Desert Safari Dubai licensed drivers

Activity of driving on unsurfaced roads or tracks

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Off-roading is the act of driving or riding in a vehicle on unpaved surfaces such as sand, dirt, gravel, riverbeds, mud, snow, rocks, or other natural terrain. Off-roading ranges from casual drives with regular vehicles to competitive events with customized vehicles and skilled drivers.^[1]

Off-road vehicle

[edit]

Main article: Off-road vehicle

Off-road vehicles are either capable of or specifically developed for off-road driving. These vehicles often have features designed specifically for use in off-road conditions such as suspension lifts, off-road tires, skid plates, snorkels, roll cages, or strengthened drivetrains.^[2][3]

Tools

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• Recovery board
• High lift jack
• Snatch strap

Types of recreational off-roading

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Dune bashing

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Dune bashing is a specific form of off-roading performed on sand dunes.^[4]

Dune Buggies, Sport-utility vehicles, and ATVs are often used.^[5] Vehicles driven on sand dunes are often equipped with a roll cage for safety in the case of an overturn. The tire pressure is often reduced to gain more traction by increasing the footprint of the tire and lowering the ground pressure of the vehicle on the sand, comparable to a person wearing snowshoes to walk on snow without sinking.^[6] Some cars are equipped with beadlock wheels, which allow tire pressure to be lowered even further without risking separation of the tire and rim.

Upon entering the desert, it is customary for drivers to meet with a pack of other vehicles and a group leader before proceeding. The group leader then leads the pack through the stunts in a single file line. The rationale for this technique is to prevent drivers from becoming disoriented and getting lost.^[6]

Off-road racing

[edit]

High-speed racing in the desert includes chases and racing at maximum speed through rough desert terrain with numerous pots and bumps. Drivers often use rear-wheel drive and 4-wheel drive trucks with long-travel suspension and wide stance between the front enlarged tires, which maintains optimal stability at high speed. These types of trucks are often called Trophy trucks or PreRunners.^[7]

Rock racing involves driving over rocks, but unlike rock crawling, does not specify penalties for striking cones, backing up, or winching.^[8] In addition, rock racing incorporates a level of high-speed racing that is not characteristic of rock crawling.

See article: Rally

Rallying is a wide-ranging form of motorsport with various competitive motoring elements such as speed tests (sometimes called "rally racing" in United States), navigation tests, or the ability to reach waypoints or a destination at a prescribed time or average speed. Rallies may be short in the form of trials at a single venue, or several thousand miles long in an extreme endurance rally.

Depending on the format, rallies may be organised on private or public roads, open or closed to traffic, or off-road in the form of cross country or rally-raid. Competitors can use production vehicles which must be road-legal if being used on open roads or specially built competition vehicles suited to crossing specific terrain.

In most cases rallying distinguishes itself from other forms of motorsport by not running directly against other competitors over laps of a circuit, but instead in a point-to-point format in which participants leave at regular intervals from one or more start points.

Mudding is off-roading through an area of wet mud or clay, leading to extremely low traction and problems with moving forward.^[9] The goal is to drive as far as possible without getting stuck.^[10] There are many types of tires that are often used for this activity, including balloon tires, mud-terrain tires and paddle tires. The activity is popular in the United States, although it is illegal on public land due to the environmental impact.^[11]

Mud plugging, as practiced in the United Kingdom, refers to the motorsport of classic trials, where the main objective is to complete a challenging course of (mostly unpaved) roads and (often muddy, and frequently uphill) off-road terrain.^[12]

This form of motorsport is one of the oldest to survive to this day, dating back at least to the 1920s.^[13]

Rock crawling involves driving over rocky terrain, with the goal of getting as far as possible with the fewest penalties. Penalties are received for striking cones, using a winch to get unstuck, going out of bounds, and going in reverse. These rules lead to the sport being technical, with drivers having to plan ahead to reduce the penalties they receive. Vehicles used for rock crawling are usually modified with different tires, suspension components that allow greater axle articulation, and changes in the differential^[14] gear ratio to obtain characteristics suitable for low-speed operation for traversing obstacles. Commonly, rock crawlers have a "spotter", who is an assistant on foot by the vehicle to provide information about areas out of the driver's field of view.^[15]

All progress is made at low speed and the emphasis is on skill rather than on finishing first, although trialing can be highly competitive. There are three traditional forms of off-road trialing. During some competitive events, such as the Turkey Run in Idaho and other events around the United States, point systems may be used to determine rewards.

RTV (Road Taxed Vehicle) trialing is the most common form of trialing. As the name suggests, it is for vehicles that are road-legal (and thus required to pay road tax). This excludes vehicles that are highly modified or specially built. RTV-class vehicles can carry a wide range of suspension modifications, as well as off-road tires (provided they are road-legal), recovery winches, raised air intakes, etc. Vehicles on RTV trials are usually best described as "modified from standard"—they use the standard chassis, drive-train, and body that the vehicle was built with, but are fitted with a wide array of modifications to assist in the trailing. Whilst modification is not necessarily required for an RTV trial, at the very least the vehicle would be expected to have some underbody and over-the-body protection such as skid plates or roll cages, often made from durable stainless steel, aluminium or mild steel. RTV courses are intended to be non-damaging and driven at little more than a walking pace and a course properly laid out would be drivable without damage. However, the terrain usually includes steep slopes, water, side slopes, deep ruts, and other obstacles that could potentially damage a vehicle if mistakes are made or poor driving techniques are used. As such, the use of modifications can increase the chances of success.^[16]

