Sharjah Facts for Kids

Sharjah is a very important place in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). It can mean a few things:

It's one of the seven regions, called an emirate, that make up the UAE. It's the third largest emirate in the country.
It's also the name of the biggest city in that emirate, which is also its capital. This city is a busy and exciting place!
Sometimes, "Sharjah" can also refer to a football club from the city.

Sharjah is known for its rich history, beautiful culture, and many interesting places to visit. It's a great spot for learning about the region's past and seeing how it has grown into a modern city.

What is Sharjah?
History: A Look Back in Time
Geography and Climate: Where is it?
Culture and Education: Learning and Fun
Fun Things to See and Do
Getting Around: Transport
Sports and Recreation
Images for kids
See also

What is Sharjah?

Sharjah is unique because it's both an emirate (like a state or region) and its main city. The emirate of Sharjah is the only one in the UAE that has land on both the Persian Gulf coast to the west and the Gulf of Oman coast to the east. This means it has different types of landscapes, from sandy deserts to beautiful beaches.

The city of Sharjah is the capital of the emirate. It's a very big and lively city, full of museums, parks, and markets. It's often called the "Cultural Capital of the Arab World" because it focuses a lot on art, history, and education.

History: A Look Back in Time

Sharjah has a very long history, going back thousands of years. People have lived here for a very long time, and it was an important place for trade because of its location on the coast. In the past, it was a key port for ships traveling between different parts of the world.

In the 18th century, the Al Qasimi dynasty became very powerful in Sharjah. They were important rulers and helped shape the emirate into what it is today. Over time, Sharjah became part of the United Arab Emirates when it was formed in 1971. Since then, it has grown a lot and become a modern city while still keeping its traditions.

Geography and Climate: Where is it?

Sharjah is located in the United Arab Emirates, which is in the Middle East. The city of Sharjah sits right on the Persian Gulf. The emirate itself stretches from the Persian Gulf to the Gulf of Oman, giving it a diverse geography.

The climate in Sharjah is mostly hot and sunny for most of the year. It's a desert climate, so summers can be very warm, and winters are mild and pleasant. This makes it a popular place for tourists, especially during the cooler months.

Culture and Education: Learning and Fun

Sharjah is famous for being a center of culture and education. It has many museums, art galleries, and libraries. The city hosts big cultural events, like the Sharjah International Book Fair, which brings together writers and readers from all over the world.

The government in Sharjah puts a lot of effort into education. There are many schools and universities, including the University of Sharjah, which attracts students from different countries. This focus on learning helps young people grow and develop new skills.

Sharjah also has a special area called the Heritage Area. Here, you can see old buildings and learn about how people lived in the past. It's like stepping back in time to experience the traditional way of life.

Fun Things to See and Do

Sharjah has many exciting places to visit for kids and families:

Al Qasba: This is a popular waterfront area with restaurants, cafes, and entertainment. You can ride the Eye of the Emirates, a giant Ferris wheel that gives you amazing views of the city.
Sharjah Art Museum: If you love art, this museum has a great collection of modern and traditional art from the region.
Sharjah Museum of Islamic Civilization: This museum teaches you about the history and achievements of Islamic civilization through cool exhibits.
Souq Al Markazi (Central Market): Also known as the Blue Souk, this is a beautiful market where you can find traditional goods, jewelry, and souvenirs. It's a great place to explore and see local crafts.
Parks and Green Spaces: Sharjah has many lovely parks, like Rolla Square Park, where you can relax and play.

Getting Around: Transport

Getting around Sharjah is easy. The city has a good road network, and you can find taxis everywhere. There are also public buses that connect different parts of the city.

Sharjah International Airport is a major airport that connects Sharjah to many cities around the world. This makes it easy for people to visit and for residents to travel.

Sports and Recreation

Sports are popular in Sharjah. Football is a big deal, and the city is home to the Sharjah Football Club, which is one of the oldest and most successful football clubs in the UAE. They play in the top league and have many fans.

Sharjah also has a famous cricket stadium that has hosted many international matches, including games with famous teams like Australia and India. It's a historic venue for cricket fans.

You can also enjoy outdoor activities like going to the beach, exploring the desert on off-road vehicles, or simply walking along the beautiful corniche areas.

Images for kids

Skyline of the city
An old door in Sharjah, displaying the historical architecture of the city.
Panoramic view of Sharjah
Eye of the Emirates, a 60-metre (200 ft) tall Ferris wheel at Al Qasba
Rolla Square park at Sharjah
Map of Sharjah districts
Sharjah Heritage District
Sharjah Airport
Emirates Cab
Modern Art exhibition by Barjeel Art Foundation at the Sharjah Art Museum
Souq Al Markazi at night
One Day International at Sharjah in 1998 (Australia v India)
Mosque
Al-Noor Mosque
Saint Gregory the Illuminator Armenian Apostolic Church
St. Philip the Apostle Russian Orthodox Church
The Buhairah 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