Sharjah, the smiling emirate and home to history, culture, learning and innovation, extends from the Arabian Gulf to the Gulf of Oman. Over the years, Sharjah has proven its status as a world-renowned centre of business, science, knowledge, heritage and culture.
is the 3rd largest emirate in the UAE
in size
of coastline
covering 15 km2
on the Arabian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman
free zones
GDP (2018)
residents (2019)
with 6 Emirates and Oman
passed through Sharjah International Airport (2019)
Sharjah is a city of culture, education, and innovation that stretches from the Arabian
Gulf to the Gulf of Oman. Over the years Sharjah has established itself as a world-class
business, tourism and cultural destination.
Sharjah is a city of the past and the future, combining a rich legacy, authenticity, and a shining present. Sharjah is proud of its roots, heritage and unique values, for which the Emirate has earned numerous Arab and international titles, including being crowned the Cultural Capital of the Arab World by UNESCO in 1998, the Capital of Islamic Culture by the OIC in 2014, the world’s first Children-Friendly City in 2015, and the World Book Capital by UNESCO in 2019. Sharjah works to preserve community values and strives for a promising future in accordance with a comprehensive and integrated strategy, which is concerned with human development, progress and growth in all respects.
The Department of Culture was established to focus on supporting and showcasing all cultural, artistic, theatrical and literary aspects in Sharjah. The Department offers a wide range of activities ranging from art exhibitions, theatre festivals, training and art courses. The Department also hosts various local, Gulf and Arab cultural events throughout the year, as well as annual awards and various literary competitions.
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The Sharjah Museums Authority was established in 2006 to oversee the diverse and multidisciplinary museums in Sharjah. Through its direct supervision of museums, SMA aims to support art and cultural forums and platforms that preserve the nation’s history, enhance Sharjah’s identity locally and internationally, and contribute to the upbringing of generations who are aware of the importance of museums as an attractive cultural and educational destination.
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Sharjah Art Foundation is a leading and unique specialist organisation that hosts a wide range of contemporary art and cultural events and programmes to stimulate the artistic movement in Sharjah’s local community. Through its activities, exhibitions, seminars and publications, SAF seeks to stimulate creative energies, produce various visual arts that are based on research, experimentation and exclusivity, opening the doors of dialogue with all cultural identities and celebrating the richness of the local environment and its cultural pluralism.
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The Sharjah Heritage Institute is dedicated to preserving and serving the cultural heritage of Sharjah through a host of events, programmes, activities and heritage days. These activities contribute to the inventory, preservation, transmission and dissemination of intangible cultural heritage to new generations, as well as the protection of cultural and natural heritage in its various forms.
As a leader in the UAE and the region, Sharjah Book Authority aims to provide a permanent intellectual platform for knowledge and cultural exchange, highlighting the importance of books and their impact and role in spreading awareness of society, supporting children’s literature, promoting and encouraging investment in creative industries and encouraging publishers, writers and talented people. The Sharjah International Book Fair is held annually as one of the world’s largest book fairs and one of the most important cultural events that brings together writers, books and knowledge in the region and the world.
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Dr Sultan Al Qasimi Centre of Gulf Studies is located in the University City of Sharjah. The Centre contains a wide range of His Highness the Ruler of Sharjah’s private and rare collections such as archaeological maps, coins, manuscripts, historical and geographical books and documents. It is a distinguished centre for scientific research in Gulf studies.
Go to websiteWith its world-class universities and educational institutions, Sharjah has emerged as a beacon of knowledge and vibrant centre of learning for students and scholars of all levels and nationalities. It was years ago that the Emirate started focusing on and developing education as the highest sustainable development programme by creating outstanding educational institutons from kindergarten to the university level. This strategy created a healthy and vibrant educational and scientific academic system in the Emirate.
The University City is located 13 km from center of Sharjah, which is considered as home to many universities, colleges, educational institutions, research and innovation centres, libraries, specialised institutes and academies that make it a unique site and a comprehensive centre of learning and scientific research.
