SHARJAH - my destination
As one of the seven emirates that make up the United Arab Emirates (UAE) Sharjah is the third largest Emirate and the only one to have land on both the Arabian Gulf Coast and the Gulf of Oman.
The Emirate of Sharjah has developed a unique reputation as a cultural, heritage and family tourist destination providing visitors with the ideal getaway at any time of the year. Holidaymakers can enjoy a break in the sun, relax on the beach, shop in the traditional souqs and modern malls, explore the heritage sites and state-of-the-art museums, admire the beautiful mosques and minarets, stroll around the lagoons, as well as experience the natural beauty of the Arabian desert, the mountains and the seas.
Sharjah (Al-Shariqa) has a lively history. Uniquely located on world trade routes and the only Emirate with direct access to both the Arabian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman, Sharjah has developed from a small trading town, relying on fishing and pearl diving, to one of the most modern, dynamic commercial and trade centres in the region.
From the early days around 7,000 years ago, when the first settlement of the city began, the Emirate of Sharjah has always been at the core of regional development. It was the most important port on the lower Arabian Gulf from the time of the early trading with the East into the first half of the 19th century The first international airport on this coast was established in 1932, followed by the opening of the first school building three years later.
Sharjah was also the first place in the region to develop tourism and has been a growing destination in the Middle East since 1932 when international flights were operated out of Sharjah's now historic airport. The subsequent flow and revenue from oil and gas have continued to fuel this tremendous growth.
Geographically, Sharjah Emirate covers approximately 2,600 square kilometres with a population of 882,000 (Ministry of Economy, Abu Dhabi - 2007). In addition to Sharjah city, which lies on the shores of the Arabian Gulf, there are three provinces on the scenic east coast; Dibba Al Hisn, Khor Fakkan and Kalba, plus the central town of Al Dhaid and the islands of Abu Mousa and Sir Abu Nu'air
The east coast identifyable by the spectacular, rugged Al Hajar Mountains rising in places to 1,000 metres and intersected by sheer sided wadis (dry valleys). Beautiful sandy beaches and the clear blue seas of the Gulf of Oman have made this coast a haven for swimming, diving, fishing and relaxing. Khor Kalba, the southern most tip of the UAE's Gulf of Oman coastline, ends in an extensive mangrove marsh.
The inland desert is quite spectacular with impressive red sand dunes.
With Sharjah's modern infrastructure and multi-lane highways it is also easy to access neighbouring emirates and the east coast, either for just a day or for a longer visit.
Sharjah continues to invest in its tourism industry with the development of new hotels, shopping centers, tourism projects and of course events. Early in December the hugely popular water festival makes a splash with something for everyone. There are children's entertainers, fantastic adult stage shows, festivals, carnivals and the final round of the F1 World Championship Power Boat Race. Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Authority continues to promote the emirate internationally through its overseas offices and a strong international exhibition programme as well as actively in its more prime AGCC markets.
With the number of visitors rising by 100% in the last 5 years the emirate is seeing the effects of tourism and developing accordingly. This year alone there are set to be another 1,900 bed spaces available, 1,500 of these will be found within 4 and 5 star facilities with a further 4,700 planned for the following year.
Al Qasba (call 556 0777 or visit www.alqasba.ae) known as 'the Venice of Sharjah', the picturesque 1,000-metre canal links Khaled Lagoon to Al Khan Lagoon. Al Qasba is a family-friendly destination providing a diverse mix of attractions and activities, boat rides, cafes and restaurants, as well as exhibiting local and international arts for residents. The new Al Qasba Business Centre has also opened to offer office spaces with a comprehensive range of state-of-the-art amenities and services.
Sharjah International Airport celebrates over 75 years in operation since the first airport opened in 1932. In 1977 the airport relocated to its present position and today it is undergoing a major expansion and redevelopment to keep pace with the increasing number of passengers and growing cargo business. New gates and flyovers, additional check-in facilities, 19 new landing spaces and revamping of the departure and arrival lobbies are all part of the Dhs 500 million project which is due for completion this year. The airport is conveniently situated just 15 kilometres from the city centre. It offers many traveller friendly facilities with all the services expected from a modern international airport. Geared towards visitors' needs, the airport boasts a 20-minute passenger check-in and checkout time.
Dufry, Sharjah's Duty Free operator opened an impressive new outlet in the new arrivals hall in August 2008, offering additional shopping facilities and duty free products for passengers disembarking in Sharjah.