RTV trials usually take place on farmland, a quarry site, or at a dedicated off-road driving center and are usually organized by a dedicated trialing body (such as the All-Wheel Drive Club or the Association of Land Rover clubs in the UK, or by a vehicle owner's club. The course consists of 10 to 12 "gates" marked by two garden canes (sticks) and are vertically placed. The gates are just wide enough to get a standard vehicle through. Vehicles start in a stagger, proceeding one by one, and are deemed to have cleared a gate if at least one of the front wheel hubs passes between the canes. The vehicle's attempt ends when it comes to a stop (depending on the exact level of skill the trial is aimed at any stopping may end the attempt, or a few seconds may be allowed). Long-wheelbase vehicles are usually allowed to perform a three-point turn if needed, providing the driver declares where the turn is going to be made before they attempt the course (this puts a strong emphasis on ground-reading ability). This can also be called a "shunt", where the driver has to attempt a gate and then shout "shunt". They are then allowed a space of one and a half car lengths to reverse and line the car better to enter through the gate^[17]

The course between the gates is a "section": between the start line and the first gate is "Section 1", the part between the first and second gates is "Section 2" and so on. An RTV course is often laid out so that each section is progressively more difficult, although this is not always the case. If a driver fails to complete Section 1 they are given 10 points. If the attempt ends in Section 2, 9 points are awarded, etc. A clear round results in gaining only 1 point. A day's event will consist of many different courses and the driver with the lowest score is the winner.

Since the terrain covered in RTV trials should be well within the capabilities of any reasonably capable vehicle (even in standard form), these trials emphasize driver skill and ground-reading abilities. Skill and experience have a larger bearing on success than having a well-equipped and modified car.

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Cross Country Vehicle (CCV) trialing is the next step up from RTV trialing and is open to non-road-legal vehicles, which greatly increases the scope for modification. The terrain covered will be of greater difficulty than that found on an RTV trial. Since there is a risk of touching rocks and trees with the bodywork,^[18] CCV trialing will usually require more careful use of speed to get the vehicle across certain obstacles will attempting to mitigate the risk of vehicle damage. Whilst no trial is intended to be vehicle-damaging, mistakes and accidents are inevitable. A standard-specification vehicle would not be expected to be able to complete a CCV course, but it would still be possible.

The event is run along the same lines as RTV, with a course made up of cane-marked gates.

CCV trialing differs greatly from RTV trials in the vehicles used. Since CCV judges adopt an "anything goes" attitude, CCV trials rely on having the correct vehicle to a much greater extent than in an RTV trial. Competitors can design and build vehicles that are much more optimized for off-road use, than in the lower ranks of trialing. CCV vehicles have powerful engines, high ground clearance, light, minimalist bodywork, and good approach and departure angles. For many years, in the UK, the ultimate CCV vehicle could be built by taking the chassis of a Range Rover, removing the body, cutting the chassis down to an 80-inch wheelbase, and attaching it to the body of a Series I Land Rover, retaining the Range Rover's V8 engine and coil-spring suspension in a light, maneuverable body. In recent years, the value of early Land Rovers and Range Rovers has risen to the extent that this is no longer practical. CCV trailers now usually base their vehicles around Land Rover Defenders or a standard 100-inch chassis from a Range Rover or Series I Discovery. The Suzuki SJ series of vehicles also make good bases for CCV-spec vehicles. Some vehicles are specially built, taking the form of light "buggies" with tractor tires and "fiddle" brakes (fiddle brakes give the ability to lock a wheel, which enables much better turning, better control descending hills, traction control by slowing or locking the spinning wheel) for the best performance.

Vehicles are required to meet certain safety regulations. Roll-cages must be fitted and be built to a suitable standard, recovery points must be fitted front and rear and fuel tanks must meet certain standards. A 4-point harness for all occupants is required and a fire extinguisher is recommended.

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In some countries off-road activities are strictly regulated, while others promote cross-country off-road endurance events like the Dakar Rally, Spanish Baja, Africa Eco Race, Abu Dhabi Desert Challenge, Russian Baja Northern Forest, King of the Hammers, San Felipe 250 and Baja 500 & 1000, which are a test of navigation skills and machine durability. Off-road parks and motocross tracks also host several events and may be the only legal place to off-road in the area.

Off-road vehicle use on public land has been criticized by some members of the U.S. government^[19] and environmental organizations including the Sierra Club and The Wilderness Society.^[20][21] They have noted several consequences of illegal ORV use such as pollution,^[22] trail damage, erosion, land degradation, possible species extinction,^[23] and habitat destruction^[24][25] which can leave hiking trails impassable.^[26] ORV proponents argue that legal use taking place under planned access along with the multiple environment and trail conservation efforts by ORV groups will mitigate these issues.^[27] Groups such as the BlueRibbon Coalition advocate for the responsible use of public lands for off-road activities.^[28]

Noise pollution is also a concern^[29] and several studies conducted by Montana State University, California State University, University of Florida and others have cited possible negative behavioral changes in wildlife as the result of some ORV use.^[30]

Some U.S. states have laws to reduce noise generated by off-road and non-highway vehicles. Washington is one example: "State law requires off-road and other non-highway vehicles to use specified noise-muffling devices (RCW 46.09.120(1) (e) maximum limits and test procedures). State agencies and local governments may adopt regulations governing the operation of non-highway vehicles on property, streets, or highways within their jurisdiction, provided they are not less stringent than state law (RCW 46.09.180 regulation by local political subdivisions)".^[31]

The U.S. Bureau of Land Management (BLM) supervises several large off-road vehicle areas in California's Mojave Desert.

