The only one of the seven Emirates with land on both the Arabian Gulf Coast and the Gulf of Oman is Sharjah, which is also the third largest. There are 1.5 million people living in Sharjah. Among them, there are just 175,000 Emiratis and 1.2 million expatriates.
There are plenty of family-friendly things to do in the Emirate. One can take in the natural beauty of the desert, mountains, and oceans, play on the beach, visit several historical monuments and museums, and have a picnic in one of the lovely parks. Going to one of Sharjah’s historic souks or shopping like a diva in one of the city’s contemporary malls is another way to step back in time.
A wide variety of sports are available in Sharjah, including jogging, shooting, horseback riding, and dune bashing. Because there is always something new to learn, it is a great community for foreigners with kids.
Which is superior? If you need a change of scenery, Dubai is merely fifteen minutes away (depending on traffic).
Sharjah is a fascinating destination for anybody, as it is home to some of the nation’s top museums and art galleries. Everyone finds Sharjah to be a desirable destination because of its easygoing and relaxed lifestyle, as well as the fact that living expenses there are lower than in Dubai or Abu Dhabi.
Sharjah’s Greatest Places to Live
List of Residential Areas in Sharjah
Al-Taawun
Al Taawun is a busy neighborhood close to the Dubai-Sharjah border that offers stunning waterfront residences. There are numerous mid- and high-rise buildings in this region with apartments for sale and rent. Most apartment complexes have stores and supermarkets on the ground floor. Both tourists and real estate investors find it to be a desirable place. Even with its popularity, the neighborhood’s flats are still affordable and suitable for families. In addition, the neighborhood offers a bustling street life in addition to a healthy outdoor lifestyle. Families or single people who prefer living in tiny towns would love Al Taawun.
Al Nahda
Many people find it convenient to reside in Al Nahda in Sharjah and work in Dubai due to its advantageous position between the two cities. Residents can also enjoy the best of both emirates because rentals in the area are much lower than in Dubai. Families, couples, and single people can find a range of apartment units in high-rise skyscrapers in this neighborhood. Both its design and equipment are excellent. The neighborhood is home to a large number of hospitals, schools, supermarkets, and entertainment places.
Al-Qasimia
One of the most well-liked expat communities is Al Qasimia, which is named after the royal family that has controlled Sharjah since 1600 AD. There are reasonably priced apartments in the area for both individuals and families. The majority of the apartments include excellent features and amenities like parking, security systems, and roomy bedrooms. Al Qasimia is home to a large number of shopping malls, supermarkets, schools, and medical facilities. Additionally, it is encircled by a friendly neighborhood and popular tourist destinations like King Faisal Mosque, Al Majaz Waterfront, and Sharjah Beach.
Muwaileh
On the outskirts of Sharjah, Muwaileh is a more tranquil suburb than the city center. Low-rise structures ranging in height from three to seven stories comprise the neighborhood. It is especially renowned for being the most economical area. Despite being less developed than other parts of downtown Sharjah, families choose this neighborhood because it is home to some of the city’s top schools, including Brilliant International Private School and Delta English School. For your monthly grocery shopping, there are a few local supermarkets that carry a variety of goods. The two most well-known supermarkets are Nesto Hypermarket and Al Mawal Supermarket.
Majaz Al
Along the Buhaira Corniche is the busy neighborhood of Al Majaz. Because of its peaceful and picturesque views of the crystal-clear sea, it is well-liked by both investors and tenants. Today, it is one of the city’s most sought-after neighborhoods. It is well-developed, peaceful, and suitable for families. There are many open spaces in the area where locals can engage in outdoor activities. On the property are shopping centers, restaurants, supermarkets, nurseries, and schools. Residents of Al Majaz are surrounded by tourist attractions like Mamzar Beach, the Eye of the Emirates, and the Al Majaz Waterfront because the city is predominantly a tourist destination.
Al Khan
Al Khan is renowned for being one of the oldest neighborhoods in Sharjah and one of its best waterfront locations. A variety of sizes and types of luxury apartment buildings, ranging from mid-rise to high-rise, are available to expatriates. Rents are higher than in other parts of the city because of its close proximity to Dubai. However, it is fully furnished with the greatest conveniences. There are plenty of supermarkets, international-curriculum schools, and trustworthy clinics nearby. It also offers a variety of outdoor, shopping, and entertainment options.
Three towns can be found on the fringes of Sharjah:
Al-Hisn Dibba
The Al-Sharjah enclave includes the emirate of Dibba Al-Hisn. The Gulf of Oman borders it on the east, Dibba Al-Baya borders it on the north, and Dibba Al-Fujairah borders it on the south. Additionally, it is situated physically in the Dibba region. In terms of size, it is the smallest of the Dibbas. Its fish market and the historic stronghold that inspired its name are its most well-known features. In contrast to the other Dibbas, it is renowned for having a dense population. Alkhalidya Secondary School and the American University of Sharjah Community College are both present.
