Sharjah

Sharjah
Name	Sharjah
Native name	ٱلشَّارِقَة
Settlement type	City
Coordinates	25, 21, 27, N...
Subdivision type	Country
Subdivision name	United Arab Emirates
Subdivision type1	Emirate
Subdivision name1	Emirate of Sharjah
Leader title	Ruler
Leader name	Sultan bin Muhammad Al-Qasimi
Area total km2	235
Population total	1,800,000
Population as of	2023
Population density km2	auto

Sharjah. It is the capital of the Emirate of Sharjah, a constituent member of the United Arab Emirates. Renowned as a major cultural and educational hub, it is the only emirate to have land on both the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman. The city has been recognized by UNESCO as the Cultural Capital of the Arab World and is noted for its extensive museum network and preservation of Islamic architecture.

History

Archaeological finds at sites like Mleiha indicate settlement dating back to the Umm al-Nar culture and the Iron Age. Historically, it was a prosperous pearling and trading port, frequently mentioned in the accounts of early Arab geographers like Al-Muqaddasi. In the 18th century, the Al Qasimi tribe established their authority, with the Qawasim becoming a significant naval power in the lower Persian Gulf. The emirate signed the General Maritime Treaty of 1820 with the British Empire, leading to its status as a Trucial State. Following the discovery of oil at the Mubarak Field in 1972, development accelerated, and it joined the federation of the United Arab Emirates in 1971 under the leadership of Khalid bin Muhammad Al Qasimi.

Geography and climate

The city is situated along the northern coastline of the United Arab Emirates on the Persian Gulf. It shares borders with the emirates of Dubai to the southwest and Ajman to the northeast, forming part of a continuous metropolitan area. Its eastern exclaves, such as Khor Fakkan and Kalba, lie on the coast of the Gulf of Oman, providing strategic access to the Indian Ocean. The terrain is predominantly arid desert, part of the larger Arabian Desert, with the Al Hajar Mountains rising in the eastern regions. The climate is classified as hot desert, with extremely high temperatures in summer and mild, pleasant winters, influenced by the Arabian Gulf.

Economy

Historically dependent on pearl diving, trade, and fishing, the economy was transformed by revenues from the Mubarak Field. The government has strategically diversified into manufacturing, with the Sharjah Airport International Free Zone and Hamriyah Free Zone attracting significant industrial investment. It is a major hub for logistics and light industry, and its port, Khalid Port, is one of the busiest in the region. The city also promotes itself as a center for Islamic banking and finance, while sectors like publishing, education, and healthcare have grown substantially under the patronage of the ruling family.

Culture and education

Designated the Cultural Capital of the Arab World by UNESCO in 1998, it hosts prestigious institutions like the Sharjah Art Foundation and the Sharjah Biennial. Key cultural sites include the Sharjah Museum of Islamic Civilization, the Sharjah Heritage Museum, and the restored Heart of Sharjah district. It is the headquarters of the Arab Bureau of Education for the Gulf States and home to major universities such as the University of Sharjah and the American University of Sharjah. The annual Sharjah International Book Fair is one of the largest publishing events in the Arab world, reflecting its status as a UNESCO World Book Capital.

Government and politics

The emirate is an absolute monarchy ruled by Sultan bin Muhammad Al-Qasimi, a member of the Al Qasimi dynasty, who has served as the Supreme Council member since 1972. The local government structure includes the Sharjah Executive Council, which implements the ruler's directives across various departments. The emirate maintains its own police force, judiciary, and media outlets, including Sharjah TV and the Sharjah Radio and Television Corporation. Its legal system is based on Sharia law, and it is known for its conservative social policies within the federation.

Transport

The city is served by the Sharjah International Airport, a major cargo and passenger hub for Air Arabia. Road connectivity is excellent via a network of highways like Emirates Road and Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Road, linking it directly to Dubai and other northern emirates. Public transport includes the Sharjah Public Transport bus system, with inter-emirate services operated by the RTA. The Port Khalid and the deep-water Hamriyah Port are vital for maritime trade, while the Sharjah Cement Factory and other industries are connected by an extensive logistics network.

Category:Capitals in Asia Category:Cities in the United Arab Emirates Category:Port cities and towns of the United Arab Emirates