In 2009, U.S. District Judge Susan Illston ruled against the BLM's proposed designation of additional off-road use on designated open routes on public land. According to the ruling, the BLM violated its regulations^[32] when it designated approximately 5,000 miles (8,000 km) of off-road vehicle routes in 2006.^[33] According to Judge Illston the BLM's designation was "flawed because it does not contain a reasonable range of alternatives" to limit damage to sensitive habitat, as required under the National Environmental Policy Act.^[34] Illston found that the Bureau had inadequately analyzed the route's impact on air quality, soils, plant communities and sensitive species, such as the endangered Mojave fringe-toed lizard, pointing out that the United States Congress has declared that the California Desert and its resources are "extremely fragile, easily scarred, and slowly healed".^[34]

The court also found that the BLM failed to follow route restrictions established in the agency's conservation plan, resulting in the establishment of hundreds of illegal OHV routes during the previous three decades.^[32] The plan violated the BLM's regulations, specifically the Federal Land Policy and Management Act of 1976 (FLPMA) and the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (NEPA).^[33] The ruling was considered a success for a coalition of conservation groups including the Friends of Juniper Flats, Community Off-road Vehicle Watch, California Native Plant Society, The Center for Biological Diversity, The Sierra Club, and The Wilderness Society who initiated the legal challenge in late 2006.^[34]

Many U.S. national parks have discussed or enacted roadless rules and partial or total bans on ORVs. To accommodate enthusiasts, some parks like Big Cypress National Preserve in Florida, were created specifically for ORVs and related purposes. However, such designations have not prevented damage or abuse of the policy.^[35]

In 2004, several environmental organizations sent a letter to Dale Bosworth, Chief of the United States Forest Service, and described the extent of damage caused by ORV use, including health threats to other people:

It is well-established that the proliferation of off-road vehicles and snowmobile use places soil, vegetation, air and water quality, and wildlife at risk through pollution, erosion, sedimentation of streams, habitat fragmentation and disturbance, and other adverse impacts to resources. These impacts cause severe and lasting damage to the natural environment on which human-powered and equestrian recreation depends and alter the remote and wild character of the backcountry. Motorized recreation monopolizes forest areas by denying other users the quiet, pristine, backcountry experience they seek. It also presents safety and health threats to other re-creationists.^[36]

In 2004 the Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia listed several problems that result from ORV use in natural areas. From the Environmental News Service article:

Scalia noted that off-road vehicle use on federal land has "negative environmental consequences including soil disruption and compaction, harassment of animals, and annoyance of wilderness lovers.^[37]

Several environmental organizations, including the Rangers for Responsible Recreation, are campaigning to draw attention to a growing threat posed by off-road vehicle misuse and to assist overmatched land managers in addressing ORV use impacts.^[38] These campaigns in part have prompted congressional hearings about the growing impact of unmanaged off-road vehicle use.

The House Natural Resources Committee Subcommittee on National Parks, Forests and Public Lands held an oversight hearing on "The Impacts of Unmanaged Off-Road Vehicles on Federal Land" on March 13, 2008.^[39] A second hearing on off-highway vehicle (OHV) management on public lands was held by the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee on June 5, 2008.^[40] The Senate committee hearing was convened to find out why the agencies are failing to grapple with the negative impacts of off-road vehicle use on US public lands and what the agencies might need to start doing differently. For the first time in perhaps a decade, members of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee grilled leaders of the Forest Service and the BLM about why off-road vehicle use is being allowed to damage America's national treasures.

Taking center stage in the discussion was the "travel planning process", a complex analysis and decision-making procedure to designate appropriate roads and trails. Both the Forest Service and BLM have been engaged in somewhat similar travel planning processes now for years, but some of the committee members didn't seem to think those processes were going along so well. "The BLM has identified travel management on its lands as ‘one of the greatest management challenges’ it faces," stated committee Chairman Jeff Bingaman, D-NM. "Likewise, the Forest Service has identified unmanaged recreation — including ORV use — as one of the top four threats to the management and health of the National Forest System. Despite these statements, it seems to me that neither agency has been able to successfully manage off-road use."

"Existing rules for managing off-road vehicles are not being enforced," Bingaman added, and the agencies are ignoring unregulated use "with significant consequences for the health of our public lands and communities, and adverse effects on other authorized public land uses."

• Off-Road Vehicle Damage
• 
  Negative environmental effects caused by a motorcycle to a portion of the Los Padres National Forest
• 
  Damage that occurred when vehicles left the posted trail in Anza-Borrego Desert State Park

Video games that allow users to off-road include Forza Horizon, Dirt Series, MudRunner, Grand Theft Auto V, Dakar Desert Rally, and the MotorStorm series.

• All-terrain vehicle
• Amphibious vehicle
• Approach and departure angles
• Baja Bug
• Breakover angle
• Dirt Bike
• Dual-sport motorcycle
• Game viewer vehicle
• Mountain bike
• Mud bogging
• Overlanding
• Ramp travel index
• Ride height
• Side-by-side
• Trophy truck

• Environmental Hazards of Dune Bashing

Wikivoyage has a travel guide for Offroad driving.

Media related to Off-roading at Wikimedia Commons

• Man-made erosion, The National Trust (UK)

Capital of the Emirate of Sharjah, United Arab Emirates

This article is about the city. For the emirate, see Emirate of Sharjah. For the star, see HIP 79431.

