2 seater buggy Dubai

Lightweight off-road vehicle

A sandrail, also called a sand rail, rail, or sand car, is a lightweight off-road motor vehicle specifically built for traveling in sandy terrain. Synonymously referred to as dune buggies, a sandrail is a type of speciality vehicle.^[1] They are popularly operated on actual sand dunes. Sandrails can be driven on other types of terrain but are designed specifically for sand.

History

[edit]

At the end of World War II thousands of soldiers returning from the war had spent years driving Jeeps, tanks, and half-tracks with few or no roads. Having an increased disposable income, these GIs formed the original core of off-road enthusiasts. Initially, they used surplus Jeeps and cut-up cars to build their off-road vehicles. Soon these "off-roaders" discovered that with little more than a skid plate, they could get a stock air-cooled Volkswagen Beetle to go almost anywhere.^[2] Throughout the 1950s the sport continued to develop.

In 1958 Pete Beiring of Oceano, Calif., took the body frame or "pan" from a damaged Volkswagen and shortened it into a new machine that eventually became the precursor to the dune buggy. This eventually led to the first production dune buggy called the "Sportster", which was developed around 1960 by the EMPI Imp Company. It was an angular sheet metal vehicle built on a stripped-down Volkswagen chassis. Many others followed including the ever popular Meyers Manx design.^[3] Dune buggies had a style all their own with fiberglass siding and other "heavy" body features.

As the late 1960s and early '70s approached, enthusiasts developed lighter and more powerful sand vehicles capable of ascending steeper and higher dunes. Many started experimenting at home by building super light weight vehicle frames from metal tubing, often without a roll cage. Many were nothing more than a frame, engine, transmission, wheels and one or two seats. Because of their versatility, light weight and simplicity the air-cooled Volkswagen engine and transmission were the power plant of choice for many owners. By placing the motor and transmission in the rear of the frame it allowed the front of the sandrail to remain extremely light and thus able to "float" over the sand dunes. An added value of placing the engine in the rear of the vehicle was that heat created by the motor did not blow into the face of the driver and passengers. From the 1970s forward, sandrail builders continued to push the delicate balance between weight and power.

Body style

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When it comes to serious sand dunes, most off-road vehicles including those with four wheel drive are relatively top heavy and can only safely climb or descend steep hills with a mostly perpendicular approach to inclines or downhills. In the case of driving up a steep sand dune, many would simply "dig-in" and get stuck.

Sandrails are ultra lightweight vehicles often weighing in at 800 and 1500 pounds (≈363 and ≈680 kg). They typically use high flotation smooth or farm implement front tires and special rear paddle tires, allowing it to skim over the surface of the sand without getting stuck. A sandrail has a low center of gravity, permitting it to make tight turns even on the face of a sand dune.

Sandrail frames are built from a tubular space frame chassis that incorporates an integrated roll cage. The distinction between a sandrail and dune buggy or sand car is that the sandrail will rarely have windows, doors, fenders, or full body panels. The sandrail will also be a lighter weight vehicle compared to the sandcar. On most sandrails, the engine is typically at the rear. Some sandrails also use a mid-engine configuration. This design offers favorable weight distribution and traction, which is very desirable for dune "hill-climbing".

Engines and fuel

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Originally becoming popular in the 1960s, sandrails used lightweight air-cooled engines like the Volkswagen engine from the VW Beetle and Porsche (~200 pounds) or the Chevrolet Corvair, Mitsubishi Minica and Cosworth DFV (~350 pounds). Because of the availability of affordable parts, the Volkswagen engine continues to be the mainstay of many sandrails today. At some point in the late 1970s in the wake of the Ford Pinto product liability cases, the first alternative engine was sourced from the Pinto, primarily the 2.0L and 2.3L. More recently, some enthusiasts have turned to lighter weight water-cooled engines such as the Subaru boxer or GM Ecotec engines.^[4]

The need for more power comes from necessity and desire when driving in steep sand dunes. This has driven sandrail engine builders to add performance features to engines such as the stock (24 to 50 horse power) Volkswagen engine. These include: larger pistons, turbochargers, dual racing carburetors, fuel injection, and high performance cylinder heads. Some performance engines can run on premium unleaded gasoline. However, many high performance engines must use racing fuel or fuel additives. A high performance sandrail Volkswagen engine can produce well into the 170-200+ horse power range and as high as 700 horse power with methanol fuel.^[5]

Most sandrails use a manual transmission, although automatic transmissions are used as well.^{[6][page needed]}

Accessories

[edit]

Early sandrails often consisted of little more than a steering wheel, brakes and accelerator. However, today an entire industry is built around all kinds of accessories such as HID and LED headlamps, radios, passenger communications headsets and GPS navigation devices.

