Introduction Sharjah
Sharjah is the third largest emirate after Abu Dhabi and Dubai with a population over one million and a land mass of 2600 sq.km. it is the only emirate with ports on both sides of the peninsula.
Human settlement in Sharjah has existed for over 5,000 years. Historically the emirate was one of the wealthiest towns in the region. Around 1727, the Al Qasimi clan took control of Sharjah and declared the polity independent. On 8 January 1820, Sheikh Sultan I bin Saqr Al Qasimi signed the General Maritime Treaty with Britain, accepting protectorate status in order to resist Ottoman domination. Like four of its neighbors, Ajman, Dubai, Ras al-Khaimah, and Umm al-Qaiwain, its position along trade routes to India made it important enough to be recognized as a salute state. On 2 December 1971, Sharjah joined the Union of the 7 emirates. Sharjah is the only emirate where alcohol is banned.
It was named by the UNISCO “The cultural capital of the Arab world “in 1998 due to its interest in developing many museums and cultural activities.
Sharjah main attractions and sight-seeing
1) The gold souk (Blue souk)
2) The fruit & vegetable market
3) The fish market
4) Al Arsa souk
5) Al Eslah School Museum
6) Al Mahatta Museum
7) Arabia Wildlife Center
8) Bait Al Naboodah
9) Aquarium
10) The Archeology Museum
11) Theh Art Museum
12) The Calligraphy Museum
13) Desert Park
14) Discovery center
15) Heritage Museum
16) Al Hisn
17) Maritime Museum
18) Museum for Islamic Civilization
19) Old cars Club
20) Science Museum
21) Khalid Lagoon
For more information and timings please visit: www.sharjahmuseums.ae and www.sharjahtourism.ae
