Snapshot Of The Emirates
SHARJAH
HH Sheikh Khalid bin Mohammed Al
Qasimi, Founding Father of the UAE
and former Ruler of Sharjah.
HH Sheikh Dr Sultan III bin Mohammed
Al Qasimi, Member of Supreme
Council and Ruler of Sharjah.
Founding Father: HH Sheikh Khalid bin Mohammed Al Qasimi (1965 – 1972)
Current Ruler: HH Sheikh Dr Sultan III bin Mohammed Al Qasimi (1972 – present)
Important Landmarks: Al Majaz Waterfront, The Cultural Roundabout (formerly known as the Quran Roundabout)
Key Industries: Tourism, Shipping Port and Free Zone Business Investment Opportunities
T
oday, the industrious emirate
of Sharjah is the scene
of a constantly blooming
Metropolis. However, like all
her sister emirates, Sharjah has a rich
history and can be counted as one of
the fastest developing emirates within
the United Arab Emirates.
Sharjah is the third largest emirate
following Abu Dhabi and Dubai. Its
settlements date back to approximately
6, 000 years ago when it is believed to
have been called Sarcoa. Back then,
the small population relied on trade,
farming, fishing, hunting and pearling.
within the emirate. These museums
constantly provide great exhibitions
that feature interesting artefacts,
valuable information on the UAE and
the Gulf region, as well as, timeless
photography that visually transports
you back in time and informs you about
how Emiratis and the people of the
Gulf region lived in the past. These
museums are excellent for field trips
and social outings for anyone who is
keen on exploring and discovering the
secrets of Arabian lifestyle and Islamic
culture. Sharjah also offers impressive
art galleries and beautifully restored
heritage sites.
The emirate of Sharjah is renown
throughout the Arab world for its
commitment to art, culture and
preserving local heritage. In fact, in
1998, UNESCO named the emirate as
the “Cultural Capital of the Arab World.”
Sharjah is a city of humanitarian
service. There is a constant push to
promote humanitarian work especially
in the fields of health care, education,
rehabilitation and reintegration of the
disabled into society.
Places of educational value to
educators include the wide range of
over 20 museums that are located
The integrity and character of the
people of Sharjah is linked to a deep
appreciation for and understanding of
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Special Feature
their diverse history and embracing
the opportunities of the present that
will yield a more positive future for the
emirate, its residents and by extension,
the people of the UAE.
Source: Sharjah Tourisim
(Photo Credit: Sharjah Media Centre and
National Archives, UAE)