Other applications

[edit]

Some states in the USA, such as Arizona and Utah, allow the registration of sandrails and other primarily off-road vehicles for "on-road" use. In these states, sandrails registered for on-road use usually must meet the minimum insurance coverage required by normal vehicles.^[7] Additionally, they may require modifications to be road worthy. These requirements typically include a wind shield, turning signals, and license plate. These requirements may vary by state.

Sandrails have been employed by US state authorities, the United States Border Patrol and even the military. They are still in use today by the Navy SEALs. The military design of these vehicles is based on the Chenowth Advanced Light Strike Vehicle model and have been modified for a third seat above the engine to control a .50 caliber machine gun and other armaments. State authorities, such as rangers at sand dune parks sometimes employ sandrails, removing the passenger seat to convert the sandrail into a makeshift ambulance with a stretcher.

Although sandrails are primarily designed for the sand, they have been successfully used on "soft pack" dirt, mud and even snow. Some of these types of applications usually require the use of off-road type tires versus "sand" tires. They are typically not well suited for rocky terrain due to their mostly limited suspension and lighter duty frames.

Safety

[edit]

Accidents most often occur in collisions with other off-road vehicles, and are frequently the result of not being seen. In many dune areas, all sand vehicles (motorcycles, quads, sandrails, UTVs and sandcars) are required to use an eight-foot antenna whip and flag. This is critical to being seen by other vehicles as a driver traverses from one dune to the next.^[8] Most sandrails employ a variety of safety features for the driver and passengers. The most common is the use of a three-point safety belt system. Many sand rails also utilize roll bar padding and fire extinguishers. More advanced safety features sometimes include: arm and wrist restraints, netting for large frame openings, automatic fuel cut-off switches and horns. Additionally, the use of eye protection (goggles and ballistic-grade glasses) is considered a necessity. Finally, the use of helmets while "duning" is increasing due to the advances in performance. Sand associations along with state and federal land management agencies work to provide dune safety information through pamphlets, online and in classes.

Future, industry and associations

[edit]

Due to its economical cost to build and maintain, access to new parts and good balance between weight and power, the sandrail continues to be used by many enthusiasts today.^[9] However, the heavier and typically more powerful sandcar now represents another style for duners.^[1] This style often employs mammoth cars weighing several thousand pounds and using highly advanced suspension systems and transmissions coupled with large performance V8 engines such as the latest GM LS engine series, Ford Coyote engine series or Range Rover engine series.

Associations such as ASA hold events throughout the year in some parts of the country for sand racing and hill climbing. Additionally, these associations provide representation for enthusiasts with legislators and land management officials.

References

[edit]

1. ^ ^{a b} Brandt, Marlin (February 18, 2012). "Informal survey of 100 people at Dumont Dunes 2012".
2. ^ Hibbard, Jeff (1983). Baja Bugs & Buggies. HP books. pp. 2–3. ISBN 978-0-89586-186-3.
3. ^ Dune Buggy History. "Dune Buggy History". Dune Buggy Archives.
4. ^ Sand Sports Magazine. July–August 2012. cite journal: Missing or empty |title= (help)
5. ^ All About Performance VW Engines #3 (Summer): 12–13. 2011. cite journal: Missing or empty |title= (help)
6. ^ Hibbard, Jeff (1983). Baja Bugs & Buggies. HP Books. ISBN 978-0-89586-186-3.
7. ^ "Arizona Department of Transportation".
8. ^ "CA Dune Safety Regulations".
9. ^ Hot VW Magazine. March 2011. cite journal: Missing or empty |title= (help)

External links

[edit]

Look up sand rail, sand-rail, or sandrail in Wiktionary, the free dictionary.

Wikimedia Commons has media related to Sandrails.

• Links and information on sand dunes in the United States and worldwide
• Important sand dune enthusiast links
• American Sand Association
• Online forum for the dune buggy and sand rail enthusiast

Capital of the Emirate of Sharjah, United Arab Emirates

This article is about the city. For the emirate, see Emirate of Sharjah. For the star, see HIP 79431.

 

Metropolis in United Arab Emirates

Sharjah

Location within the Persian Gulf

Show map of Persian Gulf

Sharjah ٱلشَّارقَة
Metropolis
Sharjah
Clockwise from top: Al Khan Lagoon, Heritage District, Al-Noor Mosque, Cultural Palace, Blue Souk, Al-Qasba Canal
Flag Coat of arms
Sharjah Location of Sharjah in the UAE Show map of United Arab Emirates

Coordinates: 25°21′27″N 55°23′27″E / 25.35750°N 55.39083°E / 25.35750; 55.39083Country United Arab EmiratesEmirate SharjahGovernment

 • TypeAbsolute monarchy • SheikhSultan bin Muhammad Al-QasimiArea

235.5 km² (90.9 sq mi)Population

1,800,000 • Rank3rd • Density7,600/km² (20,000/sq mi)GDP

 • TotalUS$ 58.9 billion (2023) • Per capitaUS$ 32,100 (2023)

Sharjah (/ˈʃɑːrdʒə/; Arabic: ٱلشَّارقَة aš-Šāriqah, Gulf Arabic: aš-Šārja^[3]) is a major port city and the third-most populous city in the United Arab Emirates, after Dubai and Abu Dhabi.^[4][5] It is the capital of the Emirate of Sharjah and forms part of the Dubai-Sharjah-Ajman metropolitan area. The emirate shares legal, political, military and economic functions with the other emirates of the UAE within a federal framework. Each emirate has jurisdiction over some functions such as civil law enforcement and provision and upkeep of local facilities. Sharjah has been ruled by the Al Qasimi dynasty since the 18th century.