Fakkan Khor
Although Khor Fakkan is in the Sharjah emirate, the Fujairah emirate encircles it. It is the biggest town in Sharjah and will be the site of a port and container terminal development. The popular natural beauty of Wadi Wurrayah is located approximately 15 kilometers inland from Khor Fakkan. Only four-wheel-drive cars can reach the wadi, which features a seasonal waterfall and a deep pool that is open year-round.
The “Empty Quarter,” or Rub Al Khali, is another area of Sharjah that features sand dunes up to 300 meters high in the southwest. Abu Mousa and Sir Abu Nu’air are two offshore islands off the eastern coast of Sharjah.
Kalba
North of Oman and south of the Emirate of Fujairah, Kalba is a Sharjah exclave situated on the Gulf of Oman coast. South of town is a mangrove wetland called Khor Kalba (Kalba Creek). The English School of Kalba is the only school for the younger children, but there aren’t many foreigners living in Kalba.
The Weather
Change in Sharjah Sharjah’s climate varies from pleasant to hot depending on the season. Summer and winter are typically described in terms of climate, and there are no seasons in the conventional sense. Temperatures can get to 50 degrees Celsius throughout the May through September summer months, but thankfully, most locations have air conditioning. Winter, the more agreeable season, runs from October to April and has temperatures between 18 and 30 degrees Celsius. Most individuals prefer being outside during this time of year. Although it doesn’t rain frequently in Sharjah, it does rain from January to March. The humidity during the warmer months can be unbearable.
The Code of Dress
Through its restored heritage monuments, mosques, and typical ancient souqs, Sharjah, the cultural center of the United Arab Emirates and the Gulf countries, captures the spirit of Islamic culture and the Arabian way of life.
With a rigid clothing code that is applicable to both men and women, Sharjah is undoubtedly the most conservative of the seven Emirates. Understanding Sharjah’s culture is essential when traveling there. It should be mentioned that when on a public beach, both men and women are required to stay covered. Infractions of the dress code have previously resulted in arrest and fines. The general dress code guidelines are as follows:
Ladies should wear loose-fitting tops at all times. Covering their legs up to the knees and their arms and legs up to the elbows is recommended.
Not acceptable:
- Apparel that exposes the back and abdomen.
- Tops that, at the absolute least, do not cover the arms up to the elbows.
- Skirts or shorts above the knees
- Clothing that characterizes the body and is transparent and tight.
- T-shirts that use offensive or filthy words.
Men ought to be conscious of the pictures, logos, and slogans that appear on their apparel; they shouldn’t contain any objectionable language or images. They should always wear shorts that cover their knees and t-shirts that cover their shoulders.
It is not appropriate to wear extremely short pants in public or business settings, such shopping centers and government buildings.
- An exposed chest.
- T-shirts that use offensive or filthy words.
- Sharjah Life Is Definitely Something to Think About
Most Sharjah residents would reply no if you asked them if they would move to another emirate. Even though a large number of residents work in Dubai, they wouldn’t exchange their commuting issues for a more costly and less genuine way of life abroad.
The emirate offers a wide range of affordable options, including entertainment, schools, and rent. It’s a terrific place to save money and live comfortably. Renting an apartment in Sharjah will save you a lot of money, therefore it’s a smart move. Online ads indicate that one-bedroom flats in Sharjah typically cost between Dh30,000 and Dh40,000 per month, with rarely going beyond Dh50,000. Schools, hospitals, and supermarkets are all conveniently located in many of Sharjah’s different neighborhoods.
Sharjah’s Average Cost of Living
A well-liked city in the United Arab Emirates, Sharjah is renowned for its customs, culture, and employment prospects that attract both foreign workers and university students. The average cost of living in Sharjah, however, is $1240 for a bachelor’s degree, $1125 for students, and $1405 for a family or couple.
Accommodation
Many foreign workers in Dubai opt to live in Sharjah and commute since Sharjah has cheaper rentals than Dubai. Studio apartments and four-bedroom apartments are available. Villas with gardens on the beach are also available for rent. It all seems too good to be true.
You might favor a studio apartment, a 1BHK, a 2BHK, or a shared apartment, depending on your lifestyle. AED 300–500 would be the price range for shared housing, AED 2100–3500 for a one-bedroom apartment, AED 4000–5000 for a two-bedroom apartment, and AED 1500–2000 for a studio.
Moving around
In Sharjah, there are numerous ways to get about, such as buses and taxis. Franchise businesses that have been granted permission to drive taxis in Sharjah Emirate offer Sharjah taxi service, which covers the entire Emirate and its cities, including malls, neighborhoods, and the airport. In Sharjah, you may quickly view and download the best route to get you where you’re going.
The Sharjah Public Transport Corporation’s recommendation:
- Refrain from being seduced by drivers of inexpensive private vehicles; do not risk your life or property by accompanying them, particularly after hours;
- You may be subject to fraud charges or even murder if you sign a contract with a private vehicle driver or even a taxi driver who offers to pay him to transport you every day.
