Sharjah (city)

Sharjah
الشارقةّ
—  city  —
Sharjah
A panoramic photo of Sharjah city
A panoramic photo of Sharjah city
Flag of Sharjah
Flag
Sharjah (UAE)
Sharjah
Sharjah
Location of Sharjah in the UAE
Coordinates:
Country United Arab Emirates
Emirate Sharjah
Government
 - Type Constitutional monarchy
 - Sheik H.H. Dr. Sultan bin Mohamed Al-Qasimi
Area
 - Metro 235.5 km² (90.9 sq mi)
Population (2008)
 - city 801,004

Sharjah (Arabic: الشارقة‎) (transliteration: ash-shāriqah, pronounced /'ʃɑɹdʒə/ in English) is the third most populous city in the United Arab Emirates and is the seat of government of the emirate of Sharjah. The city covers an approximate area of 235 km² and has a population of over 800,000 (2008).

Contents

Description

Emigration road, Sharjah.

Sharjah is the third largest city (after Dubai and Abu Dhabi) in the United Arab Emirates. The palace of the ruler of the Emirate of Sharjah (Sultan bin Mohamed 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 800,000 (2008). It contains the main administrative and commercial centers together with an array of cultural and traditional projects, including several museums covering areas such as archaeology,natural history,science, arts, heritage, islamic art and culture. Distinctive landmarks are the two major covered souks, reflecting Islamic design; a number of recreational areas and public parks such as Al Jazeirah Fun Park and Al Buheirah Corniche. The city is also notable for its numerous elegant mosques. The Emirate of Sharjah is also known to be the Cultural Capital of the UAE with its rich legacy of arts, heritage and culture. Under the leadership and patronage of His Highness Dr. Sheikh Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Ruler of Sharjah and Member of the Supreme Council, Sharjah has preserved its natural and cultural heritage across the Emirate in the form of historic buildings, museums and nature reserves./Sharjah Museums Department The Expo Centre of Sharjah is well known for the annual book fair that is famous all over the region. The Emir personally takes keen interest in this event which brings together hundreds of publishers from all over the world and thousands of titles. Links with the outside world are provided by Sharjah International Airport and Port Khalid.

Sharjah is bordered by the cities of Dubai and Ajmān and is about 170 kilometers away from the capital city Abu Dhabi.

History

Crystal Plaza (shopping mall and apartments).

Historically, Sharjah was one of the wealthiest towns in this region with a settlement in existence for over 5000 years. In the early 18th century, the Qawasim clan (Huwayla tribe) 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 four of its neighbours, Ajman, Dubai, Ras al-Khaimah, and Umm al-Qaiwain, its 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). On 2 December 1971, Sheikh Khalid III joined the United Arab Emirates.

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.[1] Many of these items feature subjects unrelated to the emirates whose names they bear, and therefore many popular catalogues do not list them.[2]

Education

There are several universities in Sharjah, including the University of Sharjah, the American University of Sharjah, Troy University - ITS Sharjah Campus, Skyline College Sharjah, Sharjah Men's College, and Sharjah Women's College.

Sports

One Day International at Sharjah in 1998 (Australia v India)

The Sharjah Cricket Association Stadium has hosted almost 200 cricket One Day Internationals, more than any other ground, and 4 Test matches. Al Sharjah First league Sharjah sport clups Al Shaab First league Al Hemriah 2nd league Al The-aed 2nd league Al Itthab 2nd league AL Khaleej 2nd league Dibba 2nd league

Since 2003, the increasingly crowded cricket calendar has precluded the holding of any major international matches at Sharjah although the stadium has been the venue for certain other matches, such as the 2004 ICC Intercontinental Cup. The use of the venue has declined as the new 20,000 seat Sheikh Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi has become the preferred venue for cricket in the UAE.

References

  1. ↑ Sharjah and Dependencies - stamps and postal stationery on-line catalogue, Accessed on January 24 2008.
  2. ↑ Carlton, R. Scott. The International Encyclopædic Dictionary of Philately. Krause: Iola, 1997, page 173.

See also

External links

Flag of the United Arab Emirates Emirates of the United Arab Emirates
Emirate (capital) Coat of arms of the United Arab Emirates