The city is a center for culture and industry, and alone contributes 7.4% of the GDP of the United Arab Emirates.^[6] The city covers approximately 235 km² and has a population of over 1,800,000 (2022–2023).^[1] Sharjah has been officially named as a WHO healthy city.^[7] The 2016 edition of QS Best Student Cities ranked Sharjah as the 68th best city in the world to be a university student.^[8] Sharjah is regarded as the cultural capital of the UAE,^[9][10] and was the Islamic culture capital of 2014^[11] and Sharjah World Book Capital for 2019 by UNESCO.^[12]

On 1 January 2022, Sharjah made history when its public sector adopted a four-day working week and a three-day weekend, becoming the first government sector in the Gulf region and the entire Middle East to fully adopt a four-day working week.^[13]

The origin of the name of Sharjah is unknown, with most common interpretations linking the origin of the word Sharjah to the word sharq (Arabic: شَرْق, lit. 'east') due to the fact that the city is located to the east of Dubai and Abu Dhabi, and that Sharjah was the easternmost settlement at the time.^[14]

However, other interpretations have disputed the origin of the name based on location, and suggested instead that it refers to the word shurūq (Arabic: شُروق, lit. 'sunrise'). Further theories have linked the name to a pre-Islamic idol called Abed Al Shareq that transformed into Sharjah. The origin of the word has also been linked to the Andalusi Arabic usage of the word, which was used to refer to a fort.^[15]

Sharjah was historically one of the wealthiest towns in this region with a settlement in existence for over 5000 years.^[16] In the early 18th century, the Huwayla tribe of the Qawasim clan established itself in Sharjah c. 1727, declaring Sharjah independent. On 8 January 1820, Sheikh Sultan I signed the General Maritime Treaty with Britain, accepting a protectorate to keep the Ottoman Turks out. Like its neighbors Ajman, Dubai, Ras Al Khaimah, and Umm Al Quwain, Sharjah's position on the route to India made it important enough to be recognized as a salute state (be it of the lowest class: 3 guns).

In 1829, English author and traveler James Silk Buckingham described Sharjah as such:

"In the course of the night, we had passed the port of Sharjee, on the Arabian coast, which is not an island, Niebuhr's chart, the only one in which it is inserted; but a small town, on a sandy beach, containing from five to six hundred inhabitants. It is situated in lat. 25° 34' north, and lies eleven leagues south-west of a small island, close to the shore, called Jeziret-el-Hamra; and three leagues south-west of Sharjee is Aboo Hayle."^[17]

With the approach of the 20th century, Sharjah extended inland to the area now known as Wasit Suburb, the area between the city and Al Dhaid being under the control of the tribes of the interior. With a population of 15,000 inhabitants, Sharjah had some four or five shops in Layyah and a bazaar of around 200 shops in main Sharjah.^[18]

In the midst of World War II, Nazi propaganda infiltrated the town. Loud propagating of pro-Hitler speeches could be heard emanating from the Sheikh of Sharjah's palace during a period in 1940, and messages sharing a similar sentiment graffitied on walls in the town center according to British intelligence reports at the time, for the messages being propagated by the Germans was one of anti-imperialism, it found a sympathetic audience among some of the emirate's populace, particularly Abdullah bin Faris, a secretary of the Sheikh who was responsible for the broadcasts. After the Sheikh was confronted by the British, he wrote a letter reaffirming his support for the British war efforts and disputed the charges laid out against bin Faris. Attached to the letter was a petition signed by 48 prominent individuals testifying to bin Faris' character, which, according to the British, had been misrepresented to the signees. The incident resolved after the Sheikh and bin Faris ceased transmitting propaganda and doubled down on their support to the British.^[19]

On 2 December 1971, Sharjah, together with Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Ajman, Umm Al Qawain, and Fujairah joined in the Act of Union to form the United Arab Emirates. The seventh emirate, Ras al-Khaimah, joined the UAE on 10 February 1972 following Iran's annexation of Ras al-Khaimah's Tunbs islands.^{[citation needed]}

Like the other former Trucial States, Sharjah's name is known by many stamp collectors because of the large numbers of stamps that were issued by the Sharjah Post Office shortly before the formation of the United Arab Emirates. These stamps that were printed in profusion became worthless to collectors and came to be known as Dunes.^[20] Many of the items featured on these stamps were unrelated to the emirate and therefore many catalogues do not list them.^[21]

Sharjah is the third largest city in the United Arab Emirates after Dubai and Abu Dhabi.^[25] The palace of the ruler of the Emirate of Sharjah, Sheikh Sultan bin Muhammad Al-Qasimi, is located about 20 kilometres (12 mi) southeast of the city.

