Facts about Sharjah: From past to present
Sharjah, the third largest emirate in the UAE, holds a significant place in history due to its rich culture and heritage. While its influence can be seen throughout the country, there are still some lesser-known facts about Sharjah. Join us as we explore Sharjah’s intriguing fact file and uncover its fascinating details.
INTERESTING FACTS ABOUT SHARJAH
Let’s start with some historical, interesting facts about Sharjah.
THE NAME SHARJAH
Sharjah is an Arabic word which translates to “The Rising Sun.” According to some translations, it can also mean “East.”
EARLY SETTLEMENT
The first recorded evidence of human presence in Sharjah dates back to 85,000 BCE at Jebel Fayah. One of the most interesting facts about Sharjah is that in 1490 AD, the famous Arab navigator Ahmad Ibn Majid mentioned the city in his written records. It is also present in a 2nd-century AD map by the Greek geographer Ptolemy.
During archaeological excavations in the 1950s, many items dated back to the Stone Age were revealed. You can visit the historical sights and museums in Sharjah to learn more about Sharjah’s story.
NOMADIC COMMUNITIES
Nomadic communities started thriving in the region around 7,000 years ago. With increased rainfall, the barren land turned into fertile plains. Furthermore, the inhabitants of Sharjah banked on the ocean for their livelihood with fishing and other sea-related trading.
You can visit the Sharjah Maritime Museum to learn about the role of sea trade in developing the emirate.
ROOTS OF MODERN SHARJAH
The origins of present-day Sharjah can be traced back to the 1720s when the Qawasim tribe rose to prominence. Over the following centuries, Sharjah underwent significant growth. It emerged as a crucial port for the Arabian Gulf and pearling and fishing became essential industries.
THE RULING FAMILY
The Al Qasimi family has ruled the emirate. The current leader, His Highness. Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, is the 18th ruler of the emirate from the Al Qasimi ruling family. Al Hisn Fort, a past residence of the emirate’s ruling family, was built in 1820.
Under the family’s reign, the emirate has been an age of prosperity and growth. Sharjah today is a modern place that retains the spirit and essence of Islam.
SHARJAH’S DEMOGRAPHICS
The emirate has a population of around 1.8 million. Almost 208,000 are Emirati citizens, according to the census.
ACCOLADES AND AWARDS
Sharjah has received numerous international accolades, recognising its cultural significance and regional contributions. Some notable awards include:
- UNESCO Cultural Capital of the Arab World (1998)
- Islamic Cultural Capital of the Arab Region (2014)
- Capital of Arab Tourism (2015)
- UNESCO World Book Capital (2019)
SHARJAH’S GEOGRAPHY
A fascinating fact about Sharjah is that it is the only emirate to share borders with all the other six emirates in the country. This elevates its strategic importance as a city. The covered area is 2.6 billion sq.m. of the UAE’s total area.
SHARJAH’S AIRPORT
Did you know the Sharjah Airport was the first in the Arabian Gulf? It was established in 1932, which is a pretty interesting fact about this city that few people know.
SHARJAH MUNICIPALITY
Sharjah Municipality was established in 1927 as the first municipality in the country.
DISCOVERY OF OIL
The emirate’s oil reserves were discovered in 1972, specifically at the Mubarak Field. Two years later, in 1974, the first exports of oil began. The Gulf and Middle East region’s first container station was established at Khaled Seaport the following year.
SHARJAH’S ECONOMY
Talking about facts about Sharjah, you might be interested in knowing its contribution to the UAE economy. The annual GDP of Sharjah for 2023 was AED 145.2 billion.
Wholesale and retail trade, repair of motor vehicles and motorcycles, construction and manufacturing were the three most prominent industries in 2023.
SHARJAH’S FIRST SCHOOL AND LIBRARY
Education has been a key priority for the ruling family for a long time. In 1907, Al Tamimiya School, the first school in Sharjah, was established. In addition, the first library, “Al Taymeya,” was established in 1933.
EDUCATION FOR WOMEN
One important aspect of the history of Sharjah is that it was the first emirate to introduce education for women back in 1942.
A HUB OF ART AND CULTURE
Another fact about Sharjah you should be aware of is that it is home to around two dozen museums and heritage areas. It is the perfect place if you are interested in arts, crafts and history. Almost all museums in Sharjah can answer questions about things to know about Sharjah.
Sharjah Biennial and Sharjah International Book Fair are widely popular events attended by local and international audiences.
The emirate also has 400 mosques. Similarly, there are many churches in Sharjah.
SHARJAH CRICKET STADIUM
Here’s a fun fact about Sharjah. The Sharjah Cricket Stadium has a special place as it holds the distinction of hosting the most ODI matches in a single ground, with 247 and counting.
FAQS ABOUT FACTS ABOUT SHARJAH AND MORE
WHAT ARE THE TOP TOURIST ATTRACTIONS IN SHARJAH?
Here’s a list of top tourist attractions in Sharjah. You can also check out the best things to do in Sharjah if you are visiting soon.
WHERE CAN I READ INTERESTING FACTS ABOUT ABU DHABI?
From the early settlement to oil discovery in the capital emirate, we present some fascinating facts about Abu Dhabi.
This concludes our list of interesting facts about Sharjah. The history of the UAE’s cultural capital is captivating. Also, the emirate’s transformation makes for an interesting case study for history students. We hope you know more about this modern yet rooted-in-tradition city.
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