Sharjah: Shrine of the Muses   “Sharjah is home to one of the best museums in the world - the Sharjah Art Museum - and no one knows about it, no one goes to it; it’s unbelievable,” mused world-renowned artist Sacha Jafri on a recent trip to the UAE. “Sharjah Art Museum has exhibited work by some of the greatest artists of the last century and no one has been, despite the fact that it’s considered one of the top ten art museums in the world. This needs to change.” Members of the Sharjah Museums Department would argue that this is changing, albeit gradually.   Religion: Islam is the official religion of Sharjah and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) with the majority being Sunni Muslims. The holy day is Friday with most government offices, companies and schools remaining closed on Friday.   Geography: Sharjah is the only emirate in the UAE to have land on both the Persian Gulf and the Gulf

of Oman, overlooking the Persian Gulf in the West and the Gulf of Oman in the East. Sharjah owns three enclaves on the east coast, bordering the Gulf of Oman – Kalba, Dibba Al-Hisn and Khor Fakkan. The emirate also encompasses the islands of Abu Mousa and Sir Abu Nu’air as well as a sprawling oasis area, Dhaid, widely known for the wide range of fruits and vegetables cultivated on its fertile soil. The topography of Sharjah can be divided into two distinct regions - the sandy plains and the Hajar mountain range. The Hajar mountain range is located in the eastern province of Batinah and rises to an altitude of 2,500 feet above sea level.

Sharjah is a close neighbour to Dubai with a mere 15 minute drive separating the centre of Sharjah and Dubai International Airport.

Climate: Sharjah’s climate is idyllic from November to April with daytime temperatures ranging from 18°C to 30°C. January, February and March see rainfall and the odd tropical storm, while May to September brings the hot season –midday temperatures in July and August can soar as high as 45°C with nights averaging 25°C. Humidity often reaches 100 per cent during these months meaning that Sharjah residents tend to head to cooler climes.  

Banks and foreign exchange Sharjah has a large network of local and international banks offering commercial and personal banking services.

Telecommunications: There are two telecom operators in Sharjah – Etisalat and du.

Alcohol: Sharjah is the only Emirate in which the sale, possession and consumption of alcohol is banned. It also maintains the strictest decency laws in the UAE.