 

Metropolis in United Arab Emirates

Sharjah

Location within the Persian Gulf

Show map of Persian Gulf

Sharjah ٱلشَّارقَة
Metropolis
Sharjah
Clockwise from top: Al Khan Lagoon, Heritage District, Al-Noor Mosque, Cultural Palace, Blue Souk, Al-Qasba Canal
Flag Coat of arms
Sharjah Location of Sharjah in the UAE Show map of United Arab Emirates

Coordinates: 25°21′27″N 55°23′27″E / 25.35750°N 55.39083°E / 25.35750; 55.39083Country United Arab EmiratesEmirate SharjahGovernment

 • TypeAbsolute monarchy • SheikhSultan bin Muhammad Al-QasimiArea

235.5 km² (90.9 sq mi)Population

1,872,000 • Rank3rd • Density7,949/km² (20,590/sq mi)GDP

 • TotalUS$ 58.9 billion (2023) • Per capitaUS$ 32,100 (2023)

Sharjah (/ˈʃɑːrdʒə/; Arabic: ٱلشَّارقَة aš-Šāriqah, Gulf Arabic: aš-Šārja^[3]) is a major port city and the third-most populous city in the United Arab Emirates, after Dubai and Abu Dhabi.^[4][5] It is the capital of the Emirate of Sharjah and forms part of the Dubai-Sharjah-Ajman metropolitan area. The emirate shares legal, political, military and economic functions with the other emirates of the UAE within a federal framework. Each emirate has jurisdiction over some functions such as civil law enforcement and provision and upkeep of local facilities. Sharjah has been ruled by the Al Qasimi dynasty since the 18th century.

The city is a center for culture and industry, and alone contributes 7.4% of the GDP of the United Arab Emirates.^[6] The city covers approximately 235 km² and has a population of over 1,800,000 (2022–2023).^[1] Sharjah has been officially named as a WHO healthy city.^[7] The 2016 edition of QS Best Student Cities ranked Sharjah as the 68th best city in the world to be a university student.^[8] Sharjah is regarded as the cultural capital of the UAE,^[9][10] and was the Islamic culture capital of 2014^[11] and Sharjah World Book Capital for 2019 by UNESCO.^[12]

On 1 January 2022, Sharjah made history when its public sector adopted a four-day working week and a three-day weekend, becoming the first government sector in the Gulf region and the entire Middle East to fully adopt a four-day working week.^[13]

The origin of the name of Sharjah is unknown, with most common interpretations linking the origin of the word Sharjah to the word sharq (Arabic: شَرْق, lit. 'east') due to the fact that the city is located to the east of Dubai and Abu Dhabi, and that Sharjah was the easternmost settlement at the time.^[14]

However, other interpretations have disputed the origin of the name based on location, and suggested instead that it refers to the word shurūq (Arabic: شُروق, lit. 'sunrise'). Further theories have linked the name to a pre-Islamic idol called Abed Al Shareq that transformed into Sharjah. The origin of the word has also been linked to the Andalusi Arabic usage of the word, which was used to refer to a fort.^[15]

Sharjah was historically one of the wealthiest towns in this region with a settlement in existence for over 5000 years.^[16] In the early 18th century, the Huwayla tribe of the Qawasim clan 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 its neighbors Ajman, Dubai, Ras Al Khaimah, and Umm Al Quwain, Sharjah's 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).

In 1829, English author and traveler James Silk Buckingham described Sharjah as such:

"In the course of the night, we had passed the port of Sharjee, on the Arabian coast, which is not an island, Niebuhr's chart, the only one in which it is inserted; but a small town, on a sandy beach, containing from five to six hundred inhabitants. It is situated in lat. 25° 34' north, and lies eleven leagues south-west of a small island, close to the shore, called Jeziret-el-Hamra; and three leagues south-west of Sharjee is Aboo Hayle."^[17]

With the approach of the 20th century, Sharjah extended inland to the area now known as Wasit Suburb, the area between the city and Al Dhaid being under the control of the tribes of the interior. With a population of 15,000 inhabitants, Sharjah had some four or five shops in Layyah and a bazaar of around 200 shops in main Sharjah.^[18]

In the midst of World War II, Nazi propaganda infiltrated the town. Loud propagating of pro-Hitler speeches could be heard emanating from the Sheikh of Sharjah's palace during a period in 1940, and messages sharing a similar sentiment graffitied on walls in the town center according to British intelligence reports at the time, for the messages being propagated by the Germans was one of anti-imperialism, it found a sympathetic audience among some of the emirate's populace, particularly Abdullah bin Faris, a secretary of the Sheikh who was responsible for the broadcasts. After the Sheikh was confronted by the British, he wrote a letter reaffirming his support for the British war efforts and disputed the charges laid out against bin Faris. Attached to the letter was a petition signed by 48 prominent individuals testifying to bin Faris' character, which, according to the British, had been misrepresented to the signees. The incident resolved after the Sheikh and bin Faris ceased transmitting propaganda and doubled down on their support to the British.^[19]

On 2 December 1971, Sharjah, together with Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Ajman, Umm Al Qawain, and Fujairah joined in the Act of Union to form the United Arab Emirates. The seventh emirate, Ras al-Khaimah, joined the UAE on 10 February 1972 following Iran's annexation of Ras al-Khaimah's Tunbs islands.^{[citation needed]}

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. These stamps that were printed in profusion became worthless to collectors and came to be known as Dunes.^[20] Many of the items featured on these stamps were unrelated to the emirate and therefore many catalogues do not list them.^[21]

Sharjah is the third largest city in the United Arab Emirates after Dubai and Abu Dhabi.^[25] The palace of the ruler of the Emirate of Sharjah, Sheikh Sultan bin Muhammad 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 1,600,000 (2022). It includes the main administrative centres of the Government of Sharjah along with commercial, cultural and traditional projects. The city hosts several museums of archaeology, natural history, science, arts, heritage, Islamic art and culture.^[26] Distinctive landmarks include two major covered souks, reflecting Islamic design, and a number of recreational areas and public parks such as Al Montazah Fun Park and Al Buheirah Corniche. The city is also acclaimed for its numerous elegant mosques.^[27]

Downtown Sharjah or Sharjah City,^[28] Al Majaz is a large-scale, mixed-use complex in Sharjah. It serves as the cultural and commercial heart of the emirate. It is characterized by a blend of traditional architecture, modern amenities, and numerous cultural landmarks.