The city of Sharjah overlooks the Persian Gulf and has a population of over 1,600,000 (2022). It includes the main administrative centres of the Government of Sharjah along with commercial, cultural and traditional projects. The city hosts several museums of archaeology, natural history, science, arts, heritage, Islamic art and culture.^[26] Distinctive landmarks include two major covered souks, reflecting Islamic design, and a number of recreational areas and public parks such as Al Montazah Fun Park and Al Buheirah Corniche. The city is also acclaimed for its numerous elegant mosques.^[27]

Downtown Sharjah or Sharjah City,^[28] Al Majaz is a large-scale, mixed-use complex in Sharjah. It serves as the cultural and commercial heart of the emirate. It is characterized by a blend of traditional architecture, modern amenities, and numerous cultural landmarks.

It is one of the older parts of the city. It is a key of commercial and residential hub within the emirate. Situated east of Khalid lake Rolla Sharjah stands out as a prominent community within the city as a historical and significant landmark within the city of Sharjah. The neighborhood derives its name from a historic banyan tree that once flourished in the area. Rolla is an integral part of the Al Ghuwair development.^[29]

Muwaileh Commercial is a Suburb, Community city and residential area in Sharjah, with direct access to Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Road (E311) and Maliah Road. Its a prominent and rapidly developing area in Sharjah. It borders Industrial Area 15 and 17 to the south, and is close to the University City of Sharjah.^[30] It also features a diverse range of residential options, consisting of apartment buildings.

It is named after the large rolla (banyan tree) that once stood in the square,^[31] which inspired the sculpture at the center of the park, Rolla Square is a common location for people to stroll, unwind and enjoy the tranquil environment during the weekends.^[32] Rolla Square Market in Rolla Square is a vital part of the Sharjah shopping experience. Its mix of traditional market vibes where visitors can get their products at affordable prices and a wide range of products makes it a favorite for shoppers looking for deals and unique finds.^[33]

Bank street is located near the main area of Rolla, many bank branches and offices are located on the street. The street has an urban park which is unique as local residents were invited to nominate significant urban features — like benches, trees, playgrounds, and signage — from various cities worldwide that hold personal meaning to them, representing anything from remarkable stories to fleeting memories. These objects were selected from the residents' home countries or places they came across during their travels. They were either replicated in exact 1:1 scale or purchased and transported to the designated site.^[34][35]

Al Hisn, also known as Sharjah Fort was a fortified complex built in 1823 as the headquarters of the then-independent Emirate of Sharjah and the residence of the Al Qasimi family. Its situated in the center of the city, and was closed for renovations from 1996 to 2015, and it reopened its doors as an open-air museum under the administration of the Sharjah Museums Authority.^[36] The materials that were used for the building of the fort — ceilings are made out of chandal (mangrove poles), kumbar (rope), du’un (bound palm branches) and haseer (palm matts). The walls, with a thickness of 70–80 cm, are plastered with corals, harvested from the Gulf seabed and held in place using jus – a mortar formed by crushing and burning corals, limestone and shells.^[37]

Located between the Blue Souq and Fish Market, near the Union Bank Tower, the floral call to cheer up engraved on the roundabout has given its name to the roundabout itself. "Smile, You're in Sharjah" is a welcome sign, spelled out in flowers in the middle of a roundabout notorious for its rush-hour traffic jams.^[38]

Sharjah Central Souq, or Gold Souq (Arabic: سوق, lit. 'market'), stands as Sharjah premier shopping destination and comprises a gold souq, clothing souq, and antiques and jewellery shops. It stands out due to its design by British architects Michael Lyle & Partners under the guidance of Sharjah's ruler, H.H Sheikh Dr. Sultan Bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, the building was completed in 1978. Its architecture evokes a grand-scale traditional bazaar. It is situated along the Khalid Lagoon and offers a stunning view of sunset, reflecting its beauty across the water.^[39] The Central Souq which is also called the Blue Souq includes around 600 shops and each shop has the unique masterpiece design.^[40]

Mahatta Fort, now known as the Al Mahatta Museum, is a museum on the site of the first airport built in the region in 1932 by Imperial Airways. The adjacent fort was constructed by then-Ruler of Sharjah Sultan bin Saqr Al Qasimi as a rest stop for travelling crew and for protection against any potential attacks.^[41][42] The fort and airport were used extensively by the Royal Air Force during World War II, and after the war the fort became the headquarters of the Trucial Oman Scouts.^[43] The airport remained in use up to 1977, when Sharjah International Airport opened. The runway strip was converted into a highway and the buildings were renovated into Al Mahatta Museum, which opened in 2000.^[43]

