IT is a venue where world-class cricket is played, where Javed Miandad hit a sweeping six to see Pakistan thought to victory at the very last ball, where people gather from far and near to enjoy moments of fun and where you feel at home. It is Sharjah, one of the most happening spots of the UAE.
“Smile... you are in Sharjah,” the words carefully spelled out on the grass on the road below the Rolla Bridge, depicts Sharjah’s hospitality. Sharjah (Al Shariqa) is UAE’s third largest emirate — possessing every possible necessity and luxury one can imagine. From huge malls and mosques to universities and recreational areas, Sharjah seems to be a world in itself.
A population of about 520,000 accounts for equal proportion of natives and foreigners. Be it American, Pakistani or Indian — everyone feels like being at home. Though Arabic is the official language, yet English is popular as the commercial language. Islam, understandably, is the faith followed by most people which is why the Azaan can be heard in every locality.
Sharjah is bordered by Dubai and Ajman on either sides, and the Arabian Gulf framing the third side. The waters of Arabian Gulf edge towards the city giving rise to the formation of waterfront areas such as the three famous lagoons — Al-Khalid lagoon, Al-Khan lagoon and Al-Mamzar lagoon. Each one of these has a magnificent cornice, where people usually go for walks at night after their long hectic day. Boat rides along the cornice is a great fun-filled experience for the kids as well as the whole family.
Confronting the unbearable high temperatures, air conditioners are the best companions for the day. Temperatures as high as 48 degrees centigrade restrict people indoors during they day, leaving recreational activities and shopping for night time. Thus, all recreational centres are closed for the day and open up in the evening when people come out by the dozens to have some fun.
The city has some excellent educational institutions and each one is built with every essential facility — large cafeterias, hostel accommodations and air-conditioned departments to name a few. Sharjah University and the all-embracing American University of Sharjah (AUS) are crowded with local as well as foreign students. There are about five colleges and over 150 public and private schools in Sharjah.
Sharjah is also a destination that has much to offer shoppers of all types. From the traditional souks and bazaars to stylish shops and modern malls you can find all kinds of shops and merchandise to suit all kinds of budgets. Be it Sharjah City Centre, Mega Mall or the latest Sahara Centre — visible not far from the entrance of Sharjah when you are coming from Dubai — a trip to these places is a must if you are in this city. There are several small centres such as those at Wahda Road, Al Buhairia Cornice and the famous Al Rolla Square which is a place to buy stuff like carpets, spices, perfumes and traditional items.
The most popular among the souk is the Blue souk, with its magnificent design and architecture that makes people stop not just to shop but also to take photographs.
One of the most prominent landmarks in Sharjah is the Al Zahro Hospital. It is UAE’s first private hospital and it ranks as one of the region’s best hospitals.
In 1998, UNESCO named Sharjah Emirate the cultural capitol of the Arab world due to its commitment to art, culture and preservation of its heritage. Sharjah has consistently dedicated its resources to establishing an enviable lifestyle for its citizens. It is a beautiful modern city — friendly and safe, excellent infrastructure and outstanding services.
People are not allowed to hang clothes in their apartment’s balconies because it degrades the city’s appearance. And those found doing so are fined 500 dihrams. It shows how much the administration is concerned about the city and its upkeep. No wonder, a trip to Sharjah is such a delightful experience.
IT is a venue where world-class cricket is played, where Javed Miandad hit a sweeping six to see Pakistan thought to victory at the very last ball, where people gather from far and near to enjoy moments of fun and where you feel at home. It is Sharjah, one of the most happening spots of the UAE.