Learning
There are enough educational resources in Sharjah to serve all of the local kids. This makes it unnecessary for parents in Sharjah to travel to Dubai so that their kids can go to school. There are kindergartens through universities in Sharjah. The excellent standards of education in the UAE are upheld.
Here are several examples:
- Sharjah’s Victoria International School
- Sharjah’s American Community School
- Sharjah’s Australian International School
- Excellent Private International School
- Sharjah Choueifat
- Sharjah’s Delhi Private School
- Sharjah’s GEMS Millennium School
- Sharjah German School
- English School in the Gulf Asia
- Sharjah’s New Indian Model School
- International Academy of Scholars
- The Autism Center in Sharjah
- English College of Sharjah
- English School in Sharjah
Health
The administration of Sharjah has built state-of-the-art medical facilities to accommodate the city’s expanding needs. To address residents’ medical requirements, the Ministry of Health and Prevention (MOHAP) of the United Arab Emirates has set up a number of government hospitals and healthcare facilities.
The government hospitals in Sharjah provide free care to all emergency patients.
Sharjah Government Hospitals List:
- Hospital in Kuwait
- Sharjah University Hospital
- Hospital Al Qassimi
- Al Qassimi Women’s and Children’s Hospital
- Hospital Al Dhaid
- Hospital Kalba
- Additional Medical Facilities in Sharjah
- Private Hospital Al Zahra
- Hospital Al Nakheel
- The Kalba Health Complex
- Hospital in Zulekha
- Al Ghubaiba Preventive Medical Center in Sharjah
- Preventive Medical Center Al Dhaid
- Dibba Al Hissn Preventive Medical Center
- Preventive Medicine in Khorrfakhan
- Kalba Dental Office
- Al Modam Health Center Al Mleiha
- Dibba Al Hisn Medical Facility
- The Royal Hospital
- The Medcare Hospital
- French Health Facility
- International Medical Center Al Atta
- Al Bishara Health Facility
Sharjah shopping
Oriental carpets, tropical fruits, gold, silver, and precious stones, jewelry, gifts, and handcrafted souvenirs, as well as designer clothing, delicious Middle Eastern sweets, the newest gadgets, and much more, are all available for purchase in a bustling metropolis virtually around the clock. Whether you’re looking for a diamond ring, a gold necklace, the newest digital camera, or furnishings, you can shop around to find the perfect form, size, or color.
Sharjah is a veritable gold mine of contemporary shopping centers, upscale stores and boutiques, and unique bazaars and souks. The city boasts a number of unique shopping areas, each with its own collection of crowded malls, expansive showrooms, and smaller department stores and centers. There are also fascinating furniture warehouses filled with antiques and amazing year-round sales in each of these areas.
Athletics
A wide range of summer and winter sports are available to outdoor enthusiasts in the Emirate of Sharjah. During the summer, people tend to calm down and discover what Sharjah has to offer beneath its seas. In the summer, you can also take a plunge in a refreshing pool. However, when the temperature cools and becomes perfect for desert driving, trekking, camping, and wadi bashing, heart rates tend to surge during the winter. For sports fans, Sharjah offers a wide variety of team sports. For those who would rather work out alone, there are solitary sports like jogging.
Climbers, cyclists, joggers, and walkers may all enjoy beautiful pathways to keep in shape. There are many different sports and clubs that team players and racquet sport lovers can join. Most of the bigger hotel clubs in Sharjah have gyms and provide coaching, lessons, and courses in a range of sports. Residents can utilize the playgrounds in several of the smaller parks on a first-come, first-served basis.
Sports offered in the Emirate’s many centers, hotels, and clubs include basketball, volleyball, bowling, climbing, golf, cricket, and horseback riding. However, golf and bowling are the most popular pastimes in Sharjah.
Sharjah parks
The Municipality is responsible for maintaining Sharjah’s exquisitely designed parks, which number over 40 and are dispersed around the city. Admission is usually free. Green lawns, sports grounds, and seating spaces can all be found in parks. Many parks in Sharjah permit guests to bring their own food and beverages, which makes them perfect for a family picnic. Smoking a sheesha pipe in public is prohibited. Parks may open and close later in the day during the Holy Month of Ramadan and during the summer.
Sharjah beaches
Safe, white, sandy beaches with palm trees, pure blue oceans, and gently shelving coasts may be found along the Arabian Gulf coast. Although they have few amenities, public beaches are accessible to everyone. The most well-liked beaches for tanning are Al Mamzar and Al Khan. The Corniche Beach is crowded on weekends, however it isn’t a good place to sunbathe.
Sharjah’s Mountains and Deserts
Sharjah is not flat like Dubai. It features mountains and wadis that are highly-liked by both inhabitants and visitors, as well as a vast desert with constantly shifting sand dunes. In the desert, quad bikes and four-wheel drives are common. Between Al Ain, Oman, and Sharjah, the mountains offer a distinctive landscape that is well-liked by four-wheel drive drivers. Are you prepared to live in Sharjah?