The Heart of Sharjah is an ongoing^{[needs update]} renovation and preservation project of the former old city center of Sharjah.^[44] The project aims to develop the former old city center into an open-air museum with various smaller museums, galleries and commercial centers. The project is home to a 5-star hotel and the traditional Souk Al Arsa, a covered souk with an array of items for sale, including antiques.^[45]

Al-Qasba Canal is a 1-kilometer-long canal that runs through the center of Sharjah. Located along its waterfront are several apartments, shops, and tourist attractions of the Al Qasba community.^[46] The theatre in Qasba celebrates different types of cultural events every year. It became more crowded during the festival season.^[47]

The Sharjah Heritage Museum is situated near the Bait Al Naboodah, directly across from Souq Al Arsah. It is built around a shaded courtyard as a reconstruction of traditional family life. There are many rooms which have display of traditional furniture along with household items including children's costumes, toys, and jewellery.

Sharjah National Park spanning nearly 630,000 sq ft (59,000 m²) is the city's largest green space, offering a wide range of attractions ideal for families which is popular among both locals and tourists, it features amenities such as barbecue areas with picnic tables and grilling stations, a playground with swings and slides under sheltering canopies, and a duck pond. Moreover, visitors can explore cycling tracks and a miniature clay model of Sharjah's landmarks. There is a small mosque for prayers nearby^[48]

Since its opening in 2008 Sharjah's Aquarium which is located in Al Layyeh, has become an attraction to adults and children. Managed by the Sharjah Museums Authority, renowned for its educational initiatives, the aquarium features 20 tanks across two floors, housing diverse sea creatures in a sprawling 6,500 square meter space. The Sharjah Underwater Walk is a unique experience at the Sharjah Aquarium which allow visitors to explore marine life closely. Visitors can walk along the aquarium floor while submerged in water, surrounded by a variety of fish and other sea creatures.^[49] Ready to explore? Here is everything one should know about this captivating attraction.^[50]

Aerial view of Al Noor Island

Inside Al Noor island with Sharjah skyline in the back

Al Noor Island is located in the Khalid Lagoon covering an area of 45,470 m² (489,400 sq ft). It has been developed by Shurooq to be a state of art culture and a leisure destination that engages people with nature and inspires Sharjah's fast growing tourism sector.^[51] The island is accessible via a short boat ride from the mainland and also can reach through the pedestrian bridge that connects it to the mainland. It is designed to offer a serene escape from city life, boasting stunning lighting displays, art sculptures, and a tranquil Literature Pavilion such as the 'OVO' and 'Torus' displays. The island's is intended to convey a peaceful ambience consistent with being a family-friendly destination.^[52]

Maryam Island is a beachfront destination that oversees the Arabian sea. It is one of the largest projects in the emirate with an investment of 2.4 billion Dirhams (US$650M).^[53] Waterside development is planned to spread across 460,000 m² (5,000,000 sq ft), with a built-up area of 310,000 m² (3,300,000 sq ft).^[54][55] The Maryam Island development will feature 38 residential buildings with over 35,000 units. This community will offer residents many facilities which includes a 900-metre waterfront promenade, fitness clubs, swimming pools for kids and adults, an indoor garden, 4,000 square metre Maryam Park, jogging tracks, basketball courts, and a playground for children.^[56]

The Arabian Wildlife Center opened in 1999 and was home to more than 100 species of animals. Situated at a convenient location, this center was quite close to the Sharjah International Airport. The Sharjah Wildlife Centre has introduced a pair of rare long-eared hedgehogs which is one of the fascinating species at the centre. These hedgehogs are known for their distinctive long ears, which help them detect predators and navigate their environment.^[57] Despite the hot and dry conditions in most of Arabia, there were a number of mammal species who adapted to these conditions.^[58] The Breeding Centre for Endangered Wildlife, a sister facility,^[59] was a member of the EAZA, like Al Ain Zoo in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi,^[60] but is now closed to the public.^[61] The fauna, including the Arabian leopard, which are found in the mountains in the eastern part of the country,^[59] were transferred to Al Hefaiyah Conservation Centre in the eastern area of Kalba.^[62] In 2001, The center assisted Yemeni zoos in Sana'a and Ta'izz with the management of their animals.^[59]

Al Majaz Waterfront is a leisure area, a waterfront landmark of Sharjah Featuring an audio-video dancing fountain, miniature golf and a number of restaurants. At a distance of 1 km from Blue Souk, 18 km from Sharjah International Airport and 14 km from Dubai International Airport.^[63]