It is one of the older parts of the city. It is a key of commercial and residential hub within the emirate. Situated east of Khalid lake Rolla Sharjah stands out as a prominent community within the city as a historical and significant landmark within the city of Sharjah. The neighborhood derives its name from a historic banyan tree that once flourished in the area. Rolla is an integral part of the Al Ghuwair development.^[29]

Muwaileh Commercial is a Suburb, Community city and residential area in Sharjah, with direct access to Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Road (E311) and Maliah Road. Its a prominent and rapidly developing area in Sharjah. It borders Industrial Area 15 and 17 to the south, and is close to the University City of Sharjah.^[30] It also features a diverse range of residential options, consisting of apartment buildings.

It is named after the large rolla (banyan tree) that once stood in the square,^[31] which inspired the sculpture at the center of the park, Rolla Square is a common location for people to stroll, unwind and enjoy the tranquil environment during the weekends.^[32] Rolla Square Market in Rolla Square is a vital part of the Sharjah shopping experience. Its mix of traditional market vibes where visitors can get their products at affordable prices and a wide range of products makes it a favorite for shoppers looking for deals and unique finds.^[33]

Bank street is located near the main area of Rolla, many bank branches and offices are located on the street. The street has an urban park which is unique as local residents were invited to nominate significant urban features — like benches, trees, playgrounds, and signage — from various cities worldwide that hold personal meaning to them, representing anything from remarkable stories to fleeting memories. These objects were selected from the residents' home countries or places they came across during their travels. They were either replicated in exact 1:1 scale or purchased and transported to the designated site.^[34][35]

Al Hisn, also known as Sharjah Fort was a fortified complex built in 1823 as the headquarters of the then-independent Emirate of Sharjah and the residence of the Al Qasimi family. Its situated in the center of the city, and was closed for renovations from 1996 to 2015, and it reopened its doors as an open-air museum under the administration of the Sharjah Museums Authority.^[36] The materials that were used for the building of the fort — ceilings are made out of chandal (mangrove poles), kumbar (rope), du’un (bound palm branches) and haseer (palm matts). The walls, with a thickness of 70–80 cm, are plastered with corals, harvested from the Gulf seabed and held in place using jus – a mortar formed by crushing and burning corals, limestone and shells.^[37]

Located between the Blue Souq and Fish Market, near the Union Bank Tower, the floral call to cheer up engraved on the roundabout has given its name to the roundabout itself. "Smile, You're in Sharjah" is a welcome sign, spelled out in flowers in the middle of a roundabout notorious for its rush-hour traffic jams.^[38]

Sharjah Central Souq, or Gold Souq (Arabic: سوق, lit. 'market'), stands as Sharjah premier shopping destination and comprises a gold souq, clothing souq, and antiques and jewellery shops. It stands out due to its design by British architects Michael Lyle & Partners under the guidance of Sharjah's ruler, H.H Sheikh Dr. Sultan Bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, the building was completed in 1978. Its architecture evokes a grand-scale traditional bazaar. It is situated along the Khalid Lagoon and offers a stunning view of sunset, reflecting its beauty across the water.^[39] The Central Souq which is also called the Blue Souq includes around 600 shops and each shop has the unique masterpiece design.^[40]

Mahatta Fort, now known as the Al Mahatta Museum, is a museum on the site of the first airport built in the region in 1932 by Imperial Airways. The adjacent fort was constructed by then-Ruler of Sharjah Sultan bin Saqr Al Qasimi as a rest stop for travelling crew and for protection against any potential attacks.^[41][42] The fort and airport were used extensively by the Royal Air Force during World War II, and after the war the fort became the headquarters of the Trucial Oman Scouts.^[43] The airport remained in use up to 1977, when Sharjah International Airport opened. The runway strip was converted into a highway and the buildings were renovated into Al Mahatta Museum, which opened in 2000.^[43]

The Heart of Sharjah is an ongoing^{[needs update]} renovation and preservation project of the former old city center of Sharjah.^[44] The project aims to develop the former old city center into an open-air museum with various smaller museums, galleries and commercial centers. The project is home to a 5-star hotel and the traditional Souk Al Arsa, a covered souk with an array of items for sale, including antiques.^[45]

Al-Qasba Canal is a 1-kilometer-long canal that runs through the center of Sharjah. Located along its waterfront are several apartments, shops, and tourist attractions of the Al Qasba community.^[46] The theatre in Qasba celebrates different types of cultural events every year. It became more crowded during the festival season.^[47]

The Sharjah Heritage Museum is situated near the Bait Al Naboodah, directly across from Souq Al Arsah. It is built around a shaded courtyard as a reconstruction of traditional family life. There are many rooms which have display of traditional furniture along with household items including children's costumes, toys, and jewellery.