Five years to the day after Air Arabia's launch in Sharjah in 2003, this 'first of its kind' airline in the region received the World Travel Award for Best Low Cost Carrier in the Middle East and North Africa. They currently fly from Sharjah to over 45 destinations across the region covering Nepal, Afghanistan, Arab Gulf Co-operation Council countries, Armenia, Bangladesh, Egypt, India, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Lebanon, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Syria, Turkey and Yemen. In early 2009 Air Arabia Maroc will begin operations from Casablanca airport providing services domestically in Morocco and throughout Europe. Locally, Air Arabia offers a coach service from Abu Dhabi and Al Ain providing transportation to and from Sharjah International Airport. Tickets can be booked online (www.airarabia.com), through Air Arabia's UAE Call Centre (06 558 0000), at the Air Arabia walk-in sales station at Sharjah Airport, or at appointed travel agents.
Sharjah is among the top ten business cities in the Gulf region and the UAE's leading industrial and manufacturing capital. Sharjah currently accounts for more than half of the UAE's total Industrial Sector. Industrial areas have been developed in specified locations and Sharjah has two world-class free zones. The Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of Sharjah has increased 58.1% in the past two years, bringing it up to Dh68.4 billion. The emirate currently generates 9.37% of the UAE's GDP of Dh729.7 billion. According to the Sharjah Economic Development Department (SEDD) foreign trade through Sharjah surged 47.5 % to Dh43.5 billion last year, up from Dh29.5 billion in 2006; SEDD This growth is attributed to increased imports and re-exports. Imports jumped 41.3% to Dh26.7 billion in 2007, up from Dh18.9 billion in 2006.The number of companies registered in Sharjah has increased by about 15 per cent in the past year, taking the total to 45,000.
UAE CLIMATЕ
The climate is sub-tropical, sem arid with warm temperatures, infrequent rainfall (130 mm per year) and blue skies most of the year. The ideal time to visit is between November and April when average daytime temperatures reach 28°C and 12°C at night. Temperatures rise between June and August reaching 48°C with high humidity levels and guaranteed sunshine.
AREA UAE - 83,600 square kilometres. Abu Dhabi represents over 80% of the total. Sharjah covers 2,600 square kilometres.
POPULATION
The population of the UAE is estimated at 4.48 million (UAE Census 2007) and is projected to grow by 6.31% (to nearly 5.06 million) at the end of 2009. Sharjah Emirate contributes to about 19% of the total population and is the third largest populated Emirate.
FLAGS
The national flag of the UAE consists of three equal horizontal bands: green at the top, white in the middle and black at the base with a thicker vertical band of red running down on the hoist side. The distinctive Sharjah flag has a red square set on a white background and can be seen flying above Sharjah Hisn (fort).
CAPITAL Abu Dhabi.
MAIN CITIES
Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, Ras Al Khaimah, Ajman, Fujairah, Umm-Al Quwain.
LANGUAGE
Arabic is the official language. English is widely spoken and understood and is a main language of commerce alongside Arabic. You will hear many other different languages spoken in the UAE.
RELIGION
Islam is the official religion of the UAE. Other religions are respected and followers are allowed to practice their faith.
UAE GEOGRAPHY
The geographic coordinates of the UAE are 24 00 N, 54 00 E. The country is located in the northeast of the Arabian Peninsula and is bordered to the south and west by Saudi Arabia and to the north and east by Oman. It has 700 kilometres of coastline, of which 100 kilometres are on the Gulf of Oman, offering a combination of beautiful sandy beaches and rocky bays ideal for swimming, snorkelling and diving. The interior comprises stretches of gravel plains, mountains and red sandy desert. The Empty Quarter (Rub Al Khali) lies to the southwest with some of the highest dunes in the world. To the east, the rugged Al Hajar Mountains rise to over 2,000 metres forming a backbone running from the Mussandam Peninsular down through the UAE into Oman.
TIME GMT: + 4, all year round.
ENVIRONMENT
Alongside the urban development, the UAE's natural environment is rich in its land and marine life. Some 3,500 endemic plants flourish and over 100 species of birds breed here with a vast variety of resident insects and reptiles. Mammals, such as the almost extinct Arabian Leopard and Tahr, and the more common foxes, mongoose and rodents are rarely sighted, whilst camels and goats are common. The UAE is probably home to the largest population of Arabian Oryx with some 4,000 individuals inhabiting the Rub Al Khali. The Breeding Centre for Endangered Arabian Wildlife in Sharjah successfully breeds endangered species including the Arabian Leopard. The marine world with protected areas and beautiful coral reefs is rich in sea life and one of the largest populations of dugong is found in UAE waters.
