Majaz waterfront.
In 2015, Sharjah launched Sharjah Tourism Vision 2021 aiming to attract up to ten million travelers by using 2021 and expand tourism’s contribution to the emirate’s financial system.
The Ruling Family
The emirate of Sharjah is ruled by H. H. Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi , continuing the legacy of Al Qasimi rulers since 1600 AD.
Dr. Sheikh Sultan launched key initiatives at the local, as well as, at the international level. He is a Founding Member of the Companion of The Guild of Cambridge Benefactors, Cambridge University. He is also a Founding Member of the University of Exeter’s College of Benefactors, Exeter University.
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