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Established in 1997, Sharjah University is a comprehensive and integrated academic institution with a distinctive educational style and global vision. It is a leading university in the literary and medical academic disciplines, scientific research, arts and literature across the UAE and the Gulf region. UOS is distinguished by its academic associations with many well-known international universities.
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The American University of Sharjah is an institution of higher education in Sharjah. It is an independent and non-profit university, launched in 1997 as a distinctive addition to the modern American model of education and scientific research, which integrates the teaching of arts, engineering, science and other academic disciplines. Since its inception, the American University of Sharjah has added many global scientific achievements and research landmarks to its credit.
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Al Qasimia University was established as a leading and distinguished university dedicated to delivering the message of Islam to all students of science from around the world. Al Qasimia University is characterised by its suitable academic environment for students. With its excellence in teaching Arabic and special focus on Islamic heritage and other disciplines, the University has been attracting students from all over the world.
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Through its programmes and planned plans, the Sharjah Education Council plays a key role in the development of the educational process in the emirate’s public education. The Council is strengthening its efforts in the education sector in cooperation with various actors. The Board’s responsibility is to supervise the administrative, teaching and technical bodies and to organize their work, in accordance with international quality standards.
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Sharjah Private Education Authority has been established to develop and enhance the experience of private schools in the emirate, in accordance with the latest advances and experiences in global educational systems. The Authority is responsible for the affairs of private educational institutions such as nurseries, schools, centres and institutes, and provides all kinds of specialised technical support to them.
Go to websiteSharjah is officially registered in the WHO regional healthy city network, as part of the vision and efforts of H.H. Dr. Sheikh Sultan Bin Mohammed Al Qassimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah , to put health at the top of the development agenda of the emirate, and with the objective to transform and enhance the regional healthcare service industry and establish Sharjah as the most sought after destination for healthcare services.
The Authority enhances, evolves and regulates the healthcare system within Sharjah, transforming the Emirate into the most sought-after healthcare destination in the region. The Authority manages the Emirate’s most ambitious project, Sharjah Healthcare City.
In 2015, the World Health Organisation )WHO( announced Sharjah as the Middle East’s first Healthy City.
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Sustainable healthcare is at the core of this Free Zone’s purpose. Sharjah Healthcare City facilitates and assists in setting up of all accepted options in healthcare and cure.
Go to websiteSharjah consider innovation as the cornerstone that complements its scientific, academic and research system. The Emirate strives to encourage innovation, support innovators, and promote the involvement of all members of society in a culture of innovtion. The Emirate supports business growth, professional development, cognitive and creativity development, helping discover new innovators, scientists and talented people.
SRTIP was established as free zone and one of the largest scientific and research park in the Emirate and the region. SRTIP aims to develop and manage an innovative ecosystem to promote research and development in collaboration with industry leaders, government entities and academic. The SRTIP is a hub for many prestigious international institutions.
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UAE Innovation month is an event that is held across the country. Here in Sharjah the Innovation Week is organised as an annual event where new ideas and innovations are presented by various academic, professional and government entities. It aims to encourage innovation and motivate innovators in their field of work, contribute to the development of an innovative and sustainable competitive knowledge economy. Best innovations every year get rewarded with Innovation Awards by the Government of Sharjah.
Go to websiteSharjah is the Emirate of charming nature and distinctive architecture. Visitors can enjoy the sunshine, traditional markets, modern shopping malls, many heritage sites and museums, lakes, experience living with nature and discover the beauty of the Arabian Desert, beautiful mountains and beaches, and various gardens. Sharjah is famous for its 1000 mosques across the emirates.
Sharjah is the third largest emirate in the United Arab Emirates. It is the only emirate with coastlines extending over the Arabian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman.
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Sharjah International Airport is located 10 km from centre of Sharjah city. Sharjah International Airport has been a gateway of travel through the UAE, servicing traffic from regional and international destinations.