In 2023 a redevelopment project was done involving a complete overhaul of the park, including the installation of a new irrigation system, construction of new walking paths, children's play areas, and a parking plot valued around 5.5 million AED which took 6 months to complete.^[64] This is the main attractions for family and friends in Sharjah where many activities like waterside destination which includes mini golf, a splash park, a mini-train and many more attractions are available for kids.^[65]

Rain Room, an experiential artwork created by Hannes Koch and Florian Ortkrass of Random International in 2012, was permanently installed for the first time in Sharjah, United Arab Emirates, in 2018. This artwork allows people to visit the installation and walk through a rain downpour without getting wet, as their movement in dark spaces is detected by motion sensors. The Sharjah Art Foundation constructed a purpose-built visitor center located in the city's residential area of Al Majarrah to house the permanent installation of Rain Room.^[66][67] The Sharjah Rain Room recycles about 1,200 liters of rainwater during each visit.^[68]

Reconstructed in 2015 and launched as a redeveloped arts and community center in 2020, The Flying Saucer, Sharjah is a brutalist building dating back to the 1970s. It was re-opened after a two-year renovation project by the Sharjah Art Foundation (SAF).^[69] The Flying Saucer building looks like a circular with a dome-like structure on top and its roof is wide, disc-shaped with a smooth and clean finish which is supported by several V shaped columns.^[70]

The Sharjah Light Festival is held every year since 2010 in various landmarks around Sharjah. It is a display of lights using projectors and lasers on buildings. Usually, the shows have a small storyline or a theme.^[71][72]

Sharjah's largest mosque, the "Sharjah Mosque"^[73][74] was inaugurated in May 2019. Located in the area of Tay, at the junction of the Emirates Road and the road to Mleiha. It can accommodate up to 25,000 worshipers, with an interior capacity of over 5,000 people.^[75] Two coins, one gold and one silver, each inscribed with a verse from the Quran, were issued by the Central Bank of the United Arab Emirates, and designed by the Sharjah Islamic Bank, to commemorate the occasion.^[76] Earlier, the King Faisal Mosque, named after King Faisal of Saudi Arabia, had been the largest in the Emirate^[77] and country,^{[citation needed]} with an area of 10,000–12,000 m² (110,000–130,000 sq ft).^[78][79]

In 1997, a Syriac Orthodox church, St. Mary's Jacobite Syrian Soonoro Patriarchal Cathedral, was consecrated to accommodate a growing population of Syriac Christians, many of whom are migrant workers from Kerala and southern India.^[80]

• 
  Mosque
• 
  Al-Noor Mosque
• 
  Saint Gregory the Illuminator Armenian Apostolic Church
• 
  St. Philip the Apostle Russian Orthodox Church

In March 2021, the Sharjah Investment and Development authorities opened two parks in Al Rahmaniyah, Kshisha and Shaghrafa, built in a total area of 147,700 m² (1,590,000 sq ft). It included a female-only park, along with entertainment, social, sports and educational facilities.^[81] It also includes an artificial pond where visitors can feed the duck. Barbecues are prohibited on the site of the park, so visitors can bring their own food into the park.^[82]

In December 2020, Sultan bin Muhammad Al-Qasimi inaugurated a library inspired by the original House of Wisdom in Baghdad. The building was designed by Foster and Partners, extending over 12,000 m² (130,000 sq ft).^[83] On the grounds of the library is a large art piece entitled "The Scroll", a contemporary interpretation of the ancient Arabic scrolls, made by Gerry Judah. It was made to celebrate the Emirate of Sharjah being named the UNESCO World Book Capital for 2019.^[84]

The Faya Palaeolandscape in Sharjah, UAE, has advanced in its nomination for UNESCO World Heritage status under the “Cultural Landscape” category. Located in Sharjah's Central Region, Faya offers one of the oldest and most continuous records of early human presence in Arabia, dating back over 210,000 years. Recent archaeological studies have shifted the perception of Faya from a mere transit point to a site of repeated human settlement, owing to its favorable conditions such as access to water, flint resources, and natural shelters. Led by Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi, the nomination emphasizes Faya's significance as a "living archive" that enhances our understanding of human evolution and resilience. A comprehensive conservation plan for 2024–2030 has been developed to ensure the site's preservation, aligning with UNESCO's standards and reinforcing the UAE's commitment to protecting its ancient cultural landscapes.^[85]

Sharjah has a hot desert climate (Köppen climate classification BWh), with warm winters and extremely hot summers. The average daytime temperature during the summer ranges between 38 °C (100 °F) to 42 °C (108 °F), and on some days the temperature exceeds 45 °C (113 °F) mainly during the hottest months of July and August. During winter, the average daytime temperature rarely exceeds 30 °C (86 °F). Rainfall is generally light and erratic, and occurs generally from November to July. February and March account for nearly two-third of the year's rainfall.^[86]

Development of transportation services in Sharjah is a critical long-term task. Planned by the SPTC since 2008, the Sharjah Metro^[90][91] will be the third metro system in the UAE after the Dubai Metro and the Abu Dhabi Metro. The Sharjah Tram has been planned since 2015,^[92] and will be the second tram system in the country after the Dubai Tram.