Sharjah National Park spanning nearly 630,000 sq ft (59,000 m²) is the city's largest green space, offering a wide range of attractions ideal for families which is popular among both locals and tourists, it features amenities such as barbecue areas with picnic tables and grilling stations, a playground with swings and slides under sheltering canopies, and a duck pond. Moreover, visitors can explore cycling tracks and a miniature clay model of Sharjah's landmarks. There is a small mosque for prayers nearby^[48]

Since its opening in 2008 Sharjah's Aquarium which is located in Al Layyeh, has become an attraction to adults and children. Managed by the Sharjah Museums Authority, renowned for its educational initiatives, the aquarium features 20 tanks across two floors, housing diverse sea creatures in a sprawling 6,500 square meter space. The Sharjah Underwater Walk is a unique experience at the Sharjah Aquarium which allow visitors to explore marine life closely. Visitors can walk along the aquarium floor while submerged in water, surrounded by a variety of fish and other sea creatures.^[49] Ready to explore? Here is everything one should know about this captivating attraction.^[50]

Aerial view of Al Noor Island

Inside Al Noor island with Sharjah skyline in the back

Al Noor Island is located in the Khalid Lagoon covering an area of 45,470 m² (489,400 sq ft). It has been developed by Shurooq to be a state of art culture and a leisure destination that engages people with nature and inspires Sharjah's fast growing tourism sector.^[51] The island is accessible via a short boat ride from the mainland and also can reach through the pedestrian bridge that connects it to the mainland. It is designed to offer a serene escape from city life, boasting stunning lighting displays, art sculptures, and a tranquil Literature Pavilion such as the 'OVO' and 'Torus' displays. The island's is intended to convey a peaceful ambience consistent with being a family-friendly destination.^[52]

Maryam Island is a beachfront destination that oversees the Arabian sea. It is one of the largest projects in the emirate with an investment of 2.4 billion Dirhams (US$650M).^[53] Waterside development is planned to spread across 460,000 m² (5,000,000 sq ft), with a built-up area of 310,000 m² (3,300,000 sq ft).^[54][55] The Maryam Island development will feature 38 residential buildings with over 35,000 units. This community will offer residents many facilities which includes a 900-metre waterfront promenade, fitness clubs, swimming pools for kids and adults, an indoor garden, 4,000 square metre Maryam Park, jogging tracks, basketball courts, and a playground for children.^[56]

The Arabian Wildlife Center opened in 1999 and was home to more than 100 species of animals. Situated at a convenient location, this center was quite close to the Sharjah International Airport. The Sharjah Wildlife Centre has introduced a pair of rare long-eared hedgehogs which is one of the fascinating species at the centre. These hedgehogs are known for their distinctive long ears, which help them detect predators and navigate their environment.^[57] Despite the hot and dry conditions in most of Arabia, there were a number of mammal species who adapted to these conditions.^[58] The Breeding Centre for Endangered Wildlife, a sister facility,^[59] was a member of the EAZA, like Al Ain Zoo in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi,^[60] but is now closed to the public.^[61] The fauna, including the Arabian leopard, which are found in the mountains in the eastern part of the country,^[59] were transferred to Al Hefaiyah Conservation Centre in the eastern area of Kalba.^[62] In 2001, The center assisted Yemeni zoos in Sana'a and Ta'izz with the management of their animals.^[59]

Al Majaz Waterfront is a leisure area, a waterfront landmark of Sharjah Featuring an audio-video dancing fountain, miniature golf and a number of restaurants. At a distance of 1 km from Blue Souk, 18 km from Sharjah International Airport and 14 km from Dubai International Airport.^[63]

In 2023 a redevelopment project was done involving a complete overhaul of the park, including the installation of a new irrigation system, construction of new walking paths, children's play areas, and a parking plot valued around 5.5 million AED which took 6 months to complete.^[64] This is the main attractions for family and friends in Sharjah where many activities like waterside destination which includes mini golf, a splash park, a mini-train and many more attractions are available for kids.^[65]

Rain Room, an experiential artwork created by Hannes Koch and Florian Ortkrass of Random International in 2012, was permanently installed for the first time in Sharjah, United Arab Emirates, in 2018. This artwork allows people to visit the installation and walk through a rain downpour without getting wet, as their movement in dark spaces is detected by motion sensors. The Sharjah Art Foundation constructed a purpose-built visitor center located in the city's residential area of Al Majarrah to house the permanent installation of Rain Room.^[66][67] The Sharjah Rain Room recycles about 1,200 liters of rainwater during each visit.^[68]

Reconstructed in 2015 and launched as a redeveloped arts and community center in 2020, The Flying Saucer, Sharjah is a brutalist building dating back to the 1970s. It was re-opened after a two-year renovation project by the Sharjah Art Foundation (SAF).^[69] The Flying Saucer building looks like a circular with a dome-like structure on top and its roof is wide, disc-shaped with a smooth and clean finish which is supported by several V shaped columns.^[70]

The Sharjah Light Festival is held every year since 2010 in various landmarks around Sharjah. It is a display of lights using projectors and lasers on buildings. Usually, the shows have a small storyline or a theme.^[71][72]

Sharjah's largest mosque, the "Sharjah Mosque"^[73][74] was inaugurated in May 2019. Located in the area of Tay, at the junction of the Emirates Road and the road to Mleiha. It can accommodate up to 25,000 worshipers, with an interior capacity of over 5,000 people.^[75] Two coins, one gold and one silver, each inscribed with a verse from the Quran, were issued by the Central Bank of the United Arab Emirates, and designed by the Sharjah Islamic Bank, to commemorate the occasion.^[76] Earlier, the King Faisal Mosque, named after King Faisal of Saudi Arabia, had been the largest in the Emirate^[77] and country,^{[citation needed]} with an area of 10,000–12,000 m² (110,000–130,000 sq ft).^[78][79]

In 1997, a Syriac Orthodox church, St. Mary's Jacobite Syrian Soonoro Patriarchal Cathedral, was consecrated to accommodate a growing population of Syriac Christians, many of whom are migrant workers from Kerala and southern India.^[80]

• 
  Mosque
• 
  Al-Noor Mosque
• 
  Saint Gregory the Illuminator Armenian Apostolic Church
• 
  St. Philip the Apostle Russian Orthodox Church