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Shurooq is one of Sharjah’s most important and largest smart partnerships that contribute to economic, tourism and environmental development and lead the emirate towards the future. Shurooq is working to strengthen Sharjah’s position as an investment, tourism and commercial destination, making it easier to provide unique opportunities for investors, companies and businesses. Shurooq plays a major role in the development of diverse projects in all regions of the emirate. Shurooq’s projects are characterised by sustainability and harmonisation of the latest innovations in engineering, art and environmental conservation.
Go to websiteSharjah is a city that is dedicated to transforming and diversifying its economy. From local investors to foreign ones, the Emirate catalyses and enhances business growth.
The Sharjah Foreign Direct Investment Office has been established to carry out many tasks within the economic, industrial and investment renaissance in the emirate. The Office is tasked with facilitating and promoting investment opportunities in Sharjah by providing the necessary advice and guidance to investors and business owners and enhancing the emirate’s image in global markets.
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Sharjah Chamber of Commerce and Industry is the largest commercial, industrial and economic community in the emirate. The Chamber participates actively and vitally in regulating economic life and the prosperity of its commercial, industrial and professional sectors at all levels, in cooperation with the relevant organizations, agencies and government departments throughout the Emirate of Sharjah.
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The Department of Economic Development is the main entity in the field of economic and trade business in the Emirate. The Department is responsible for planning and implementing economic development projects, including the preparation of laws, regulations and strategic planning, the issuance of commercial, industrial and service licences, and the completion of all licensing procedures and control of economic and commercial facilities.
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The Sharjah Entrepreneurship Center (Sheraa) aims to support and develop the capabilities to generate positive change by promoting a culture of experimentation and critical thinking. It helps the entrepreneurial community build an integrated and vibrant organisation globally, in order to provide the necessary support to turn ideas into a practical reality, besides creating solid foundations for establishing sustainable businesses and thriving professions.
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The Sharjah Entrepreneurship Foundation (Ruwad) was established to support SMEs in the Emirate by providing financial and technical support and creating the right environment for the establishment and development of new projects. Ruwad works to create an encouraging environment for investment in projects for UAE nationals of both genders, working in a spirit of innovation, leadership and positive project development.
Go to websiteThe Emirate is home to six specialised free zones spread across industrial, trade, logistics, media and business sectors. With its strategic location connected to both, the Gulf of Oman and the Arabian Gulf, Sharjah offers base for many businesses to flourish in the region and beyond.
The Hamriyah Free Zone is the second largest industrial free zone in the UAE and houses businesses from 163 countries. In addition to world- class facilities like offices and executive office suites to warehouses and factories, the Free Zone also offers over 15 on-site key business services, like banking and auditing firms, currency exchanges, conference rooms and staff accommodation.
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The Sharjah Airport International Free Zone is located adjacent to Sharjah International Airport and close to the seaports and airports of Dubai and Abu Dhabi – putting businesses at the gateway of global trade with unrivalled connectivity, making it easy and convenient for all transportation and logistics purposes.
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This is the world’s first Free Zone dedicated exclusively to serving the global Publishing and Printing industry. The purpose-built, state of the art facility offers the infrastructure and services, along with a business- friendly environment to successfully operate publishing companies and contribute to a thriving local and regional publishing ecosystem.
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Sustainable healthcare is at the core of this Free Zone’s purpose. Sharjah Healthcare City facilitates and assists in setting up of all accepted options in healthcare and cure.
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Sharjah Media City (SHAMS), is a world-class hub for media and creativity in the region that helps creatives and media businesses to grow and thrive.
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SRTIP was established as free zone and one of the largest scientific and research park in the Emirate and the region. SRTIP aims to develop and manage an innovative ecosystem to promote research and development in collaboration with industry leaders, government entities and academic. The SRTIP is a hub for many prestigious international institutions.
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