The Sharjah International Airport is the third-largest Middle East airfreight hub in cargo tonnage, according to official 2015 statistics from Airports Council International.^{[citation needed]} Sharjah International Airport is the home base of Air Arabia, a low-cost carrier.

The first international flight in Sharjah landed on 5 October 1932 in the Mahatta Fort airstrip as part of a refueling stop on Imperial Airways's India–Britain route. The former airport hosted a cinema, hotel, and a restaurant, and would eventually become a Royal Air Force military base until the UAE's independence in 1971. Mahatta Fort was the main international airport for the city until 1976, when traffic moved to Sharjah International Airport.^[93]

There are two major series of highways in Sharjah, which are "E" and "S". E represents roads connecting other emirates, and S for roads within the emirate.

The major roads in Sharjah include:

• E 88: Al Dhaid Road, connecting to the Emirate of Fujairah.
• E 102: Sharjah–Kalbah Road, connecting to Fujairah and Kalba.
• E 311: Sheikh Mohammad Bin Zayed Road, connecting to Dubai, Ajman and Ras al-Khaimah.
• E 11: Al Ittihad Road, connecting to Dubai.
• E 611: Emirates Road, connecting to Dubai, Ajman and Ras Al-Khaimah
• S 112: Maliha Road/King Faisal Street.^{[citation needed]}

The Sharjah Public Transportation Corporation organizes and supervises the operations of taxis in Sharjah Emirate. Sharjah taxi service is provided through franchise companies. They are the major taxi operators in the emirates. If one goes from one emirate to another, taxi drivers will charge 20 dirhams as rent. They cover all parts of the Emirate and cities, including shopping centers, residential areas and airport.

• Sharjah Taxi: Sharjah City and Eastern Regions.
• Emirates Cab: Sharjah City.
• City Taxi: Sharjah City and Eastern Regions.
• Union Taxi: Sharjah City.
• Advantage Taxi: Sharjah City and Central Regions.^[94]

The Sharjah Transport Corporation also provides shared transportation with the purpose of serving certain routes in Sharjah on a fixed rate for each route without using the meter. Sharjah Sharing Taxi routes are carefully selected to support people with low income covering areas with frequent needs for quick transfer within the same location, to ease the traffic situation in Sharjah.^[94]

The SRTA operates passenger bus services nationwide, between Sharjah City (Sharjah Al Jubail Bus station), Ras Al Khaimah, Khor Fakkan, Kalba, Fujairah, Masafi, Ajman, Umm Al Quwain, Hamriyah Free Zone, Dhaid, Al Madam, Dibba Al Hisn, Abu Dhabi, Al Ain and Dubai.^{[citation needed]}

Utility services in the emirate are provided by the Sharjah Electricity and Water Authority, which provides electricity, water and LPG connections to about 2 million consumers. They have over 4,000 employees serving areas as far as Dhaid, Kalba and Khorfakkan. Telephone services in the emirate, both fixed lines and mobile services, are provided by the government-owned Etisalat and du communication.^[95][96]

UAE culture mainly revolves around the religion of Islam and traditional Arab culture. The influence of Islamic and Arabic culture on its architecture, music, attire, cuisine and lifestyle are very prominent. Five times a day, Muslims are called to prayer from the minarets of mosques, which are spread across the country. Since 2006, the weekend has been Friday and Saturday, as a compromise between Friday's holiness to Muslims and the Western weekend of Saturday and Sunday.^[97]

The sale or consumption of alcoholic beverages is prohibited in the emirate without an alcohol license and alcohol is not served in hotels, restaurants or other outlets in Sharjah. This has helped Sharjah increase the number of Islamic tourists who visit the country.^[98] Sharjah was designated the 2019 World Book Capital by UNESCO.^[99]

A cultural heritage project, Heart of Sharjah, has been undertaken to preserve and restore the old town of Sharjah and return it to its 1950s glory. A five-phase project intended for completion in 2025, the project is being undertaken by the Sharjah Investment and Development Authority, Shurooq, together with the Sharjah Institute for Heritage, the Sharjah Museums Department, and the Sharjah Art Foundation.^[100]

Sharjah International Book Fair is a cultural event held every year in Sharjah.

