History

Sharjah is the third largest of the seven Emirates which form the United Arab Emirates. The settlement of Sharjah dates back some 6,000 years when it is believed to have been called Sarcoa. The population was small and people relied on trade and sea faring in addition to, farming, hunting, fishing and pearling. Many of the early settlements were based around the 'falaj', a man-made underground water course.

Culture

The official religion of the United Arab Emirates is Islam and the call to prayer sounds five times a day on almost every street corner. People adhere closely to the tenets of Islam in all aspects of their lives. Family ties are very strong and nearly sacred. National dress for men is the kandora (dishdasha), the long white robe and headdress. Women wear the traditional abbaya or black cloak.

Location

Sharjah is located on the Arabian Gulf in the West, and the Gulf of Oman and the Indian Ocean in the East. Sharjah is the only Emirate to have land on both the Arabian Sea and the Indian Ocean.

Climate

Sharjah's climate is idyllic from November to April with warm sunny days, cool evenings and low humidity. Daytime temperatures range from 18 to 30 degrees C. You can expect some rainfall and tropical storms during January, February and March. After heavy rains you will need a good pair of rubber boots to negotiate the streets ! (Rainwear can be purchased in Rolla Square) From May to September the climate is hot with midday temperatures in July and August reaching in excess of 45 degrees C. Even the nights are warm averaging 25 degrees C.

General Information

The most popular national sports include camel racing, falconry and football. Arabic is the official language, while English is popular as the commercial language. The population of the Emirate has risen dramatically during the past 10 years from 159,595 in 1981, to an estimated 450,000 in 1995.

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