UAE CLIMATЕ
The climate is sub-tropical, sem arid with warm temperatures, infrequent rainfall (130 mm per year) and blue skies most of the year. The ideal time to visit is between November and April when average daytime temperatures reach 28°C and 12°C at night. Temperatures rise between June and August reaching 48°C with high humidity levels and guaranteed sunshine.
NATIONAL DRESS
The traditional dress worn by the local population is unique. Men wear the dishdasha, a long white robe that is always immaculately pressed with a white or red checked headdress (guttrah), which is held in place by the agal, a twisted black woollen braid. In public women wear the black cloak or abaya that covers the body from head to toe and their hair is covered with a shaila or scarf. Older women sometimes still wear the burqa or canvas mask concealing the face from the eyebrows to the mouth.
CLOTHING & DRESS CODE
Apart from winter evenings when shawls, sweaters and jackets may be required, lightweight summer clothing is suitable for most of the year. Conservative dress is advised.
ECONOMY
Due to its vast reserves of oil the UAE has one of the world's richest and fastest growing economies. Visitors will find a relatively well-balanced and stable country with a high standard of living and all the modern amenities and services at hand. Abu Dhabi is the world's 5th largest oil exporter, has over 90% of the oil reserves in the country and currently produces about 2.5 million barrels per day, with enough to last at least another 100 years. Construction, tourism, trade and manufacturing also play an increasingly important role in the national economy with the oil sector accounting for only 35.9% of the country's gross domestic product of Dhs 729.7 billion in 2007. Inflation in the UAE stands at 12% (July 2008).
UAE CUSTOMS REGULATIONS
PERSONAL EFFECTS - Free of charge. No currency regulations.
DUTY FREE ALLOWANCES 2,000 cigarettes, 400 cigars, 2 kgs of loose tobacco, a reasonable quantity of perfume. Non-Muslim adults only may bring in 2 litres of both wine and spirits. COMMERCIAL IMPORTS 4% of the invoice value of goods. There is no export duty or limit on goods leaving the country.
UAE CURRENCY & EXCHANGE
The monetary unit is the 'dirham' (Dhs) also known as the Arab Emirate Dirham (AED), which is divided into 100 fils. 1USS = Dhs 3.67 At the time of going to press: One UK £ = Dhs 5.5, One Euro = Dhs 4.98.
Coins include Dhs 1, 50 fils and 25 fils. Notes are of Dhs 5,10,20,50,100,200,500 and 1,000 denominations.
Exchange of traveller's cheques and foreign currencies can be made through international banks, the larger hotels and licensed exchange houses (often offering a better rate than banks and hotels). Exchange houses are open generally from Saturday to Thursday 08:30 - 13:00 and 16:30 - 20:30, offering a service in the evenings when most of the banks are closed. A number of exchange houses also open on Friday afternoons. The exchange rates of all major currencies are published daily in the newspapers. Traveller's cheques are accepted with presentation of an ID in banks, hotels and other licensed exchange offices affiliated with the issuing bank. Automatic Teller Machines (ATM) are found in banks, shopping malls and many supermarkets.
Spend the perfect family holiday in Sharjah. Choose from an action-packed, fun-filled holiday, one of cultural discovery with many magnificent museums, heritage areas and old souqs, or a relaxing break away with beach, sun, sea and fun.
SEE THE BEST OF THE SIGHTS
To help you discover the Emirate of Sharjah book standard or tailormade tours and excursions offering exciting safaris and city trips. Organised tours, ranging from a half day trip to one or even two night desert and mountain safaris, plus daily programmes for desert driving, shopping tours, east coast stays and diving trips, camel riding, canoe trips, sand boarding, sand skiing, dune buggy driving, theme and water parks and excursions to other Emirates, can all be arranged. Special interest packages including golf, water sports, fishing and archaeology can be organised on request. A comprehensive listing of tour operators is available in the 'For Your Information' section.
Discover CLOBAL - a combination of local and global knowledge with exciting programmes, lectures, discussions, workshops, in-gal!ery talks and more at Sharjah museums. Visit www.sharjahmuseums.ae for information.
AROUND TOWN
A major attraction for visitors, shopping in Sharjah provides a never ending choice of items from all over the world. Shuttle bus services to the larger shopping malls are available from several hotels (ask your concierge for details). The largest malls also provide all kinds of services and facilities from strollers and wheelchairs to ATMs and foreign language assistance.