Sharjah is the headquarters of Air Arabia, the first low-cost airline in the Middle East, which operates to the Middle East, Asia and Europe. Its headquarters are located in the Sharjah Freight Center, on the property of the Sharjah International Airport.^[101][102]

The Sharjah Airport International Free Zone, popularly known as "SAIF Zone", is one of the prominent free-trade zones in the UAE. More than 6000 companies operate from SAIF Zone. The cost of setting up business in Sharjah is less than in any other emirates of the UAE, and the focus of industrialization (Sharjah Industrial area) has in recent years turned Sharjah into a commercial center.^{[citation needed]} Thanks to its 100% foreign ownership and exemption from income and corporate taxes, SAIF Zone has attracted investors from more than 90 countries.^[103] This led to a business friendly atmosphere leading to a 6.5 percent surge, reaching approximately AED 145.2 billion in 2023, compared to 136.4 billion in 2022, which marked a 4.9 percent growth from 2021.^[104]

According to the 2022 census, the total population of the emirate was 1.8 million, with 1.6 million of them residing in the city of Sharjah. Of the 1.8 million total population of the emirate, 208,000 were Emirati citizens, and the remainder were expatriates.^[1]

Like the rest of the UAE, Arabic is the official and national language of the emirate and is used in all official capacities. However, all traffic signs, information posts, and government press releases are also written in English.^[105] South Asian languages such as Tamil, Hindi, Odia, Urdu, Malayalam, Telugu, Bengali etc are spoken widely by the residents of emirate. Russian is also used by the Russian and Central Asian community. Islam is the predominant religion in the emirate.

There are several public and private schools in addition to universities in Sharjah, including the University of Sharjah, University of Al Dhaid (which has a strategic relationship with the UK's University of Liverpool, and together they have established the University of Al Dhaid College of Veterinary Medicine, American University of Sharjah, Skyline College Sharjah, Al Qasimia University, Westford School of Management, Exeed School of Business and Finance, Sharjah Men's College and Sharjah Women's College. Few of these universities are located in an area called the University City. Private schools in the city include the International School of Creative Science, Wesgreen International School, Westminster School, Victoria English School, Sharjah Indian School, Sharjah English School, Delta English School, Emirates National School, American Community School Sharjah, Indian School Sharjah, the International School of Choueifat, Sharjah, Sharjah High School, DPS Delhi Private School, Gulf Asian English School, Our Own English High School and the American School of Creative Science.

In addition to the UAE federal laws which criminalize homosexuality, the penal code in Sharjah actively discriminates against LGBTQ individuals. For example, Article 176 of the Sharjah Penal Code (1970) punishes "unnatural crimes (Sodomy)"—defined as "sexual intercourse with another person in contravention of the laws of nature" or "allowing a male to have intercourse with them in contravention of the laws of nature"—with imprisonment up to 10 years. Article 181 establishes that "sexual intercourse" is deemed to have occurred once the sexual organ has entered in the slightest degree, regardless of whether that entry is accompanied by secretion of semen.^[106] See also LGBT people and Islam

Healthcare in Sharjah can be divided into two different sectors, Public and Private. Public hospitals in the emirates are administered by the government of Sharjah through the Ministry of Health. The emirate also has 9 public medical centers to provide primary health care services.

The Sharjah Cricket Stadium has hosted almost 238 One Day International cricket matches, which is more than any other ground, and 4 test matches.^{[needs update]} Sharjah FC plays in the UAE Pro League. Sharjah also has a chess club.^[107]

The Sharjah Cricket Stadium was one of the three stadiums to hold 2020 IPL matches.

Sharjah hosts the final round of the Union Internationale Motonautique Formula 1 Powerboat World Championship every year in December.^[108] They also have a circuit powerboat team, Sharjah Team. Rusty Wyatt and Filip Roms drive for them in F1.^[109] Andrè Faye Solvang won the 2024 UIM F4 World Championship for the team.^[110]

• Ebtisam AbdulAziz
• Abdulaziz Abdulrahman Almusallam
• Hussain Ayed
• Emira D'Spain
• Ahmed Khalil
• Shaykha al-Nakhi
• Lubna Khalid Al Qasimi
• Sultan Al-Jasmi
• Sultan bin Muhammad Al-Qasimi
• Asmaa al-Zarouni
• Abdullah bin Salem bin Theban

Sharjah is twinned with Granada, Spain.^[111]

• 
  The Buhaira Corniche has numerous upscale hotels. The Sharjah Commerce Tourism Development Authority is also located along the corniche.
• 
  Sharjah Museum of Islamic Civilization, located in Al-Nabba
• 
  The interior of Sahara Center, one of the biggest malls in Sharjah
• 
  Night view of the boats docked to the east shoreline of Al-Khan Lagoon
• 
  Eye of the Emirates and the Al Qasba Canal by night
• 
  Night view of the New Sharjah Chamber of Commerce
• 
  Panoramic view of the Expo Centre Sharjah by night
• 
  Off-road vehicles in deserts of Sharjah

• Al Heera Beach Sharjah
• Archaeology of the United Arab Emirates
• Sharjah Police Force
• Sharjah Art Foundation
• Hamriyah Port
• Sharjah Museum of Islamic Civilization
• Sharjah Cup

• (in Arabic) Official website
• Official Sharjah Tourism Website