Sharjah is the third largest of the seven states which form the United Arab Emirates.

The settlement of Sharjah dates back some 6,000 years when it is believed to have been called Sarcoa. The population was small and people relied on trade and sea faring in addition to, farming, hunting, fishing and pearling. Many of the early settlements were based around the 'falaj', a man made underground water course.

Sharjah has been a major Middle East tourist Destination since 1932! Tourists intending to visit Sharjah do not have to go far to get what they are interested in. That's why Sharjah was the first emirate to attract tourist groups in 1980. Since then, tourism has developed in leaps and bounds.

Wind Tower
The last of its kind in the UAE. Situated at the Al Midfa Majlis which is now part of the heritage museums.

Al Taawun Mall
The Al Taawun Mall, is situated between Dubai and Sharjah and overlooks the Al Khan Lagoon. It houses retail shops, boutiques, a multi-cuisine food court and the Foton Entertainment Center.

Al Majarrah Souq
A traditionally designed, air-conditioned souq, with a golden dome which is 17 meters high, showing a galaxy of stars and signs.

Khaled Lagoon
Popular residential area in Sharjah

Al Hisn Avenue (Bank Street)
A number of banks are located on the Al Hisn Avenue (formerly known as Bank Street).

Al Qasba Canal
The Venice touch in Sharjah.

Driving is on the right hand side of the road. It can be erratic at times so we recommend taking a taxi, which are not expensive in the UAE. Try to avoid the rush to Dubai in the mornings, from 7 am - 8.30 am and back, between 6 pm - 8 PM. If you do decide to drive remember to have your international driving licence with you and look out for camels, particularly on highways at night.

Third party insurance is compulsory. The penalty for drinking and driving is severe.

In the UAE, the warm greetings and friendly smiles of Arabic hospitality combine with the variety of food to make eating more than just an interesting experience. Sharjah has an increasing number of restaurants and cafes offering a choice of cuisine from all over the world at prices to suit all budgets.

Sharjah offers wonderful shopping for sophisticated boutiques and shops to malls, department stores and colorful Souq.

Malls
The concept of shopping malls is fairly new in Sharjah, although several malls have opened during 2001 and early 2002. Many large showrooms as well as small centers are dotted around the city selling various products.

By 2005, Sharjah is expected to rank third after Dubai and Doha in terms of shopping center space per capita at around 13 sq.ft., per person - overtaking even Abu Dhabi, according to a study by a UK based organization. Sharjah's new shopping malls include the 500,000 sq. ft. Dh 400 million Sahara Center, 400,000 sq. ft. Sharjah Mega Mall and Majid Al Futtaim's City Center.

Souqs
A Souq is a boutique, flea market, supermarket, department store, open air reception, circus, sideshow, all at the same time, and very much a part of Arabian culture. Sharjah is foremost in applying the best modern architectural ideas in the designs of the new Souqs. The older Souqs have been renovated in the traditional style to enhance their attraction for residents and tourists - a great experience!

Enjoy the ethnic setting of an Arabian market where the pleasure of the search and the ritual of the purchase are as important as the treasure itself. Anyone, who plans to stay in the UAE for a while, should definitely embark on several adventure trips to the Emirate's Souqs.

Here are some general rules that might help make your shopping enjoyable:
The golden rule is to buy what you like when you see it and to make sure you know what it is you are buying. Inquire to find out its origin and what it is made from.
Bargain - it is often difficult to tell the difference between yesterday's treasure and today's reproduction, especially when the seller insists that anything over fifty years old is 'antique'. The system demands comparative shopping before discussing the price. Some bargaining is expected, as it is a traditional custom.

What better outdoor entertainment can you find here all year around, at close proximity and at no expense! Whether to swim in the clear waters on either coast or to spend a few hours beach combing and building sand castles, everyone comes away relaxed. The sun can be deceptively strong, so hats, sun cream and UV protection suits are a must at any time of the year. Dogs are not allowed on many 'in town' beaches so if you have a family pet watch out for signs prohibiting their access.

Occasionally, due to the beach configuration and man made breakwaters, eddies and undercurrents do occur. The only advice is to go with the flow, don't fight it, as the currents are very localized. There is very little sea life that will harm you on the Arabian Gulf coast but look out for colored jelly fish at certain times of the year (September/October in particular) and the odd ray which basks in the shallow waters. Stamp your feet as you walk into the sea and most rays will glide away out to sea. on the East coast, one should take more care, as in addition to the jelly fish and rays, camouflaged Stone Fish plus sea urchins occur in the rocky waters and Cone Shells (look for the diamond shaped pattern) in the Musandam area, all of which can cause serious problems.

Dress restrictions do apply on the Sharjah beaches and ladies should be suitable attired.

Some of the beaches are

Al Khan Lagoon
The middle lagoon between Sharjah and Dubai has no boat or jet ski restrictions so it is popular with both water and jet skiers. Mornings tend to be quiet and relaxing and the afternoons are active. The beach may be littered by the sea is generally clean and refreshing and the dress code more relaxed.

Al Khan Beach
Al Khan beach stretches from the old village of Al Khan to Layyeh power station. The beach between Lou'Lou'a hotel and the power station has been fenced off with no access for vehicles so you have to carry your gear to this safe, gently shelving shore.

Corniche Beach
The sandy palm lined corniche beach runs from the Sharjah Women's Club all the way to Coral Beach Hotel. Parking is available alongside the beach and dress restrictions do apply here. Currents can occur and the beaches carry warnings to this effect.

Hamriyah Lagoon
Visible from the road to Ras Al Khaimah by Hamriyah Free Zone, this protected lagoon is frequented by jet and water skiers and windsurfers.

Khor Fakkan
The Oceanic Hotel's beach is really the only beach in the town and the hotel charges to use its facilities. Along the coast there are many beautiful rocky outcrops with sandy beaches to stop off for a quick dip or spend the day and have a barbecue. Camp sites are also readily available.