Launched in 1990 and now in its 18th year, the Sharjah Ramadan Festival is one of the most established and growing economic activities in the region. The festival boosts the trade activities of the Emirate by organizing entertainment, promotions and educational programs for Sharjah and the UAE as a whole. Events are organised in shopping malls, in the souqs and markets, as well as in the middle and eastern regions. Cultural, heritage and sports events take place at Sharjah University City, Al Qasba and the Sharjah Ladies Club.
Time for a break from the sun - relax in the cool comfort of one of Sharjah's many cinemas; the Grand Sahara (Sahara Centre), Grand Mega Mall (Sharjah Mega Mall) or the Grand Buheirah (Al Buheirah Corniche) and enjoy the latest blockbusters. Tickets are reasonably priced and there are several sessions throughout the day.
Go bowling at the Ewan Hotel, Radisson SAS Resort and Sky 24 Amusement Centre for a fun-filled, indoor, family activity.
The iconic Sharjah Cricket Club was the first venue to host International cricket in the Middle East and is still the place to see some of the world's best teams in action. The cricket season runs from mid-September to the end of May.
There are two ice rinks in the city, which are open for ice skating all year round. Sharjah Ladies Club offers a national sized rink for ladies and children (boys under 9 only) and Sky 24 on the 24th floor of Al Durrah Tower, overlooking the Khaled Lagoon is open to all.
Many hotels have well equipped health clubs and sports facilities, the use of which comes as part of the accommodation package. Visitors will find tennis and squash courts, swimming pools, table tennis and state-of-the-art health and fitness centres. For a host of annual specialised exhibitions and shows featuring furniture and furnishing, jewellery, wedding services and products, watches and books, as well as the technical and industrial trade fairs and conferences, visit Expo Centre Sharjah (www.expo-centre.ae).
For details about performing arts, plays and cultural activities, contact Sharjah Theatres Group on 524 1238 or visit www.sharjahtheatres.com
AL QASBA LIFESTYLE
Open to all, families, business visitors and tourists alike, this enclave combines heritage and leisure activities that highlight Arabic and Islamic traditions. The Eye of the Emirates, designed in the Netherlands is one of the landmarks of Sharjah city. It comprises of 42 fully air-conditioned cabins and can accommodate up to 336 riders at one time. Considered to be the highest wheel in the region and weighing about 1,700 tons, it reaches 60 metres and offers panoramic views of Sharjah and Dubai.
Discover the flavours of this unique waterfront destination. Stretched out along the lively banks of the Qasba Canal, a range of restaurants and cafes, with enjoyable outside terraces, are open daily for lunch and dinner and serve excellent cuisine from around the world.
Listen to the majestic symphony of sound with light effects and watch the amazing water jets of the Al Qasba Tornado, the largest creative fountain in the region.
Located in the heart of Al Qasba is the 300-seat theatre, Masrah Al Qasba that hosts regular musical events, shows and plays representing Arabian and international arts. In addition, Al Qasba includes a 1,500-square meter exhibition area where various cultural and educational local and international activities from all over the Arab World and abroad are hosted.
For more information and monthly activities, visit www.alqasba.ae or call Al Qasba on 556 0777.
FOR YOUNGER VISITORS
Sharjah is very much a family destination and provides a host of indoor and outdoor activities for children of all ages Amusement and play centres are found mainly in the malls or in dedicated venues. Discover Adventureland, Antic's Land, Magic Planet, Sky 24, Space City and Treasure Island offering rides and attractions, video games, laser "shoot out", roller-coasters, children's cinemas and soft play areas. Sharjah Discovery Centre, located opposite the airport, provides a great days outing for the whole family. Filled with action and entertainment, this colourful arena explores the dynamics of water, the five senses, the art of travel and the mechanism of building and movement.
DESERT LIFE
Heading for a morning out at a camel race is a memorable experience for all ages and an opportunity to see a truly traditional sport. During the winter months, races take place at the track in Al Dhaid, usually very early on Friday mornings from 07:00. Admission to the races is free. The local press has information on dates and times and hotel guests can discuss arrangements with their hotel reception. Sharjah Golf & Shooting Club is an oasis of activity with a purpose built Golf Academy and a floodlit 9 hole, 3,740 yard, par 36 wall to wall grass golf course. Non-members are welcome to play a round of golf and can dine afterwards in the club's Italian restaurant. The club also has ten fully computerised indoor pistol/ revolver ranges and five clay pigeon shooting ranges. Visitors can spend an action packed afternoon or evening at the paintball park that accommodates up to 150 players in one session and a maximum of 14 players per team. The jungle phase covers 5,000 square metres with bunkers, huts, trees, aircraft, cars, hills, trenches and more.
