Sharjah in Brief

‘Smile... you are in Sharjah’ is catchword of the emirate. It makes the visitor feel as if he or she is an inseparable part of this magnificent city.

Sharjah has land on both coasts: the Arabian Gulf and the Indian Ocean. The western part extends over the Arabian Gulf coasts and the eastern part over the Gulf of Oman and the Indian Ocean. The emirate occupies an area of 2,590 square meters. In 1998, Sharjah City was designated by UNESCO as the cultural capital of the Arab world for its commitment to art, culture and the preservation of heritage. It is also regarded as the cultural capital of the UAE. There are many economic and social projects in the emirate, as His Highness Dr. Sheikh Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah, gives all the support needed to develop all sectors and continue the progress towards modernity.

Sharjah has a distinct feature represented in its cultural activities and festivals. Residents and visitors can enjoy a multitude of activities, including sports events. Shopping is also another facet of the rich life in Sharjah as traditional and Islamic marketplaces as well as modern shopping malls provide endless options. The emirate has a vibrant economy as it grows to be a main trade and investment center in the region. It is the country’s leading industrial base and represents one of the strongest industrial hubs in the Arabian Gulf.

Sharjah, with its coastal modern and traditional towns like Khorfakkan, Kalba and Dibba Al Husn, has also attracted tourists to its magical beaches, with superb fishing and diving facilities. Oasis towns like Al Dhaid also attract visitors, and are known for their rich produce of fruits and vegetables.

The population of the emirate is around 599,000, according to a 1995 census. The gross domestic product (GDP) reached Dh 24.1 billion in 2002. (Figures provided by Sharjah Chamber of Commerce and Industry)

Incentives Available in Sharjah
	No income or corporate taxes
	100 per cent transfer of profits and capital
	Abundant and cost-effective energy supplies
	Ports on eastern and western coasts
	International airport
	Immediate and easy supply of skilled labor
	Modern commercial and financial services
	Efficient communications facilities
	Stable and freely convertible currency
	Reasonable rents of residential units
	High levels of administrative support
	Strong maritime and transport sector, with leading cargo, maritime and insurance agents
	A 10 % preferential rate by government purchases of locally made products
	Excellent banking facilities, including services by internationally renowned banks
	Domestic and global demand on various products and services