In March 2021, the Sharjah Investment and Development authorities opened two parks in Al Rahmaniyah, Kshisha and Shaghrafa, built in a total area of 147,700 m² (1,590,000 sq ft). It included a female-only park, along with entertainment, social, sports and educational facilities.^[81] It also includes an artificial pond where visitors can feed the duck. Barbecues are prohibited on the site of the park, so visitors can bring their own food into the park.^[82]

In December 2020, Sultan bin Muhammad Al-Qasimi inaugurated a library inspired by the original House of Wisdom in Baghdad. The building was designed by Foster and Partners, extending over 12,000 m² (130,000 sq ft).^[83] On the grounds of the library is a large art piece entitled "The Scroll", a contemporary interpretation of the ancient Arabic scrolls, made by Gerry Judah. It was made to celebrate the Emirate of Sharjah being named the UNESCO World Book Capital for 2019.^[84]

The Faya Palaeolandscape in Sharjah, UAE, has advanced in its nomination for UNESCO World Heritage status under the “Cultural Landscape” category. Located in Sharjah's Central Region, Faya offers one of the oldest and most continuous records of early human presence in Arabia, dating back over 210,000 years. Recent archaeological studies have shifted the perception of Faya from a mere transit point to a site of repeated human settlement, owing to its favorable conditions such as access to water, flint resources, and natural shelters. Led by Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi, the nomination emphasizes Faya's significance as a "living archive" that enhances our understanding of human evolution and resilience. A comprehensive conservation plan for 2024–2030 has been developed to ensure the site's preservation, aligning with UNESCO's standards and reinforcing the UAE's commitment to protecting its ancient cultural landscapes.^[85]

Sharjah has a hot desert climate (Köppen climate classification BWh), with warm winters and extremely hot summers. The average daytime temperature during the summer ranges between 38 °C (100 °F) to 42 °C (108 °F), and on some days the temperature exceeds 45 °C (113 °F) mainly during the hottest months of July and August. During winter, the average daytime temperature rarely exceeds 30 °C (86 °F). Rainfall is generally light and erratic, and occurs generally from November to July. February and March account for nearly two-third of the year's rainfall.^[86]

Development of transportation services in Sharjah is a critical long-term task. Planned by the SPTC since 2008, the Sharjah Metro^[90][91] will be the third metro system in the UAE after the Dubai Metro and the Abu Dhabi Metro. The Sharjah Tram has been planned since 2015,^[92] and will be the second tram system in the country after the Dubai Tram.

The Sharjah International Airport is the third-largest Middle East airfreight hub in cargo tonnage, according to official 2015 statistics from Airports Council International.^{[citation needed]} Sharjah International Airport is the home base of Air Arabia, a low-cost carrier.

The first international flight in Sharjah landed on 5 October 1932 in the Mahatta Fort airstrip as part of a refueling stop on Imperial Airways's India–Britain route. The former airport hosted a cinema, hotel, and a restaurant, and would eventually become a Royal Air Force military base until the UAE's independence in 1971. Mahatta Fort was the main international airport for the city until 1976, when traffic moved to Sharjah International Airport.^[93]

There are two major series of highways in Sharjah, which are "E" and "S". E represents roads connecting other emirates, and S for roads within the emirate.

The major roads in Sharjah include:

• E 88: Al Dhaid Road, connecting to the Emirate of Fujairah.
• E 102: Sharjah–Kalbah Road, connecting to Fujairah and Kalba.
• E 311: Sheikh Mohammad Bin Zayed Road, connecting to Dubai, Ajman and Ras al-Khaimah.
• E 11: Al Ittihad Road, connecting to Dubai.
• E 611: Emirates Road, connecting to Dubai, Ajman and Ras Al-Khaimah
• S 112: Maliha Road/King Faisal Street.^{[citation needed]}

The Sharjah Public Transportation Corporation organizes and supervises the operations of taxis in Sharjah Emirate. Sharjah taxi service is provided through franchise companies. They are the major taxi operators in the emirates. If one goes from one emirate to another, taxi drivers will charge 20 dirhams as rent. They cover all parts of the Emirate and cities, including shopping centers, residential areas and airport.

• Sharjah Taxi: Sharjah City and Eastern Regions.
• Emirates Cab: Sharjah City.
• City Taxi: Sharjah City and Eastern Regions.
• Union Taxi: Sharjah City.
• Advantage Taxi: Sharjah City and Central Regions.^[94]

The Sharjah Transport Corporation also provides shared transportation with the purpose of serving certain routes in Sharjah on a fixed rate for each route without using the meter. Sharjah Sharing Taxi routes are carefully selected to support people with low income covering areas with frequent needs for quick transfer within the same location, to ease the traffic situation in Sharjah.^[94]

The SRTA operates passenger bus services nationwide, between Sharjah City (Sharjah Al Jubail Bus station), Ras Al Khaimah, Khor Fakkan, Kalba, Fujairah, Masafi, Ajman, Umm Al Quwain, Hamriyah Free Zone, Dhaid, Al Madam, Dibba Al Hisn, Abu Dhabi, Al Ain and Dubai.^{[citation needed]}

Utility services in the emirate are provided by the Sharjah Electricity and Water Authority, which provides electricity, water and LPG connections to about 2 million consumers. They have over 4,000 employees serving areas as far as Dhaid, Kalba and Khorfakkan. Telephone services in the emirate, both fixed lines and mobile services, are provided by the government-owned Etisalat and du communication.^[95][96]

UAE culture mainly revolves around the religion of Islam and traditional Arab culture. The influence of Islamic and Arabic culture on its architecture, music, attire, cuisine and lifestyle are very prominent. Five times a day, Muslims are called to prayer from the minarets of mosques, which are spread across the country. Since 2006, the weekend has been Friday and Saturday, as a compromise between Friday's holiness to Muslims and the Western weekend of Saturday and Sunday.^[97]

