Sharjah is a modern city located in the Emirate of Sharjah, UAE. It is the third most populous and largest city in the United Arab Emirates. The city forms the part of the Dubai-Sharjah-Ajman metropolitan area. Sharjah is in the neighborhood of Al Qasba and situated along the northern coast of the Persian Gulf on the Arabian Peninsula.
Since, the 18th century, Sharjah is ruled by the Al Qasimi dynasty. Sharjah is the capital of the Emirate of Sharjah, it shares its economic, political, legal and military functions within a federal framework of the other emirates of the UAE.
Spread over approximate area of 235 km2, Sharjah has is home to over 800,000 (2008) of people. It is the center for industry and culture. The city alone contributes 7.4% of the GDP of the United Arab Emirates.
A code of conduct is followed within the city. For example, alcoholic beverages’ sale or consumption is prohibited in the Emirate of Sharjah without proper alcohol license. In addition, alcohol is not provided in Sharjah restaurants, hotels and other outlets. This code of conduct has helped the city in becoming a hotspot for the Islamic Tourism Industry. Therefore, many Sharjah City Tours have been developed and several Sharjah Travel Guides have emerged.