The sale or consumption of alcoholic beverages is prohibited in the emirate without an alcohol license and alcohol is not served in hotels, restaurants or other outlets in Sharjah. This has helped Sharjah increase the number of Islamic tourists who visit the country.^[98] Sharjah was designated the 2019 World Book Capital by UNESCO.^[99]

A cultural heritage project, Heart of Sharjah, has been undertaken to preserve and restore the old town of Sharjah and return it to its 1950s glory. A five-phase project intended for completion in 2025, the project is being undertaken by the Sharjah Investment and Development Authority, Shurooq, together with the Sharjah Institute for Heritage, the Sharjah Museums Department, and the Sharjah Art Foundation.^[100]

Sharjah International Book Fair is a cultural event held every year in Sharjah.

Sharjah is the headquarters of Air Arabia, the first low-cost airline in the Middle East, which operates to the Middle East, Asia and Europe. Its headquarters are located in the Sharjah Freight Center, on the property of the Sharjah International Airport.^[101][102]

The Sharjah Airport International Free Zone, popularly known as "SAIF Zone", is one of the prominent free-trade zones in the UAE. More than 6000 companies operate from SAIF Zone. The cost of setting up business in Sharjah is less than in any other emirates of the UAE, and the focus of industrialization (Sharjah Industrial area) has in recent years turned Sharjah into a commercial center.^{[citation needed]} Thanks to its 100% foreign ownership and exemption from income and corporate taxes, SAIF Zone has attracted investors from more than 90 countries.^[103] This led to a business friendly atmosphere leading to a 6.5 percent surge, reaching approximately AED 145.2 billion in 2023, compared to 136.4 billion in 2022, which marked a 4.9 percent growth from 2021.^[104]

According to the 2022 census, the total population of the emirate was 1.8 million, with 1.6 million of them residing in the city of Sharjah. Of the 1.8 million total population of the emirate, 208,000 were Emirati citizens, and the remainder were expatriates.^[1]

Like the rest of the UAE, Arabic is the official and national language of the emirate and is used in all official capacities. However, all traffic signs, information posts, and government press releases are also written in English.^[105] South Asian languages such as Tamil, Hindi, Odia, Urdu, Malayalam, Telugu, Bengali etc are spoken widely by the residents of emirate. Russian is also used by the Russian and Central Asian community. Islam is the predominant religion in the emirate.

There are several public and private schools in addition to universities in Sharjah, including the University of Sharjah, University of Al Dhaid (which has a strategic relationship with the UK's University of Liverpool, and together they have established the University of Al Dhaid College of Veterinary Medicine, American University of Sharjah, Skyline College Sharjah, Al Qasimia University, Westford School of Management, Exeed School of Business and Finance, Sharjah Men's College and Sharjah Women's College. Few of these universities are located in an area called the University City. Private schools in the city include the International School of Creative Science, Wesgreen International School, Westminster School, Victoria English School, Sharjah Indian School, Sharjah English School, Delta English School, Emirates National School, American Community School Sharjah, Indian School Sharjah, the International School of Choueifat, Sharjah, Sharjah High School, DPS Delhi Private School, Gulf Asian English School, Our Own English High School and the American School of Creative Science.

In addition to the UAE federal laws which criminalize homosexuality, the penal code in Sharjah actively discriminates against LGBTQ individuals. For example, Article 176 of the Sharjah Penal Code (1970) punishes "unnatural crimes (Sodomy)"—defined as "sexual intercourse with another person in contravention of the laws of nature" or "allowing a male to have intercourse with them in contravention of the laws of nature"—with imprisonment up to 10 years. Article 181 establishes that "sexual intercourse" is deemed to have occurred once the sexual organ has entered in the slightest degree, regardless of whether that entry is accompanied by secretion of semen.^[106] See also LGBT people and Islam

Healthcare in Sharjah can be divided into two different sectors, Public and Private. Public hospitals in the emirates are administered by the government of Sharjah through the Ministry of Health. The emirate also has 9 public medical centers to provide primary health care services.

The Sharjah Cricket Stadium has hosted almost 238 One Day International cricket matches, which is more than any other ground, and 4 test matches.^{[needs update]} Sharjah FC plays in the UAE Pro League. Sharjah also has a chess club.^[107]

The Sharjah Cricket Stadium was one of the three stadiums to hold 2020 IPL matches.

Sharjah hosts the final round of the Union Internationale Motonautique Formula 1 Powerboat World Championship every year in December.^[108] They also have a circuit powerboat team, Sharjah Team. Rusty Wyatt and Filip Roms drive for them in F1.^[109] Andrè Faye Solvang won the 2024 UIM F4 World Championship for the team.^[110]

• Ebtisam AbdulAziz
• Abdulaziz Abdulrahman Almusallam
• Hussain Ayed
• Emira D'Spain
• Ahmed Khalil
• Shaykha al-Nakhi
• Lubna Khalid Al Qasimi
• Sultan Al-Jasmi
• Sultan bin Muhammad Al-Qasimi
• Asmaa al-Zarouni
• Abdullah bin Salem bin Theban

Sharjah is twinned with Granada, Spain.^[111]

• 
  The Buhaira 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

• Al Heera Beach Sharjah
• Archaeology of the United Arab Emirates
• Sharjah Police Force
• Sharjah Art Foundation
• Hamriyah Port
• Sharjah Museum of Islamic Civilization
• Sharjah Cup

• (in Arabic) Official website
• Official Sharjah Tourism Website